CLDC names sanctuary after Zaepfel - The Salamanca Press

"CLDC names sanctuary after Zaepfel" from the Friday, June 29, 2001 issue of The Salamanca Press

NAPOLI – The area formerly known as Enchanted Lake has been named the Zaepfel Nature Sanctuary and Research Center.

The Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation (CLDC) has singed a license agreement with James A. Zaepfel to use his name in connection with the land he donated to CLDC in November 1999.


"The board of directors of the CLDC recognize Jim Zaepfel, and his stewardship and generous donation, by naming the area the James A. Zaepfel Nature Sanctuary and Research Center," said CLDC Executive Director Rick LeFeber.

When Mr. Zaepfel donated the 829 parcels that he owned in the 'town of Napoli to the CLDC, he did it unconditionally. As a result, we were able to develop a strategy that, first and foremost, addressed the needs of existing homeowners and Health Department. Once those issues had been addressed and rectified we were in a position to identify and develop the best use for the remaining 950 acres."

LeFeber said that with the help of area recreation trail and nature center personnel, state and federal biologists, ornithologist, wildlife rehabilitation specialist and geologist, CLDC has identified the means to protect promote and utilize the property's potential.

Five hundred acres have been designated for inclusion in the Federal Wetland Reserve Program, which will create a "forever wild" area. the CLDC intends to add five miles of trails in that area so the public can view the more than 200 species of birds that frequent the wetland.