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Groups Call For Dialog On Real Needs Of Pennsylvania’s State Parks

Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, and Davitt Woodwell, President of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, issued this statement after the House of Representatives voted on House Bill 2013 (Ellis-R-Butler) which would have opened Pennsylvania’s State Parks to private development.

“First we want to thank all those members of the House who supported Pennsylvania’s award-winning State Parks and their mission to provide nature-based, recreational opportunities for everyone in the Commonwealth.

“The vote shows an overwhelming majority in the House believe Pennsylvania’s State Parks are not broken. It recognized the fact that right now they are an economic engine for Pennsylvania’s economy, especially in rural areas of the state, that returns over $12 for every dollar the state invests.

“We also believe the vote shows the public needs to be actively engaged in determining the future of our State Parks.

“With this vote out of the way, we feel there is an opportunity to sit down and discuss the real needs of our State Park system, its strengths, challenges and opportunities, as well as the needs of the public. We asked for an opportunity to sit down and discuss these issues before, and we extend that offer again.

“Such a conversation would serve everyone well and provide a real basis for consideration of any development of any type in the parks in the future.”

Marci Mowery

President, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Davitt Woodwell

President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation, Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook. Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.

NewsClips:

House Rejects Plan To Commercialize State Parks

Crable: Legislature Defeats Bill To Allow Development In State Parks

PA Lawmakers Reject Bill To Open State Parks To Private Development

Should PA Allow Water Parks, Golf Courses In State Parks?

Bill To Bring Private Development To State Parks Ready For House Vote

House Considering Private Development In State Parks

GOP Legislators Want To Put Golf Courses, Water Slides In State Parks

Swift: House Panel Revives State Park Development Idea

Editorial: Set High Bar For Private Development In State Parks

HB 2013 Remains A Frontal Assault On Why PA State Parks Are So Successful

PA Parks & Forests Foundation: What State Parks Really Need, Hint: It’s Not Golf Courses & Water Slides