By Kathy Kellogg, Cattaraugus Correspondent
NAPOLI – A consultant has been hired to map wetlands, and survey plant and wildlife species, as part of a community group’s effort to establish a “forever wild” nature preserve at the former 1,100-acre Enchanted Lake subdivision. The Cattaraugus Local Development Corp. on Wednesday announced plans to apply for a conservation easement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetlands Reserve Program. The group also seeks to establish the James A. Zaepfel nature Center, in honor of the Williamsville man who donated the land last fall. In January, the development agency raised money to help pay an overdue county tax bill by selling off 540 building lots and 35 acres to a group of subdivision homeowners. Rick White, executive director of the Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, was hired by the development agency to conduct the three-season ecological assessment and a wetland delineation for 500 acres. Under an old private-development plan dating to the 1970’s, Cold Springs Creek was to be dammed, flooding those wetlands to create a 350-acre lake ringed with homes. “Once our application for the Wetland Reserve Program is approved, the region will have a new ‘forever wild’ nature preserve for future generations to enjoy,” said development agency Director Rick LeFeber. After the wetlands are identified for inclusion in the conservation easement, the development agency may use another section of the property for recreational, residential or commercial development.
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