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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 (view here).


Opposition to the plan led to a Town Hall meeting (watch here) 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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Rather than form an advisory group in cooperation with the community, DCNR imposed their terms and created a Task Force. 

 

Task Force members have participated in DCNR's program in good faith.  The outcome of this effort remains uncertain.  You can view meeting minutes and slide presentations here.

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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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