The Pocono Mountain region is famous for its beautiful landscape, outdoor recreation, as well as clean water. Unfortunately, irresponsible municipal officials and business interests are threatening the unique environment of the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Northeastern Pennsylvania continues to see large-scale industrial and commercial land developments. Too often, the public doesn’t get to know how large warehouses, poorly placed gas stations, and similar developments will impact local communities. It is rare to consider the impact on streams, green spaces, and the outdoor recreation industry.
Poorly designed projects are often suggested and then pushed through, with potentially devastating impacts on communities as well as the environment. These projects can endanger the unique Poconos streams and creeks.
Only 2 percent of Pennsylvania’s 86,000 miles of streams and creeks are so healthy that they have been designated as “Exceptional Value”, by the Department of Environmental Protection. These waters, which are clean and pristine and have the highest legal protection, make up approximately 80 percent of the Poconos.
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Locals will recognize some of them as Paradise Swiftwater Swiftwater Swiftwater Devil’s Hole Cranberry and Tunkhannock. Each one of these creeks is truly “Exceptional” because of its water quality or biodiversity.
It is impossible to degrade waters of exceptional value for any reason. Period. Developers and municipalities must ensure that the water is preserved during construction and operation.
Protecting streams of exceptional value streams is also important for the economic engine. These waterways are vital for outdoor recreation and tourism. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in 2020, tourists spent $570 million on outdoor recreation within the Poconos.
Outdoor enthusiasts and tourists don’t visit the region to see warehouses or lock themselves in their resort rooms. They are attracted to the beauty of the landscape and the outdoor activities offered by our rivers and streams.
No matter how they choose to fish, boat, or hike along these creeks and rivers, the Pocono region’s outstanding streams and rivers are what make it special. Living near waterways with exceptional value enriches the quality and life of local communities.
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A recent poll conducted by the Our Pocono Waters campaign in partnership with Susquehanna Polling & Research reflects these sentiments.
Two thirds of residents from Monroe, Pike, Carbon and Wayne counties feel that large-scale commercial and industrial development negatively impacts the local environment. This includes local streams. 97% believe it is important that Exceptional Value streams are protected from large-scale, new development.
Residents and workers in these communities want their elected officials prioritize the protection and promotion of smart development. 94% of respondents agreed that the state should do more to protect these waters from large-scale developments.
Importantly, 73 per cent said they are more likely than others to vote for a candidate who shares the same goal of protecting and preserving Exceptional Value stream from additional commercial development in Poconos.
Protecting the Poconos’ precious waterways does not mean sacrificing economic growth. Simple solutions exist.
Large-scale developments should not be too large or too close to our scenic landscapes and streams. They should include practices that reduce stormwater runoff from parking lots, paved surfaces, and other paved surfaces on creeks. As natural wetlands and forests filter out pollutants and absorb floodwaters, they must be protected as much as possible. From the beginning, low-impact wastewater designs should be considered. These are simple solutions that can be made with careful planning.
Municipal officials should take stream protection seriously. Development permits should not be granted without considering the significant public.
Participation and comment. The environmental aesthetic of the area should be considered when planning projects. It is important to listen to the voices of the community.
Municipalities should use their power and influence to require stormwater and other pollution protections. It is a small price to pay to do business in an ecologically important area.
There is a wide gap in public opinion and the actions taken by our municipal leaders and commercial development professionals. The Poconos can have extraordinary waters and an exceptional economy. It takes just a little more work and a keen focus to see what makes the Poconos such an extraordinary place: its unique, clean and abundant waterways. Let’s not degrade what makes Poconos so unique.
Donna Kohut manages campaigns for OurPocono Waters. You have something to share, but it’s too big for a letter. E-mail My Turn column ideas to Ashley Fontones at [email protected].
