The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, in conjunction with the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, has announced that the Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park in Buffalo will close to the public on Monday, September 19 in order that shoreline and habitat restorations can begin. Located at the foot of Smith Street, all public access to the passive-use Park from Smith Street and the shoreline will be closed through the summer of 2017.

Restoration work at Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park will commence on Monday September 19 and will include extensive shoreline and habitat improvements. The completed project will include upgraded trails, an informal kayak launch, enhanced green infrastructure parking area and a living fence line around the site perimeter to deter infiltration of invasive species from neighboring properties. Red Jacket is a popular fishing, kayaking and hiking location for many Erie County residents.

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Erie County received $1.9 million to implement shoreline and habitat restorations at both the Red Jacket and Bailey Peninsula Natural Habitat Parks. Bailey Peninsula currently is under construction simultaneously with the City of Buffalo’s Bailey Bridge Relocation project and will realize significant shoreline and habitat improvements throughout 2017 and 2018.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment and planning, visit http://www2.erie.gov/environment/

On Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/index.php?q=red-jacket-riverfront-natural-hab...