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Preserve land under threat of development

For several years, Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) quietly planned to develop Big Elk Creek State Park for "Recreation Industry" while publicly stating they would maintain the land as a preserve.

On November 6, 2023, DCNR held a public meeting (required by law) revealing their destructive master plan. 

Opposition to the plan led to a Town Hall meeting during which DCNR committed to:  

  • Placing the master plan on hold, not to be completed in 2024.

  • Forming an advisory group consisting of community experts to be part of the planning process for the conservation and management of Big Elk Creek.

  • Suspending the project timeline as proposed on November 6, 2023.

  • Developing a new master plan and project timeline in partnership with the advisory group.

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Every effort is being made to conserve and maintain Big Elk Creek without resorting to legal action.  However, a Preservation of Evidence Letter has been submitted to DCNR ensuring information relevant to the people's case is properly preserved. 

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For more than 50 years, the mile wide natural corridor now known as Big Elk Creek State Park has been maintained as a preserve with:

  • No occupied structures

  • No impervious surfaces

  • Responsible crop farming

  • Designated permeable parking areas to control visitor volume

  • Passive recreation - hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and creek bathing

  • No light, air, water, or noise pollution

  • Limited season, permission only, annual deer hunt

  • Sunrise to sunset access

Together, we will SAVE BIG ELK CREEK!

Please show your support by signing the online petition.

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