Appointed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, on April 17, 2002, the 27-member Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission was sworn in for the purpose of preparing and implementing the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Preservation and Management Plan. Members include heads of involved state agencies, and community leaders recommended by the governor, senators and congressional representatives for their expertise in such fields as tourism, law, planning, and historic preservation. For a record of recent meeting minutes, go to Work to Date/Meeting Minutes.
Members
Eric Mower, Syracuse (Chair)
Joseph M. Callahan, Syracuse (Vice Chair)
Alan N. Vincent, Little Falls (Secretary)
Peter J. Welsby, Lockport Lockport (Treasurer)
Sandy Walter, Secretary of the Interior designee (Ex officio)
Interpretation and Education Task GroupCommittees | top
It is the responsibility of the Interpretation and Education Task Group to provide advice and counsel to the Commission on matters relating to the identification and interpretation of the Erie Canalway Corridor's historic, natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources in ways that accurately reflect its national significance, thereby educating the public for the lasting benefit of current and future generations. The Task Group will provide recommendations on interpretation and education projects referred to it by the Commission or that it collectively feels should be brought to the Commission’s attention.
Preservation and Conservation Task GroupCommittees | top
It is the responsibility of the Preservation and Conservation Task Group to provide advice and counsel to the Commission on matters relating to the identification, preservation and maintenance of the Erie Canalway Corridor’s historic, natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. The Task Group will also provide recommendations on projects referred to it by the Commission or that it collectively feels should be brought to the Commission’s attention.
Economic Development Task GroupCommittees | top
It is the responsibility of the Economic Development Task Group to advise and counsel the Commission on matters relating to economic and community development and in order to enhance the unique and nationally significant resources of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The Task Group shall review and provide recommendations to the Commission on project requests that foster and encourage enhanced economic and community development initiatives within the Erie Canalway Corridor and support public and private efforts in economic revitalization consistent with the goals of the Erie Canalway Corridor plan.
Recreation and Trailways Task GroupCommittees | top
The Recreation and Trailways Task Group’s goals are to build on earlier plans and foster local voluntary, public and private sector participation in the development, operation, security and maintenance of an Erie Canalway Corridor trail system, and to establish trails as an educational, economic development, and recreational resource. The Task Group will work closely with the Commission in all areas of trails development and will provide recommendations on recreational projects referred to it by the Commission or that it collectively feels should be brought to the Commission’s attention.
Tourism Task GroupCommittees | top
It is the responsibility of the Tourism Task Group to provide advice and assistance to the Commission on matters related to marketing and promoting the unique resources of the Erie Canalway Corridor and providing world-class recreational and educational opportunities for travelers from around the world. The Task Group will also provide recommendations on projects referred to it by the Commission or that it collectively feels should be brought to the attention of the Commission.
