Pennsylvania is home to 121 state parks filled with Natural Beauty! Pennsylvania state parks are free to the public, and serve the need to connect with nature for many people living in suburban, and city areas. More importantly Pennsylvania State parks are home to a diversity of Algae, Fungi, Plants, and Animals. Our Forests are still recovering from the deforestation that took place across the entire state during colonial times, we have lost many creatures in our 'development' including the Wild Bison that used to roam our state playing a very important role in the flow of energy through our Ecosystems. 

Quoting a Recent article by PennLive's Jan Murphy "But now it seems others prefer to "camp" in an environment where they can look out a window at their natural surroundings from a hotel room where they can take a hot shower and have a nice meal in a restaurant"

Some Pennsylvania Representatives like Rep. Brian Ellis  think it will be a good idea to develop in our state parks. I think many of us agree that we go to the parks to escape "development"

Yesterday the House began considering House Bill 2013 amending the act of  of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18)

The amendment stated "Upon approval by the board of an offer or
plan submitted by a third party under section 705(5), the department may enter into a contract with a third party for the development, financing, construction and operation of additional recreational, lodging and ancillary facilities in State parks. A contract may authorize both direct and subsidiary investment arrangements.

In short The bill would allow State parks to negotiate agreements with businesses, and corporations to develop amusement parks in our state parks. 

Give Rep. Brian Ellis a call or email and tell him how you feel about his legislation

  724-283-5852 // bellis@pahousegop.com