September 2024 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN September 2024 Page 27 Campground Plans for Big Elk Creek State Park Put on Hold—For Now By Marcella Peyre-Ferry When horsemen and their neighbors come together on local issues their input can make a difference. Public outcry, complete with petitions, packed public meetings and protest lawn signs lining almost every street in the area have saved the Big Elk Creek State Park from construc- tion of a campground – at least for the time being. The rolling fields and wood- lands now known as the Big Elk Creek Park are adjacent to and a part of the White Clay Creek Preserve. The 1,700-acre tract is located in Elk and Franklin town- ships, Pennsylvania and borders Maryland’s Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area. Over 700 acres of the Big Elk Creek were purchased by the State of Pennsylvania in 2010 from property once owned by thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder George W. Straw- bridge, Jr. In 2020, the state pur- chased an additional 978 acres. Elk Township is a very rural section of Chester County, PA that is home to horsemen from many riding disciplines from fox hunting to pleasure riders. The addition of intense camping to the remote Park property would bring light pollution, noise, and the intrusion of vehicles to previous- ly pristine land that is home to 15 known rare and endangered plant species. The establishment of the Big Elk Creek Park seemed like a good way to ensure that this land would be permanently preserved. But in late 2023 the Department for Community and Natural Resources (DCNR) held a public meeting introducing the initial development and restoration ideas for the Park. The plan in- cluded family campgrounds with 30’ X 30’ cabins and standard, full-service and walk-in camp- sites, and parking spaces for RVs. DCNR’s name for the plan was “Great Gathering Sites.” Those at the initial meeting were not allowed to ask questions but they went to their boards of supervisors with their concerns. They soon organized Save Big Elk Creek with an informative website followed by the yellow and green Save Big Elk Creek yard signs that rapidly erupted from lawns. The perceived lack of trans- parency by DCNR was one major objection from residents. The pub- lic in general believed the land was a preserve for passive recreation of birding, hiking and riding, so the unexpected change to campsites drew outrage. The first petition opposing the development received nearly 1,400 signatures in just three weeks. The residents sought help from their state representatives and brought PARep. John Lawrence in on their side. Another public meeting was held last fall, this time with the public allowed to voice their opinions – and they did – for now. According to the Save Big Elk Creek website, at a January 10 Town Hall DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn stated “We are putting the camping plan aside for now.” The plans for a visitor center and restrooms are going forward. At this time, horseback riding is still permitted at Big Elk Creek. American Horse Council press release Pennsylvania is now re- quiring a current test (within 12 months) for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), also known as a “Coggins” test, for all equines in the state 6 months of age or older that are “exhibited, shown, sold, exchanged, transferred, leased, bartered or given away”. Any equine found in PA that violates this order shall be returned to the premises of origin until all EIA testing requirements are met. If the equid cannot be re- turned to the premises of origin, it shall be quarantined at a location chosen by the PA Department of Agriculture. EIA is an extremely infec- tious disease with no vaccination and no cure. EIA is historically transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as horse flies, deer flies, and mosquitos, but can also be transmitted by sharing needles between animals. Clinical signs of EIA are fever, weight loss, anemia, swelling of the limbs, and weakness. Not all equines with EIA will show symptoms, which means they may look healthy but can still pass the disease on, this is why testing is so important. There is no treatment (other than supportive) or vaccine for EIA, and infected animals are lifelong carriers. Should there be an EIA outbreak in the United States, it could be devastating to the local and national herd. It is important that all owners take precautions by testing their horses for EIA annually and following good biosecurity protocols when bringing their horses to events, including but not limited to group trail rides, rodeos, parades, horse shows, and more. For questions regarding the new PA regulation, contact the PA Department of Agriculture: agriculture.pa.gov/. Pennsylvania Expands Coggins Testing Requirements See page 50 for details. Not a print subscriber? Join the ongoing mailing list for just $20. FREE Classifieds for print subscribers!