Land Use Office > Regional Issues

Northumberland County OHV Park Meeting

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Jeremy:
There were some real interesting idea but forth by the plan.  I think that the Equestrian trails may need to be segregated at lest from the ATV  and mountain ike croweds as those groups seem to startle "new" horses easily.  Maybe some of those other groups will explain there needs a little better to us. 

That secret squirrel "security firm" could not have alienated people anymore than if they tried to,  they were very evasive about how they were proposing to  "passively patrol" the park.  I had visions of armed UAV flying over head.  Regardless the  firm would not go into details or costs.   

Currently the main entrance will be off of rt 125,  here you will enter the "park" in a staging area similar to Paragon.  Fees (not set yet) will be collected, paper work filled out.  to access the trails you have to ever here, all other access will be closed off,  to cross to the other half of the property (rt125 bisects it) a tunnel or culvert will be installed to cross underneath the rt125. This will be the loop road,  similar to haul road at paragon,  It will be the main access to the individual trails, scenic areas, events and attractions (like a zip line, paintball? campgrounds and other) 


Out of state clubs were in attendance  and in support,  Thank you.

some locals believe that there taxes gives them the right to use this property anyway they see fit and they do not want to share it with us "rich flat lander's"  (boy do I have news for them)  The days of dumping drinking and shooting ended 30 years ago, that is finally coming to Northumberland County, like it or not.  This park will allow access to this property.  If the park does not go through I full expect the property to be closed, and that closer to be enforced.  The abuse that is rampant can not continue.  Those facts need to be written in crayon. 

 

Death Wobble:
I'm glad that those of you who could go did, and reported back to us.  I was really interested in knowing how this was going to turn out!

The security firm will eventually have to disclose how they intend to operate.

Don't stress over the people who think that paying taxes allows them to do anything.  It doesn't work that way. 

I don't understand dumping anymore.  At least where I live, you can sit large items out to the trash and they'll pick up.  If it's metal, just take it to the recycling center and make some cash instead of polluting the environment with it!

Having separate motorized/non motorized areas is a good idea to protect people and animals from collisions.

Keep us posted on any new info.

Rick_Bear:
The spokesman for the firm that designs the "looked into" management/security plan was very evasive as Jeremy stated. But worse yet this guy made statements of "battle proved" & "non-evasive"...WRONG !!!

The design company this guy works for is "treading" into a market wanting business. They are experts within the defence security, tracking systems field that was NOT what people in that area wanted to hear...Hell, I didn't want to hear it either and it could have been promoted in a more passive manner to gain support and confidence. This guy was evasive as hell but made everyone feel that upon entering the Park a "chip" will be shot into your head as to track you for life... I immediately recalled the movie "Conspiracy Theory". His answers and comments did not go over well with anyone period. The idea of being able to satellite track in a vast area is a great safety feature and it should have been promoted that way through a "credit card" style holding card. Those wanting to loose it upon leaving can toss it in somebody else's vehicle at the end of the day if they think "BIG BROTHER is tracking them home and purchase another upon a potential return.

Honestly...IMO...IF this project doesn't pass the locals are in for a rude awakening as to WHO owns the property. The townships have the property "In Trust" which means they (Elected Commissioners) can sign over ownership and there is NOTHING the residents can do about it. The residents elected the commissioners to make financial decisions on behalf of the tax payers. The residents and visitors that have been tresspassing for the past 30 years have been nothing but a liability and expense to the township and that is how it will be perceived in the end if this is not accepted.

The DCNR & the DER have already toured the property so they have seen the extent of the disrespect, pollution, and dumping that has been taking place on the property for generations. They (DCNR & DER) as government land management departments are most likely/could take action if this project does not pass. IF the project passes there are hundreds & thousands of committed hours of FREE (organized OHV/ORV Club) labor to clean it up at minimal/NO cost. But, if it DOESN'T pass then our tax dollars would most likely have to cover the cost and when that is decided to be the result there will NEVER be any recreational activity taking place there at all and those locals (un-organized OHV/ORV enthusiasts) will be left out in the cold to be apprehend, prosecute, and what ever other means possible to CLOSE THE PROPERTY to anything other than mining coal. It will be unfortunate, and this is a deprived economy that doesn't embrace paying membership dues into organized recreational organizations. They struggle to feed their families which I will only understand to a point. What has been ignored for so many years is not justifiable IMO.

The local residents IMO really hold the cards, but I could be mistaken. BUT, if this thing doesn't pass I'm not so sure the local residents are going to be treated pleasantly as they continue to tresspass. Time will tell the story and I certainly hope it has a happy ending for everyone. I'm really not wanting to be confronted at gunpoint by angered "locals" as I was a few times during the creation of "PARAGON" some years ago. I'm going to commit my future support, attend the meetings and see if "WE" (PA Jeeps Club) can help support a mutual solution that continues to provide access to this 6,000 acres of beautiful property to everyone.

The major problem is that the locals are, for the most part NOT affiliated with or privileged to "Tread Lightly" ethics or any type of organized off-road organizations or simply choose not to do so. THAT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM, they state it's "THEIR" land yet have allowed it to be desecrated and polluted upon for 30 years without attempting to clean it up. Yes, this is a wage deprived area of the State. But not an excuse to desolate or allow pollution to public land. The mining companies create dust issues that are specified as being created by OHV/ORV enthusiasts which is an incorrect statement and going beyond that the mining companies are in support of this project and positive to work with it since it could potentially save them in reclamation cost of the land if an area is desired to be left with culverts.

The work shall continue to make this property a World Class "Multi-Purpose" Recreational Park.

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