Residents have rallied to protect the Big Elk Creek watershed from being turned into a tourist attraction, writes Jen Samuel for The Daily Local News.
On Jan. 10, around a thousand people gathered at a town hall at Avon Grove Charter School to voice their opposition to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ plans to turn a part of the Big Elk Creek State Park into an RV campground in Franklin Township.
People also opposed the planned construction of a state park visitors’ center in the heart of Landenberg.
This public outcry prompted the state to form an advisory commission with concerned stakeholders. However, the meetings of the advisory commission are not open to the public or the Chester County commissioners.
On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee hosted a public hearing on the issue.
“Tuesday’s hearing will highlight the community’s response to DCNR’s proposals regarding Big Elk Creek State Park,” said state Rep. John Lawrence ahead of the session.
Big Elk Creek watershed spans around 1,800 acres including 3.5 miles of the Big Elk Creek.
Read more about protecting the future of Big Elk Creek State Park in The Daily Local News.
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