The Appalachian
Trail is an important part of our heritage, showcasing spectacular
scenery, history and culture from
Georgia through
Maine. Keeping it that way,
though, takes conscious effort. The Pennsylvania Senate should pass H.B. 1281,
which will take essential steps to protect the
KeystoneState's segment of the trail from
encroaching development.
The Appalachian
Trail was the first official scenic trail in the
United States.
Part of the National Park Service, it was designated 40 years ago.
Pennsylvania's portion extends
from Delaware Water Gap southwest along the eastern rim of the Alleghenies,
reaching 229 miles southwest to the southern border with
Maryland along the
Susquehanna River.
Along the way it passes near towns and cities, and
increasingly stands vulnerable to the sprawl that is consuming so much of
Pennsylvania's rural
landscape.
Some ecologists say the historic trail may boast the
highest level of biodiversity, including endangered species, in NPS
lands.
State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Easton, has long advocated
smart growth and the preservation of open space. His H.B. 1281 has passed the
state House and gained approval from the Senate Environmental Resources
Committee.
H.B. 1281 would amend the Appalachian Trail Act by
calling on host municipalities to adopt and implement zoning and land
development ordinances that would protect the
trail.
It would extend protection beyond the immediate environs
of the trail to include neighboring tracts and viewscapes along the trail
corridor.
Freeman's bill would address exactly the kind of
development proposals that have raised hackles in
Monroe
County, such as the planned $25
million Alpine Rose auto raceway in
EldredTownship.
Other plans that would bring unwelcome sights, noise or
urban characteristics uncomfortably near the
Appalachian Trail are proposed in
municipalities all along the trail.
A recent
Commonwealth
Court ruling gave municipalities the choice of
remaining un-zoned if they wished. The decision could directly affect efforts to
preserve Pennsylvanian's portion of the trail.
Enacting H.B. 1281 would help protect against nearby
irresponsible development and help preserve the trail's aesthetic and natural
qualities for future hikers. It would affect municipalities from
Eldred
Township in
Monroe
County to
CookeTownship in
Cumberland
County.
A range of environmental groups including
PennEnvironment and the Sierra Club support the legislation, as does the
Pennsylvania State Association of Townships. The Pennsylvania Builders
Association opposes it. But builders should recognize that well-protected
natural areas can actually enhance property values. Prospective owners would
like the assurance that the area they are choosing as home will retain a
pastoral flavor.
Encourage
Monroe
County's six state senators to pass
H.B. 1281 and send it to Gov. Ed Rendell for his signature. They are Sen. Lisa
M. Boscola, D-18, (570) 420-2938; Sen. Lisa Baker,
R-20, (570) 675-3931; Sen. Patrick M. Browne, R-16, (570) 402-1499; Sen. Robert
J. Mellow, D-22, (570) 839-4812; Sen. James J. Rhoades, R-29, (570) 773-0891;
and Sen. Raphael J. Musto, D-14, (570)
654-1483.
Keep the Appalachian
Trail in Pennsylvania
a wilderness path so generations of city and country dwellers can enjoy its
magnificent scenery.
