County Environmental Council visits MacKay Trail

   Members of the Livingston County Environmental Management Council walked through MacKay Nature Trail in Caledonia before gathering at Caledonia Town Hall for their September meeting. MacKay Trail founder Barry Ganzhorn recently joined the LCEMC and invited the committee to view a good example of land conservation in northern Livingston County. The LCEMC presented Ganzhorn with the 2008 Earth Day award earlier this year, which opened up a discussion about him joining the council.

   The group walked the MacKay Nature Trail prior to the meeting, which was held at the Caledonia Town Hall. Barry Ganzhorn led the walk and explained briefly the history of how the trail came to be and also pointed out various natural highlights along the trail. Council Chairperson Eric Grace said the MacKay Nature Trail and park is a great resource for Caledonia and Livingston County. "It’s an example of what one person with a vision and the energy can accomplish," Grace said.

   Discussion at the meeting centered around the NYS Department of Transportation’s project to replace the rail bridge over the southern gorge in Letchworth State Park.  The role of the LCEMC will be to study the environmental impact study and provide input on the project.  
The LCEMC meets six times a year to review and monitor environmental activities within the county. Members represent various backgrounds including agriculture, business, industry, education and citizen groups. Their focus is on solid waste and water resource management.

   The council has also comprised an inventory of natural resources through Livingston County and engages in public education on local environmental issues. One of their primary responsibilities recently has been to work with the Livingston County Planning Board on the Conesus Lake Watershed.

   The LCEMC is a County-appointed body that advises the Livingston County Board of Supervisors on matters affecting the quality of the environment. Livingston is one of about 30 counties in New York State that have environmental management councils.