Over 160 people showed up for a public hearing at the auditorium of Avon Grove High School to protest the state’s plan to turn almost 1,800 acres of the Big Elk Creek watershed into a tourist attraction, writes Jen Samuel for The Daily Local News. 

Last week’s hearing was hosted by the Republican Policy Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 

John Hallas, state parks director for Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, was present at the hearing, where the audience consistently cheered in support of halting the state’s plan. 

State Rep. John Lawrence questioned Hallas on the state’s position regarding the White Clay, Big Elk, and Fair Hill in Maryland – three properties that are near one another – becoming a designated national park. 

“I don’t have a position on that at this time,” said Hallas. 

He did note that the plans for the Big Elk were for “improvements and enhancements.” 

Lawrence responded that the right move would be for DCNR to take re-designating the Big Elk and White Clay Creek Preserve as a national park off the table. 

Read more about the residents protesting about what becomes of Big Elk Creek watershed in The Daily Local News. 

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