Big Elk Creek State Park
July 9th, Avon Grove High School
Hosted by Rep. John Lawrence

Big Elk Creek State Park, Fair Hill Park, and the White Clay Creek Preserve make up one of the largest open spaces in the Mid-Atlantic. The future of this pristine wilderness is threatened by DCNR’s plans to develop significant portions of the land for camping, visitors, and activities that would permanently change the nature of a once untouched space. The concerns of the local community have not been addressed, DCNR does not have a long-term plan, and the once bucolic nature of the area is in limbo. At the invitation of Rep. Lawrence, the Policy Committee traveled to Chester County to give a voice to the community and hold DCNR accountable.

~ Agenda, Bios, & Testimony ~


Key Takeaways:

DCNR Panel

  •   The total cost to purchase the land intended for a state park was $32.2 million.
  •   The decision to purchase the land, and develop it into a park, was solely made by State Park Director John Hallas, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, and Governor Tom Wolf.
  •   DCNR has a significant backlog of maintenance, and deferred maintenance, projects to attend to. They are unable to maintain their current parks and facilities.
  •   DCNR has flip-flopped on their true plans for the park. Secretary Dunn stated, “We’re putting the camping plan aside for now” just 6 months ago.


Community Officials Panel

  •   The sum of all open spaces in Chester County is greater than the footprint of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined.
  •   When polled, the local community noted “retaining open spaces” as their primary concern.
  •   The proposed Elk Creek State Park is far closer to Maryland’s and Delaware’s population centers than PA towns and communities. The park would be used by residents of our neighboring states, and negatively impact the local population.
  •   Big Elk Creek Park was intended to be a “legacy project” for Governor Wolf.
  •   Retaining open spaces is a bipartisan concern.
  •   DCNR has expressed that they will be unable to provide suitable law enforcement at the park to meet the community’s needs.


Community Leaders Panel

  •   Residents of Elk Township voted to increase property taxes explicitly to retain access to open spaces in their community.
  •   DCNR has not respected the will of the citizen advisory council.
  •   The community feels lied to. Big Elk Creek was supposed to be retained as a preserve, and never a state park with a visitors’ center, camping, RVs, cabins, and more.
  •   The bucolic nature of untouched wilderness is worth protecting.
  •   Additional road traffic will harm local communities, particularly the Amish.
  •   At no time has the local community requested a visitors’ center or campgrounds in the park. These DCNR “amenities” are NOT wanted.


In Case You Missed It:

 
 
“The decisions made in the next 12 months regarding Elk Creek Park will impact the surrounding community for 100 years.”

— Rep. John Lawrence —


 
 
“We must ensure that all of our natural resources are being taken care of.”

— John Hallas —
State Park Director, DCNR


 
“The bureaucracy thinks it knows better than the people of this county!”

— Hon. Andrew Dinniman —
Retired State Senator, 19th Senatorial District


 
“One of the most important things we can do is preserve open spaces.”

— Hon. David Gerstenhaber —
Chairman, Franklin Township Board of Supervisors


 
“This pristine area should be kept pristine.”

— Hon. Estace Walters —
Vice Chairman, Elk Township Board of Supervisors


 
 
“We take open spaces seriously in Chester County.”

— Hon. Eric Roe —
Chester County Commissioner


 
“DCNR’s actions have caused a lot of mistrust and deep concern.”

— Anteia Consorto —
Save Big Elk Creek


 
 
“The greatest aspects of the park are the intangible aspects.”

— Gary Shroeder —
Founder, Friend of White Clay Creek Preserve


 
 
“Who will speak for the hummingbirds?”

— George Hundt Jr. —
Executive Director, (SAVE) Safety, Agriculture, Villages, & Environment


In The News:

 



Watch the Testimony:

Full Hearing: Big Elk Creek State Park


Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Panel

John Hallas, State Parks Director, DCNR

Questions for DCNR Panel


Community Officials Panel

Hon. Andrew Dinniman, Retired State Senator, 19th Senatorial District

Hon. David Gerstenhaber, Chairman, Franklin Township Board of Supervisors

Hon. Estace Walters, Vice Chairman, Elk Township Board of Supervisors

Hon. Eric Roe, Chester County Commissioner

Questions for Community Officials Panel


Community Leaders Panel

Anteia Consorto, Save Big Elk Creek

Gary Schroeder, Founder, Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve

George Hundt Jr., Executive Director, Safety, Agriculture, Villages, & Environment

Questions for Community Leaders Panel