BRASHER FALLS – A “soft opening” for riders of the newest segment of St. Lawrence County’s multi-purpose trail in the Town of Brasher is set for June 24 for ATV riders wishing to have a preview of the trail prior to the official opening July 8.

The segment includes the portion of the trail within the Town of Brasher and in the Brasher State Forest.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Saturday, July 8, when St. Lawrence County officials and other dignitaries will attend.

The St Lawrence County Trails Board will be hosting the July 8 event with a celebration ride starting at 9 a.m. at the Parishville Fireman’s Field, and will traverse the trail from Parishville through Hopkinton, Stockholm, Lawrence, Brasher, Brasher Forest and end in Helena at the ATV parking area at the Old Town of Brasher Highway Garage, 2971 County Route 55. Those not wanting to take part in the ride can meet at the ATV Area in Helena.

The ride will be led by the Parishville and Colton Sunday Rock ATV Clubs. Once riders arrive at the end of the trail, in Helena, a ribbon cutting and barbecue will be held at 1 p.m. State and local dignitaries along with trail fans are invited to take part.

The new segment of trail is an additional 13 miles that continues from the existing trail in North Lawrence to the town of Brasher, passing through the Brasher State Forest.

Several local office holders and supporters praised the development of the trails.

“One of my primary goals, as a County Legislator, has been to work to develop the wonderful resources that exist in and around the Brasher area. The opening of this portion of the trail will not only grant legal riding access to the Brasher State Forest, but it will put in place the last piece necessary for the development of the Brasher Community Connector, a more than 42 mile stretch of beautiful ATV riding opportunity. We have been working on this project for quite some time and the pieces are now starting to fall into place,” said Legislator Tony Arquiett, (Helena – D), and co-chair of the St. Lawrence County Trails Committee. "In 2006, ATVs did not have a legal trail to ride," commented Legislator Tony Arquiett.

“I am thankful for all of the hard work put into this project by our Trails Coordinator, the DEC, our County staff, and the many volunteers. It is my hope that the many outdoor enthusiasts that call New York and Southern Ontario home will be able to reap the benefits of the labor that has gone into the development of this trail connector,” said Legislator Joel LaPierre, (Fowler – R). Legislator LaPierre expressed his enthusiasm on hearing the news. “This newest section gives us just over 100 miles of Multi-Use Trail for locals and tourists to enjoy. I take my hat off to all the people who have worked so hard on this."

“This has been an event the Town of Brasher has been waiting for some time now. A lot of hard work has gone on for years to get to this stage! I sincerely cannot thank the St. Lawrence County leadership with Tony Arquiett, Debbie Christy, NYS DEC and the Brasher Town Board who have all stood behind this goal and kept it alive and on the radar. Please enjoy and respect the trail system,” said Mark Peets, Town of Brasher Supervisor.

Part of this new trail on Fort Jackson State Forest and the Brasher State Forest was authorized as part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) St. Lawrence County Flatlands Unit Management Plan.

“The plan develops responsible recreational access to forest lands, and increases public awareness of outdoor opportunities on these state forests,” said Judy Drabicki, DEC Region 6 Director. “We welcome the public to enjoy the beautiful natural resources of the Flatlands area in a way that protects it for future users of all types”.

The lands and waters of the St. Lawrence Flatlands offer many recreational opportunities, including: hiking, skiing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle riding, and horseback riding. This section will be connected to the St. Lawrence County Multi-use Trail System in Hopkinton.

The connector trail will provide a variety of recreational uses, including hiking, skiing, horse riding and snowmobiling. The trail will also help provide a connection between ATV trails beyond the state forest and ATV access for hunting and other recreational activities along the trail. Trails and roads will receive improved drainage, surface hardening, and improved wetland crossings to provide access for motorized recreational use.

“I am proud to work with Legislator LaPierre, the DEC, Deb Christy with the Trails Advisory Board and the County team comprised of County Attorney Steve Button and County Highway Superintendent Don Chambers, to continue the work we have started here until the St. Lawrence County main corridor is complete,” Legislator Tony Arquiett, (Helena – D) said. “St. Lawrence County has a great opportunity to increase recreational opportunities, attract visitors from outside the area and entice businesses to invest in the County by placing on display the beautiful land that surrounds us and I am proud to say it all starts in the district I represent.”

"Our St Lawrence County Trails Board, ATV Clubs, trail user groups, local businesses and recreational dealers thank St Lawrence County Legislators for their support and vision of this important economic initiative. It has been a team effort from the start," said Deb Christy, St Lawrence County Trails Coordinator. "We took the time to do it right.”