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Mission

  • To restore and protect the upper Genesee River!

  • Download our brochure here: www.geneseeriverwilds.com/GRWBrochure.pdf
  • Who we are

    In 2008 a group of concerned community members banded together to create a mission to help protect the Genesee River and to try to restore the river from former flood damage. It has taken a few years for us to get rolling, but in the last year many exciting things have happened. We have started construction on a couple of pocket parks, we have received our official non-profit status and we are finally starting to make a difference.

    We are an official 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization. Our mission is, to restore, protect, and enjoy the upper Genesee River by combining conservation, recreation, and business.

    We may be small, but we have big plans for our local area. We are making the river more accessible to everyone by installing parking, signs and safe boat launches. It is a great desire of ours for everyone to enjoy the river, so it is our goal to implement these small environmentally friendly changes so that every one in the surrounding area can safely enjoy all the benefits the river has to offer.The Genesee River Wilds is a coalition of groups and individuals working to develop an environmentally sustainable system of nature parks concentrated along the Genesee River in the “Genesee River Wilds.”

    The coalition works to improve the health of the upper Genesee River and its watershed; protect them from future environmental threats; and enhance their recreational potential.

    Projects

    We have been working hard on opening River Access Sites since 2012. They are all now equipped with a kiosk and parking lot. There are now small brown kayak signs along NYS 19 helping you find the various locations also. From south to north the sites are as follows:

    • The newest site is at the Headwaters just south of the state border in Genesee, PA. - sponsorship TBD
    • Graves Road River Access Site - Provided by the NYSDEC
    • Jack Bridge River Access Site - Provided by the NYSDEC
    • Riverwalk River Access Park in Wellsville - sponsored by LC Whitford/Riverwalk Plaza
    • Scio River Access Site - Provided by the NYSDEC
    • Amity River Access Site on County Route 31 just off NYS 19 - Proided by Belmont Fire - sponsored by Nicholson's Pharmacy in Belmont
    • Belmont River Access Site - Provided by Belmont Fire - located by the Falls in Belmont
    • Transit Bridge River Access Site in between Belfast and Angelica - Provided by Allegany County - Sponsored by Cuba, Fillmore & Fisher's Pharmacies
    • Belfast River Access Park just east of the Hamlet of Belfast - Provided by Allegany County - Sponsored by Dan Demarte in honor
    • Caneadea River Access Site on NY 19 - Provided by Town of Caneadea - sponsored by Marshall Insurance Group
    Contact us at geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com for more information.

    We have additional launch sites that we are working to bring online in the coming year.

    1. 1.  Create Pocket Parks for canoe/kayak launches along the Genesee River.
    2. 2.  Improve signs to trail heads and launches throughout area.
    3. 3.  Work with partners on continuing improvements to the WAG/Upper Genesee River Trail, the Genesee Valley Greenway and other projects in the watershed.

    Triple Divide Trail System

    The strategic plan for the Triple Divide Trail System promotes conservation, recreation, natural flood control, education, and economic development by means of greenways/conservation corridors with multi-use trails for hiking, bicycling, and other low-impact travel), blueways (water trails for canoes and kayaks), minimally-invasive riverside nature parks, and riparian buffers (streamside forests). This system will extend ca. 230 miles from Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY, to the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, PA, via the Genesee River, Pine Creek, and the triple continental divide. The plan was produced in consultation with agencies and groups in NY and PA, so its features already appear in state, regional, and other planning documents from both states. Many parts of this system are complete (e.g., Letchworth State Park, Pine Creek Trail in Pine Creek Gorge) or at an advanced stage of development (e.g., Genesee Valley Greenway, extensions of Pine Creek Trail). Connecting the entire series into a complete “Triple Divide Greenway” and adding more nature parks, blueway infrastructure, and riparian buffers is a long-term project. Please visit our sister site www.geneseeriverwilds.org for more information and to download the entire strategic plan.


    Triple Divide Map

    Events

    Monthly Meeting

    Board meetings are held on a monthly basis. During COVID-19 these meetings are being held utilizing Zoom video call technology. If you would like to attend the next meeting please contact us at 585-268-7472 or geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com to learn about the next time and location.

    2023 Genesee River Float is back!

    The annual Genesee River Wilds Float is back and bigger than ever! Bring friends and family and meet some new friends on the river Saturday, June 10. Enjoy a float on the river watching for bald eagles, otters, deer, waterfowl, bass, trout and more.

    Enjoy live music and good food at the end of the trip. A $20 donation will provide shuttle service and route guidance while supporting Genesee River Wilds in its ongoing efforts to create new access sites, enhance existing sites and improve the Genesee River watershed.

    FLOAT DETAILS

    Drop your boat and register at the RiverWalk Plaza access site in Wellsville from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10.

    Drive your vehicle to the Amity River Access site on County Route 31A just off Rt. 19.

    If needed, a shuttle will be provided back to Wellsville for launch on the river at 10 a.m. sharp. Please provide enough time to register and allow around 45 minutes for a shuttle back to the Wellsville launch site.

