ABOUT US

Guided by a strategic plan, we started construction on a couple of pocket parks, received our non-profit status. The Genesee River Wilds is now 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.

Our primary focus over the last decade has been to create access areas along the Genesee River in Allegany County. Some of these parks have already been created at Transit Bridge near Angelica, Belfast and Caneadea. These access sites are established with parking areas, informational kiosks, picnic tables suitable launch areas and signs. We view these areas as being recreational, environmental and economic opportunities for all of Allegany County and Western New York.

By making the river more accessible to everyone through the installation of parking, signs and safe boat launches, our goal is to equip and enable everyone in the surrounding area to safely enjoy all the benefits the river has to offer.

Rebecca Rowley

Executive Director

Rebecca Rowley served on the board of Genesee River Wilds as secretary from 2021-2023 and now is the Executive Director. She also serves as president of RevUP Hume (a community development group in Allegany County), Vice President of the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, a trustee for the Wide Awake Club Library, and coordinates the Trail Town Initiative for Hume.

Rebecca has lived in Northern Allegany County for 20 years in total, and her day job is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Fillmore, and a mom of three wonderful girls. She enjoys running, biking, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping in our region’s beautiful state parks, forests and waterways.

Chris Weinman

President

Chris Weinman is the retired Executive Director for Career and Technical Education for the Greater Southern Tier BOCES. Chris' career experiences span almost 40 years and include a diverse list of occupations: geologist, high school math and science teacher, high school guidance counselor, high school administrator and executive director of GST BOCES. Chris currently serves as President of Genesee River Wilds board of directors and he's currently serving as a board member for the Science and Discovery Center in Corning, NY.

Chris was born and raised in Belmont, NY with the Genesee River as his backyard. His love for the river and for Allegany County drives his interest in serving as a champion for preserving and protecting our local natural resources.

Chris' hobbies include hunting, fishing, kayaking, pottery and guitar.

Thomas Rhett

Vice President

Chris Potter

Treasurer

Chris Potter is a longtime sports and news reporter and editor for local newspapers in Allegany and Steuben counties. He has been a Genesee River Wilds board member since 2015.

Ben Gajewski

Director

Ben serves on the Board of Genesee River Wilds to assist with conservation and recreation efforts in the upper part of the Genesee River Watershed, and serves on the New York State Advisory Board for the Land Trust Alliance to support state-wide conservation efforts.

He is an active outdoor enthusiast, be it running, cycling, hiking, or camping. His passion for the great outdoors fits in perfectly with his professional work as Executive Director of Genesee Valley Conservancy.

H. Kier Dirlam

Director

Kier Dirlam is the Director of Planning for Allegany County, overseeing county parks and trails as well as tourism and economic development. He has been a Genesee River Wilds board member since 2010.

Bill Hart

Director

Michelle Denhoff

Director

Michelle is the Deputy Director of Planning for Allegany County. In addition to the Genesee River Wilds, she is a regional rep for the New York Planning Federation, Ralph C Wilson Foundation Trails Maintenance Fund, is on the Leadership Allegany Steering Committee, and also works to promote Allegany County tourism.

Michelle is (almost) a life-long resident of Wellsville, taking advantage of local trails and loves to hunt. She has a vast knowledge of all the gems this county has to offer, including the Genny.

Johnathon Mayr

Director

Johnathon has worked for Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development board since 2014 as a GIS Project coordinator and a NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities coordinator. He is a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional and licensed SUAS pilot. He has been a GRW board member since 2014.