By Lauren Young

Staff Writer

Cazenovia’s popular Gorge Trial, which has been partially closed since last summer after colossal washouts were suffered from the July 1 rainstorm, is expected to be repaired and reopened this summer. The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation is currently in the process of getting work bids and receiving the appropriate permits for the work to begin.

The Gorge Trail, which is a part of the massive North Country Trail network that spans from South Dakota to Maine and passes through Cazenovia, suffered three major washouts following the rainstorm last July. The damage was “extraordinary,” said CPF Conservation Manager Judy Gianforte. “It’s a big deal.”

Last summer’s rainstorm wreaked havoc on the Village of Cazenovia. The heavy rainfall on July 1 prompted a flash flood warning from the National Weather Service, with creeks, streams and roads overflowing, some roads even rendered impassible for vehicles. Nearly 1,000 National Grid customers in Cazenovia were left without power as trees knocked out power lines, not to mention severely damaging one of the village’s most popular trails.

Due to the trail’s structure, when water flows down the hills it gets backed up behind the trail where old stone culverts from the 1800s lie beneath. Some of these have since collapsed, including one they weren’t even initially aware of. After the devastation, the foundation plans to construct a culvert where there originally wasn’t one, which will take approximately two or three weeks to complete.

The repair is at a steep price as well – about $60,000.

The foundation hopes to use funding from three different sources to cover the price and is currently in the process of receiving bids and permits for it. The foundation hopes to take a about a week to complete repairs and hopes to forgo any further trouble for the next five years or so. “It’s getting the permits that takes more time,” said Gianforte.

The Gorge Trail, which runs along the old Chittenango-Canastota Railroad bed built in the 1800s, extends from Cazenovia to Fenner, about two and a half miles long. The well-used trail, which can be accessed from the Buyea’s parking area on Route 20 or on foot from Williams Street, is popular for track team training to dog-walking, and environmental studies classes to snowshoeing. The trail itself reaps about 7,000 trips per year.

Because of its location on the east side of Chittenango Creek, permitting will be a huge obstacle. CPF is currently in the process of obtaining the appropriate permits for working near the site, as the creek is a certified trout spawning stream. In the spring, they will hire a contractor for the project. This winter they have been working toward securing national and statewide engineering permits, which should be set by next month.

Additionally, CPF plans to smooth the trail tread on the trail, with renovation set to begin this spring or summer, Gianforte said. The trail is slated to close one mile north of Clark Street during the short construction period.

In addition to the Gorge Trail repairs, the foundation is in the process of putting out bids for placing a new, larger parking area at the head of the Burlingame Trail, off Burlingame Road, and a trail that connects to the existing system.

Last year, CPF completed a purchase on this piece of property to allow access to the trails from the roadside, and have named it the Burlingame Gateway, located along Burlingame Road south of Route 13 in Cazenovia. The trail, which plans to be constructed from fine stone, will allow strollers to pass through, along with those who simply want a smoother, firmer surface to walk on.

Where the new and existing trail systems connect, there will also be a new sitting area with benches underneath an old orchard, along with a small pathway leading to another sitting area. From there, visitors will be able to see over Pompey Hollow and beyond. “It’s a beautiful place,” said Gianforte.

Originally owned by prestigious Cazenovia families who shared their carriage trails with the public, CPF was granted a portion of the trail system around the 1990s. Since then, these trails have been interconnected. Depending on the weather, the project is set to be completed by this spring or early summer. “As an organization, we’re excited to be working for the community, keeping this the place that people love,” said Gianforte.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of CPF, and for the past two years the foundation has been working toward gaining accreditation as a nationally-accredited plan trust. This year, they begin a new strategic planning process, electing a consultant last weekend to help them with the process.

“We’re starting the development of the new strategic plan and the development plan so we can make it through the next 50 years,” said Gianforte. “We want to protect the things that we love.”

For more information about the CPF, visit their website at cazpreservation.org.