By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Final documents were signed Monday night that preserves a large natural area of Amherst for generations to come.
The Western New York Land Conservancy and the town have reached agreement on an arrangement that will protect Nature View Park in the northwest section of the town from future development. Land Conservancy spokeswoman Nancy Smith says it will be the largest municipally-owned park in the western end of the state to be protected by a conservation easement.
"The conservation easement is an additional layer of protection," Smith said. "What it ensures is that the park will remain an expansive, open natural area that is ideal for outdoor recreation."
There have been battles between pro-development town board members and those who wish to preserve green space for many years. Smith says saving Nature View Park represents a significant victory.
"I think what allowed it to happen is how much the residents cared about preserving the rural character that used to exist in Amherst," Smith said. "This whole effort was started by a young woman who cared very deeply about the park. She went door-to-door with petitions. She led hikes in the parks. She raised awareness in the community over a number of years."
Back in the 1970s, a sludge dump was planned for the site and then a golf course.
Smith says the park has 20 miles of trails that are used for walking, bird watching and nature photography. She says the park also has significant wetlands which provide a natural habitat for wildlife.