The Plan Ahead: Making Connections
he Tioughnioga project will be managed and developed through a newly created local development corporation under the auspices of the Cortland County BDC/IDA. It will be guided by a community-based commission reflecting a broad array of environmental, economic, tourism, historic and educational interests. A multi-year effort, the project will consider:
- A riverfront trail system compatible with existing parks along the river to accommodate walking, cross country skiing and other family activities along certain stretches of the Tioughnioga as identified in the planning phase. In addition, consideration will be given as to how to connect the system to other existing systems such as the Finger Lakes Trail in Virgil near Greek Peak.
- Public access sites and a quality fishing environment for the community as well as fishing enthusiasts from outside Central New York, including launch sites for canoes and kayaks. Again, the focus will be on how to enhance already existing sites as designated by the NYS DEC Fisheries Office which already has maps of lakes and streams, updated stocking lists and other information for anglers.
- Environmental protection efforts, to be coordinated with the NYS DEC, Cortland County Soil & Water District, County Health Department and other groups such as Trout Unlimited addressing water quality efforts, flood control, and special resource management such as wetlands, wildlife and fisheries habitats, and rare and endangered species.
- Opportunities for linkages to historic downtowns for heritage and cultural tourism, with sites for interpretive signage, tied to promotional efforts by regional groups such as the Finger Lakes Association as well as local efforts by groups such as the City of Cortland Downtown Business Association, Homer Business Association and Marathon Business Association.
- Economic development potential in designated areas focusing on river tourism, retail, restaurants or other related businesses to enhance use of the river.
- Historic and cultural links to sites throughout the county. These should include venues ranging from the 1890 House, Suggett Museum of the Cortland County Historical Society and the historic county farm, to the Lime Hollow Nature Center which is planning a major expansion. In addition, new sites will be developed, beginning with a new “Tioughnioga Heritage Center” at an old riverside railroad station in Marathon.
- Cooperative marketing to promote the Tioughnioga for broader exposure to take fuller advantage of the river’s potential to become a world-class trout stream, attracting affluent anglers, outdoor media and potentially the European travel market.
A Community Partnership
The BDC/IDA invites your participation. Contact us to learn more about the project, or to become involved...
Cortland County Waterfront Development Commission
Cortland County BDC/IDA
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 756-5005
(607) 756-7901 fax