The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has laid out its plans for the new Big Elk Creek State Park, and some neighbors and stakeholders aren’t happy. Located along the Maryland border, the 1,700-acre Big Elk Creek property in Elk and Franklin townships contains 800 acres of farmland, 600 acres of woodland, 100 acres of native grass meadows and nearly 200 acres of flood plains. It was established in September 2022, as part of a $45 million, 30-year investment by the state that also included the Susquehanna Riverlands in York County and Vosburg Neck in Wyoming County as additions to the commonwealth’s 124-park system. DCNR introduced its initial development and restoration ideas for Big Elk Creek State Park in November, including low-impact site design, the construction of environmentally responsible buildings and protection of the environment. The plans also incorporate family campgrounds that will offer 30-foot by 30-foot cabins and standard, full-service and walk-in campsites, and parking spaces for RVs. DCNR called the plan “Great Gathering Sites.” In recent weeks, opposition has continued to ratchet up in volume throughout Elk and Franklin townships, with residents pushing back against campsites and criticizing a lack of communication from the state. Read more here.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/29/2023