Closed section reopens
BUFFALO TWP — The short-term barrier near the Bear Creek Road access to the Butler-Freeport Community Trail was removed in time for Labor Day, and the entire 21.5 miles of trail is now available to walkers, joggers, cyclists, birdwatchers, cross-country skiers and nature enthusiasts.
In early August, a stream running under a short section of the trail widened and undermined an area of the trail, causing the bank to collapse, according to John Haven, Buffalo Township supervisors chairman.
The township, which owns the entire trail, worked quickly to secure the necessary permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection and find a contractor.
With the wait for permits plus the repair, the section of trail was closed for almost three weeks.
Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler-Freeport Trail, said while the surface of the trail was never affected, it still had to be closed until the collapse was repaired.
“There was really no safe detour,” Ziegler said.
She said having a section of the trail closed affects the total experience of the trail, where many fitness enthusiasts run or cycle.
“A lot of people like to do the end-to-end,” Ziegler said. “You can continue your pace and not see the same stretch of trail three times.”
Haven said the township is proud to own and care for the trail, which was a rail-to-trail project that was expanded over the years.
“This trail traverses five townships, two counties and three municipalities,” Haven said. “It impacts that many people in all those communities.”
He said people come from other states to use the trail, and seven races are held on the trail each year.
“The board of supervisors wants to thank everyone for using our trail,” Haven said. “We really appreciate it.”
Ziegler said the trail's largest fundraiser, the 12th annual Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, will be Oct. 21 on the trail.
More information on the half marathon is available at butlerfreeporttrail.org or runsignup.com.
