After hundreds of residents spoke out against adding a campsite at Big Elk Creek State Park, the controversial proposal has been taken off the table, writes Zoë Read for WHYY.

The state park in Landenberg opened in 2022. Residents had hoped that recreation at the site would be limited to daytime activities, like hiking or birding.

The land that was being considered for a campsite was located close to neighboring homes, which prompted residents to voice their concerns about increased traffic and noise. They also worried about the effect the construction and increased foot traffic would have on local waterways and habitats.

In response to the pushback, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has paused its camping considerations.

According to spokesman Wesley Robinson, the agency is now in the process of establishing a new task force composed of local public officials and other stakeholders to consider future plans for the park.

“We didn’t go through this process and communicate as well as we could have,” he said. “We’re at a point now where, in order to get this right, we have to take a step back.”

Read more about camping no longer happening at Big Elk Creek State Park in WHYY.

_____