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Sunday, August 31, 1997 Page:
Nescopeck Park falls victim to catch phrases and Sen. Musto
As growth and development affect many communities and valuable open spaces
become scarce, responsible land use and growth management are becoming
increasingly important. The Times Leader’s frequent editorial reminders (July
29 and Aug. 4) that natural resources can be protected without hurting
economic growth are much appreciatedWorthwhile efforts to save private lands
come at a time when not even public lands are safe from development thinly
disguised by those who support such commercial intrusion with the catchwords
like “limited” and “educational.”
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks plans to solicit bids to begin
construction in the Nescopeck State Park. Plans include parking for 400 cars,
trailer hook-ups, carrying capacity for close to 2,000 people a day. And the
taxpayers’ bill for this yet-another destruction of nature is $4 million.
Never mind that increased traffic and development threaten the fragile
ecosystem and diverse wildlife habitat of the park and negatively impact its
pristine, primitive beauty. Although there is significant opposition by local
citizen groups to the proposed development, those responsible in state
government are not listening.
I wrote several letters opposing this project, but the only reply I
received was from Sen. Ray Musto, D-Pittston. To my dismay, I learned from his
letter that the senator not only supports the Nescopeck Park development, but
he is also a driving force behind it. Given the senator’s track record for
sound environmental concerns, this came as a surprise and disappointment.
In his letter, Sen. Musto stressed that the development would be “limited.”
It is limited only because of the so far limited funds. When has
development ever remained “limited”? Furthermore, even one tree cut is one too
many- and many will be cut to make room for more paved-over ground.
In his letter the senator painted a gloomy picture of housing developments
and shopping centers in the park if this woodland would not enjoy protection
as state park.
Senator, the Nescopeck is a state park, so the argument is irrelevant-
unless the state government gets so greedy that it will sell its, our, public
lands to private developers, when, in fact, it should be acquiring more land
for protection.
“The park will be home to a state-of-the-art, modern environmental
education center. I am proud to have been the prime sponsor of Pennsylvania’s
Environmental Education law (Act 24 of 1993) and look forward to the day when
our children will have the opportunity to use Nescopeck’s center,” wrote
Senator Musto.
How about a family getting their education by peacefully hiking among the
splendor of an unspoiled woodland, enjoying the vistas, observing the flora
and fauna?
The senator continued by emphasizing how difficult it has been to have
funding approved in this era of tight budgets and that the people of the
Greater Hazleton area deserve finally to see the environmental gem Nescopeck
State Park open and operating for their inspiration and enjoyment.
How disturbing that Sen. Musto would offer the usual commercial rationale
that only development can make us truly appreciate nature. Of course he knows,
and we know, that the real and only reason for “opening and operating” any
part of an untouched ecosystem is for the benefit of commerce.
Nature cannot be improved upon, nor does she need manmade education centers
to teach us about her beauty and her harmony.
Anneliese Moghul
Mountaintop