The Editorial Board: Good investments are being made in WNY's environment, health and safety
Three cheers for a new forest
Soon there will be a new, public place to enjoy the great outdoors. The long-closed Bluemont Ski Resort in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County, will be used to create Blue Hill State Forest. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, 1,200 acres of the former ski resort will become Western New York’s first new state forest in more than 60 years.
The property includes two 800-foot peaks, forests, ponds, fields and access to Cattaraugus Creek. As reported in The Buffalo News, the DEC said the property was purchased from Kingbrook Funding LLC for $2.1 million through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund. The ski resort operated until 1979.
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Preservation of this open space is not just good for the environment, it’s an outdoor space that all can enjoy.
Investing in safer communities
Across our city and region, groups big and small are working to prevent violence. And now, the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York will give more than a dozen of those groups a financial hand.
Fifteen groups in the Buffalo Niagara and Syracuse regions were awarded grants as part of the foundation’s Imagine Nonviolence program, according to a Buffalo News report. The program funds initiatives focused on anti-violence efforts including the reduction of gun violence. Western New York grant participants include: $4,000 for Most Valuable Parents; $5,000 for VOICE Buffalo; $5,000 for P.E.A.C.E., Inc.; $5,000 for Back to Basics Outreach Ministries; $5,000 for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County; $5,000 for the ECMC Foundation; $13,915 for Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development; $14,850 for the Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center; $14,960 for the Healthy Community Alliance; and $14,850 for Hearts and Hands.
Grassroots organization are an important piece of the puzzle in anti-violence efforts, as are grants to fund these programs.
Winter is coming
Well, winter is on the way — whether we like it or not.
To help residents get ready for the snow, the Buffalo Common Council will hold its second Winter Preparedness Series Oct. 21 to Nov. 15. The programs will be held at nine locations, one in each Council district.
During the free event, residents will learn how to protect their homes, families and neighborhoods in the event of a major winter storm. Information on local shelters, food resources and warming centers will be provided and attendees can sign up for support and assistance programs.
A winter preparedness kit will be provided to attendees, and it might come in handy. Last year’s kits contained totes, winter gloves and/or neck warmers, a can opener, flashlight and batteries, emergency blankets, a first-aid kit, matches, handwarmers, complimentary Covid tests and candles.
Space is limited, and registering early is recommended. To register, go to buffalony.gov/1746/Winter-Preparedness-Series-2024 or call 716-851-5105.
Be prepared. What’s your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
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