Rep. Freeman

The House this week concurred in amendments the Senate made to House Bill 1281 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) that would require local governments to better protect the Appalachian Trail sending the bill to the Governor for his action.

The legislation would require municipalities that contain portions of the Appalachian Trail to adopt, implement and enforce zoning ordinances as part of their responsibility to protect the trail.

Rep. Freeman's bill strengthens a 1978 law that was intended to protect the trail as a state scenic, historic and aesthetic treasure. The original law did not mandate the zoning required in Freeman's bill, which is critical to protecting the trail from inappropriate development.

"My legislation would protect the Appalachian Trail from inappropriate forms of development that could detract from the trail's natural beauty," Rep. Freeman said. "The Appalachian Trail is one of Pennsylvania's great natural assets, and this bill will guarantee it is protected for present and future generations to enjoy in its pristine state."

Rep. Freeman said the legislation was suggested by Easton environmental attorney Charles Elliot and was the result of a situation in Monroe County where a developer purchased land near the Appalachian Trail with the intent of constructing a private automobile racing club. Since the township where this development was proposed had no zoning in place at the time, there was little that could be done to block the inappropriate use.

"Once my legislation is signed into law by the governor, municipalities will have to put in place zoning ordinances that will protect the trail from similar types of development that would mar the trail and its surrounding environment," Rep. Freeman said.

6/6/2008