Tonight I attended an organizational meeting of the “Friends of Beltzville State Park.” I had actually suggested the formation of such a group years ago. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been starved for funds, and volunteers need to step forward to help our state parks. Trails need maintenance, environmental programs should be offered, events ought to be planned, litter needs to be picked up.
I can understand the irritation of land owners whose farms were taken by eminent domain by the Beltzville project in the late 60’s. The Christman Brothers–Elwood, Marvin, and Leon– lost all but 29 acres of their 460 acre property. (Elwood was my father.) All three brothers had to find jobs other than farming, although Marvin found a job in park maintenance.
What I would say to any landowners still around who lost land to the project, it was not DCNR who took your land, it was the Army Corps of Engineers, an arrogant group of “Pork Barrel Soldiers” who cared little for either the environment or farmers.
The Pennsylvania state park system needs help. Republicans really don’t like parks, don’t like to fund them, don’t like the lower income people who use them, and don’t think the environment is important. I think Gov. Wolf would increase the parks budget, but the Republicans control both houses of the state legislature, so I don’t anticipate a large increase in funding.
If you live in the Beltzville Area, I’ll try to post when our next meeting will be held. We could use your help.
No comments:
Post a Comment