Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) Wednesday praised Senate passage of Senate Bill 699 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) to transfer Moon Lake Park from Luzerne County to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Under the management of DCNR, the natural resources and passive recreational assets of Moon Lake Park will be preserved and enhanced to the great benefit of every citizen who cherishes the conservation of Pennsylvania’s pristine forest lands, said Sen. Yudichak.

The Senate passage of the bill is another step in a process that started in January when DCNR signed an agreement with Luzerne County for the transfer and announced $1 million in improvements at Moon Lake. The state investment includes a new boat ramp, new trails and trailheads.

In a bipartisan effort, Sen. Yudichak worked with Senators Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John Blake (D-Lackawanna) and John Gordner (R-Columbia) and DCNR on the bill that releases the park from the restrictions of the state’s Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act. The Plymouth Township Park was purchased by Luzerne County in 1968, the same year federal and state funds had became available through Project 70.

“As a lifelong resident of Plymouth Township, I was a frequent visitor to Moon Lake Park and enjoyed all that the park has to offer. Now thanks to our partners and the solid improvement plan – many of those same opportunities will be available once again,” said Sen. Yudichak.

“I must acknowledge the work of former DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti, acting Secretary Cindy Dunn and a friend of the Senate, Pat Solano, who put all the necessary pieces together to make DCNR’s acquisition of Moon Lake Park possible,” said Sen. Yudichak

Sen. Yudichak thanked Luzerne County Solicitor Dave Pedri, County Manager Robert Lawton and the majority members of the Luzerne County Council for their work with lawmakers to develop the plan for Moon Lake. Pedri and Lawton were in the Senate Gallery for the vote.

Senate Bill 699 now goes to the House for consideration.

5/11/2015