    The float should take around four hours, depending on water levels. Expect conditions for intermediate ability levels. More information will be posted on water levels as the event draws near.

    FUN AFTER THE FLOAT

    The fun is just starting after completing the float! A food truck and live music will greet you after exiting the river in Amity. Music starts around 1-2 p.m. We’ll also have a kayak raffle and Genesee River Wilds apparel available to show off your support year-round. Family and friends who don’t go on the float are welcome to meet the group at the Amity park for food and fun.

    Remember to bring your canoe or kayak, a life vest, a drink, sunscreen, hat, appropriate footwear and zip lock bag for your phone.

    A registration form and waiver are required for each person. Youth under 18 are free. Pre-registration is available online via Ticketleap at https://genesee-river-wilds.ticketleap.com/genesee-river-wilds-summer-23-float/

    Proceeds from the float help Genesee River Wilds expand recreational access to the river and protect the health of the overall watershed. We've come a long way and have big dreams for the future!

    Please RSVP via Facebook, email (geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com), or phone (585-268-7153) by Friday, June 9 with the number of boats and people you will be bringing. The float will go off rain or shine barring extreme inclement weather or unsuitable water levels.

    See you on the river!

    Members

  • Chris Weinman, President

  • Thomas Rhett, Vice-President

  • Chris Potter, Treasurer

  • Michelle Denhoff, Board Member

  • William Hart, Board Member

  • Kier Dirlam, Board Member

  • Benjamin Gajewski, Board Member

  • Johnathan Mayr, Board Member

  • Jeremy Lane, Board Member

  • Rob Chamberlain, Board Member

  • Doug Crandall, Advisory Board Member

  • Shannon Dougherty, Advisory Board Member

  • Former Board Members

  • Lee Gridley

  • Allen Kerkslager

  • Harmon Smith

  • Dick Hubbard

  • Bill Kummer

  • Ron Abraham

  • Gretchen Hanchett


  • Donate

    Financial Donations

    Donate Now Genesee River Wilds relies on donations from the community to support our projects. Please support our work by making a contribution today and we will put these funds to work where the need is greatest. Complete this form and mail your check made out to “Genesee River Wilds, Inc.” to: Genesee River Wilds, Inc. Crossroads Center 6087 State Route 19N Belmont, NY, 14813 *Genesee River Wilds is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible. Volunteer There are many opportunities to be involved with Genesee River Wilds. Please email geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com to let us know your interests and inquire about current opportunities. Opportunities may include: -Maintaining a River Access Site -Serving on our Board of Directors (monthly meetings) -Organizing or working with us on a group cleanup/work day -Providing professional service (legal, marketing, tax, etc.)
    ❑ Dew Drop $25
    ❑ Babbling Brook $50
    ❑ Cascading Creek $100
    ❑ Rolling River $500
    ❑ Great Lake $1000
    ❑ Other $_________
    Name______________________________
    Address____________________________
    ___________________________________
    Phone _____________________________
    Email______________________________
    ❑ Please do NOT publicly recognize my
    donation
    ❑ I would NOT like to receive GRW internet
    and postal mailings
    PRIVACY STATEMENT: We do NOT share this information with other groups, and you may opt out of mailings at any time.

    Make Checks out to “Genesee River Wilds, Inc.” and address them to this organization: 

    Genesee River Wilds, Inc. 
    Crossroads Center
    6087 State Route 19N 
    Belmont, NY, 14813

    Click here for the printable version!

    Donate Online!



    Volunteers

    Volunteers are needed for a number of projects and tasks. Even if you are not a financial supporter we gladly accept donations of time. Some of the tasks that we will need assistance with include grant writing, PR efforts, legal assistance, physical labor at park sites and on trails. If you are interested in providing any of these services please send a note to geneseeriverwilds@gmail.com with your information and what kind of tasks interest you.


    Special Thanks!

  • Thank you to our Members!
  • Thank you to Genesee Headwaters/Township of Genesee, PA for supporting the Genesee, PA
  • Thank you to NYSDEC for providing access at their fishing locations at Scio north of Wellsville, and Jack Bridge and Graves Road south of Wellsville.
  • Thank you to LC Whitford for supporting the Riverwalk River Access Site in Wellsville.
  • Thank you to Nicholson's Pharmacy for supporting the Amity River Access Site south of Belmont.
  • Thank you to the ___To be announced in 2021_____ for supporting the Transit Bridge River Access Site south of Belfast.
  • Thank you to Dan DeMarte for supporting the Belfast River Access Site just east of Belfast.
  • Thank you to Marshall Insurance Group for supporting the Caneadea River Access Site.
  • Thank you to Allegany County, AC Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group, NYSDOT, NYS Office of Parks and Recreation, NYSDEC, Allegany County Soil & Water Conservation District, Belmont Rotary, Genesee River Watch/CEI and the many other quiet supporters of our efforts
  • Thank you to our kayak and canoe paddling friends for enjoying the Genesee River through our efforts and becoming good stewards as you traverse the Genesee River Wilds Blueway.
  • Contact Us

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  • Triple Divide Map