September 2003

Tioughnioga River Trail Study: SUNY Cortland Releases Results of Major Community Survey

Community Input of Cortland County Residents in the Development of the Tioughnioga River Trail Project

The Tioughnioga Waterfront Development Commission, under the leadership of the Cortland County Business Development Corporation and Industrial Development Agency (BDC/IDA), is spearheading an exciting project to revitalize the Tioughnioga River along its 30-mile corridor in Cortland County. An important part of this effort is the development of the Tioughnioga River Trail, a land- and water-based trail that will run 26 miles, and accommodate hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and other activities.

The purpose of this study was to assess the views of the residents of the greater Cortland County area regarding the future vision for the Tioughnioga River Trail. The study addressed the public's intended use of the river trail and helped identify potential user conflicts. The study also sought the public's opinions on infrastructure, amenities, management of the trail, safety, security, and trail accessibility. It attempted to ascertain the public's views of the economic, environmental, health, educational, and cultural benefits of the proposed trail. In addition, the study served as a means to educate the public about the current river trail vision, as well as to determine what the literature says about myths associated with trails of this nature. The study asked, "What do you really want in your community with the river trail project?"

The public survey consisted of a phone survey to a random sample of Cortland County residents (n=358) (response rate=30%) and a door-to-door survey administered to a sample of residents in Cortland and Homer who lived within a half-mile of the Tioughnioga River (n=169)(response rate=60%). The overall sample was 527 households. The same survey was administered to the phone and door-to-door sample. In addition, two focus groups were held, one with recreation professionals and one with education professionals, to gather more in-depth information on how the newly developed trail could be used in their programs and curricula.

The main findings of the research include the following:

• Cortland County residents intend to use the trail once it is built. Over 38% stated they would use the trail at least once a week or more. Only 8% of respondents said they would never use the trail. If special events were planned along the trail, 64% stated they would attend.
• The main activities people plan to use the trail for are walking, fishing, biking, picnicking, dog walking, kayaking/canoeing, photography, nature study, jogging, and cross-country skiing/snowshoeing (listed in order of frequency chosen). Walking was by far the most chosen intended use of the trail.
• Cortland County residents feel the Tioughnioga River Trail will have benefits to the environment and to recreational opportunities in their communities. They were less sure of the economic benefits of the trail.
• People in Cortland County stated they would like to spend more time on the Tioughnioga River, and that the river means a lot to them, but don't take note of it in their daily lives.
• People want to see the following trail amenities on the Tioughnioga River Trail, in order of frequency chosen: benches, restrooms, picnic areas, river access points, and maps/guides.
• 53% of Cortland County residents are willing to volunteer to help maintain the Tioughnioga River Trail, once it is built.
• People in the county want to see trail maintenance funded by contributions, donations, grants, and fundraisers.
• Cortland County residents are most concerned about littering/dog clean-up, vandalism/theft, maintenance, and alcohol usage along the trail. They were least concerned about noise, privacy, trespassing, or conflict with other users. Personal safety was more of a concern for women than men.
• 47% of the respondents stated they were interested in attending public meetings about the Tioughnioga River Trail Project.
• Recreation and education professionals who participated in the focus groups had numerous useful and creative ideas on how the Tioughnioga River Trail could be used in recreational and educational programs, as well as ideas on how to tie in organized groups for trail maintenance.

Overall, the public input survey showed that Cortland County residents plan to use the proposed Tioughnioga River Trail at a high rate, and that they are willing to support the trail through volunteersim. The public sees the benefits of the trail project in terms of environmental enhancement and increased recreation opportunities and quality of life. Cortland County is extremely fortunate to have this exciting trail project underway. Other communities have greatly benefited from similar projects, in terms of environmental enhancement, improved recreation amenities, improved quality of life, and economic stimulation. Hats off to the Tioughnioga Waterfront Development Commission and the Cortland County BDC/IDA for spearheading this exciting project and making Cortland County a better place to live and play!