Welcome to NYPA’s Niagara Power Project The New York Power Authority has developed thousands of acres of recreational facilities adjacent to its hydropower projects. While public access is Be restricted near power project infrastructure, much Smart Safety and of the surrounding property is available for active Security and passive recreation—such as boating, fishing, Be Reminder Safe hiking or picnicking—depending on at the the specific area. The New York Power Authority plays a critical role in Most of NYPA’s recreational facili- meeting New York State’s electricity needs. Because of ties are operated and maintained by the potential hazards and security concerns associated NIAGARA either the state or local municipalities. with power production, access to NYPA’s generation and In certain cases, NYPA is the facility transmission facilities is restricted to authorized person- POWER operator. Besides observing basic, common-sense nel only. This is to protect both the facilities and the safety rules at these sites, visitors must take certain general public. PROJECT special precautions when they are in the vicinity of Security at many important sites has been increased electrical generating installations, such as power in recent years. We ask the public to follow the directions dams, reservoirs, switchyards and transmission line provided on signs near NYPA facilities and to obey the rights-of-way. directives of NYPA personnel and/or security officials Please familiarize yourself with the information stationed nearby. in this brochure before commencing any activities The public can also play an important role in keeping at NYPA’s recreational facilities. If you have a these facilities, and your fellow visitors, safe by reporting question about the use of these sites, call our any dangerous or suspicious situation that you may Community Relations staff at 716-286-6661 during observe around NYPA property. To contact NYPA securi- regular business hours. ty at the Niagara project, call (716) 286-6712. To reach NYPA also operates family-friendly admission- local law enforcement for immediate assistance, call 911. free visitors centers at its Niagara, Blenheim-Gilboa and St.Lawrence-FDR power projects that explain the science of electricity and hydropower with interactive exhibits. To learn more about NYPA’s many facilities and services, visit: www.nypa.gov. Staying Safeon cumstances apply. State Police, State Park Police, local law theWater Niagara River at enforcement officials and other Other operational features the base of its authorities regularly monitor of the Niagara project, including Robert Moses Niagara Power these areas. On occasion, special its forebay and switchyard, are Plant. Shoreline fishing is also Staying Safe on restrictions for enhanced public off limits to the public. For a allowed on the dike surrounding the Land safety and security are imple- better understanding of electric- The same Niagara River water where upper Niagara River Lewiston Reservoir, which is ity and the Power Authority’s that has been used to power water enters underground adjacent to Reservoir State Park. diverse role in serving New York industry for 250 years also conduits that feed NYPA’s On the Upper Niagara River, State, stop by the Power Vista, attracts a variety of recreational power project, and the tailrace, about 2 1/2 miles above the NYPA’s admission-free visitors uses, including boating, fishing where this water exits the American Falls, NYPA has center at the Niagara project. Almost 400 acres of land within and swimming. The Power power dam into the lower provided parking and an over- mented. Other basic, common- The Power Vista is open daily the Niagara project boundary Authority generates clean, Niagara River. look for fishing near its power sense practices apply at all times. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for have been set aside for a wide renewable, reliable supplies of Warning signs posted in project intakes. Hikers traveling through some holidays. For information variety of active and passive hydroelectricity by using a these areas advise boaters to stay These sites have been the Niagara River Gorge should on the Power Vista and recre- recreation. Some sites have been portion of the Niagara River to back at least 250 feet to avoid designed to meet standard stay on clearly marked trails and ational facilities near the power developed with amenities such spin turbine-generators inside the strong currents and sudden safety regulations, and most avoid hazardous areas, such as project, call (716) 286-6661 or as restrooms, paved pathways or its Niagara Power Project, turbulence that commonly meet federal handicapped-acces- steep embankments and (866) NYPA-FUN. playing fields. Other areas con- located about five miles down- occur. Boating and swimming sibility requirements. However, the river’s edge, where Several commu- sist of simple trails that provide stream from Niagara Falls. are completely forbidden in shoreline visitors should always the footing can be slip- nities near NYPA’s public access to the waterfront. Because Power Authority the Niagara project’s be aware of the potential pery and unstable. Niagara project Because these recreational operations can affect river con- Lewiston Reservoir. hazards posed by changeable Reservoir State offer additional facilities are provided as part of ditions both Several sites within conditions, particularly water Park has facilities for recreational facilities the Power Authority’s opera- above and the Niagara project levels that rise and fall rapidly, ball-playing, picnicking and, that are owned, operated and tions, visitors must adhere to below the Falls, boundary can safely occurring near hydropower in the winter, sledding. Hunting maintained by entities other all posted notices and warning special precau- accommodate shoreline facilities. and camping are not allowed than the Power Authority. The signs, especially those near tions must be fishing. One of the most in the park. Also unauthorized key to having a safe and enjoy- restricted areas where unautho- taken while in dramatic, and popular, is motor vehicles, ATVs and able experience at any recre- rized access is prohibited. the vicinity of the fishing pier NYPA snowmobiles are forbidden ational site is to obey all rules As a general rule, recre- hydropower facilities. These constructed in the Lower on and around the Lewiston and regulations that are ational sites are closed from facilities include the intakes, Reservoir dike and throughout in effect. dusk to dawn unless special cir- the state park. .