This has been in the works and posted on several sites for quite sometime. Would be nice but we already ride most of this land through the coal company.
PROJECT NAME: Northumberland County Off Highway Vehicle Park
DESCRIPTION: Currently Northumberland County has approximately 1,000 vehicles riding illegally on approximately 6,000 acres of county land on any given weekend and constant daily use. There is a current and immediate need for responsible outdoor recreation. This proposal affords opportunities for all types of motorized and non-motorized use. Specifically, the type of terrain lends itself for use of full size 4x4 and ATV use. Because of its unique and diverse terrain, it is certain to become a national destination in the off road recreation industry.
This OHV Park will encompass approximately 35 parcels of county owned land. The contour of the site is a variety of water courses, woodlands, and meadows but it is mostly unusable abandoned strip mines heavily scarred from previous mining activity which lends the land to be relatively unusable. However, the natural course and terrain lends itself to the design of an off highway vehicle park that has been heavily used illegally for the past 40 years by the public.
Our goal is to embrace the Lower Anthracite Region and transform it into a national destination for outdoor, year round recreation. The focus of the project is to provide a safe and regulated environment for the use of motorized off highway vehicles and also non-motorized recreation. The park would serve as a recreational area for many types of outdoor activities in a family oriented and safe environment.
The proposed project will include:
- A Welcome Center
- Parking area to accommodate trailers
- Extensive system of organized trails with signage
- Camp sites, both primitive and full hook up
- Rest Rooms
- Shower Facilities
- Picnic Pavilions
- Picnic Tables
- Vehicle washing center
- Emergency landing zones
In order to prepare for the visitors to the park, a community economic feasibility study is being conducted in conjunction with the master site plan. This study will look at the economic impact the park will generate and how the individual municipalities can prepare for the park opening.
Through the guidance and approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, a Steering Committee was formed to oversee the master site plan. Committee members represent various groups and have varied backgrounds to formulate a well rounded group. The members are:
Kurt Masser, Northumberland County Commissioner
Pat Mack, Director, Northumberland County Planning Department
Kathy Jeremiah, OHV Project Coordinator, Northumberland County Planning Dept.
Barry Yorwarth, representing full size users
Jeff Nye, representing full size users
Tom Hetzendorf, representing ATV users
Howard Hetzendorf, representing ATV users
Louise Mensch representing equestrians
Gene Welsh representing Coal Township Commissioners, Business Owner, ATV user
Steve Minker representing the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce
Dave Crowl representing the Northumberland County Conservation District, enthusiast
Billy Rosini representing adjacent land owners
Joe Picarelli representing outdoorsmen
Bernie Rumberger representing emergency responders
Jim Backes representing business owners, off road enthusiast
Lance Schwartz representing ATV users and Zerbe Township Supervisors
The master plan is being funded with grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The plan is being prepared by Pashek Associates, a Landscape Architecture and Community Planning Firm located in Pittsburgh in conjunction with Pennoni Associates of Mechanicsburg.
Contact Information for the progress
Northumberland County Planning Department
399 S. 5th St.
Sunbury, PA 17801
Voice: 570-988-4343
Fax: 570-944-4436
Website:
www.ohv.norrycopa.net
Facebook: Northumberland County OHV Park