SPECIAL ADVOCACY MESSAGE
The following is an environmental alert from Brodhead Watershed Association
APRIL 25, 2022
"Swiftwater Solar" seeking Pocono Township permission to clearcut over 450 acres of mature upland forest
In Pocono Township, "Swiftwater Solar" is asking for permission to clearcut over 450 acres of pristine forests near Pocono Manor. The developer is seeking approval to then build 15 stormwater detention basins. The basins are designed to fail simultaneously during a very heavy rainstorm. The risk of severe flooding and sedimentation, erosion of stream banks is a known threat to an “Exceptional Value” PA designated stream.

There's no mitigation proposed to replace the clearcut forest. Most of the animals that live in those forests will die. Porcupines, opossums, foxes, coyotes, deer, turkeys, grouse, rabbits, and countless songbirds will lose habitat and perish. Black bears and their cubs frequent this to-be-destroyed forest as a key ecological corridor/connection between state game lands/Big Pocono State Park. 

This project is financial speculation for the developer and would result in few local benefits (few jobs, low local tax revenue). The developer has no requirement as it stands now to reclaim the land once the use is removed. 

All interested parties are encouraged to attend Pocono Township Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners meetings!  

The planning commission meeting is TONIGHT at 6 p.m. 
Dial-In Option: 646 558 8656       
Meeting ID: 892 102 5946  
Passcode: 18372 

The commissioners' meeting is next Monday, May 2, at 6 p.m. at 112 Township Dr., Tannersville, PA 18372.
Tobyhanna Township supervisors seek public comment on commercial development in open space, wetland conservation districts
ALL the red open space will now be open for commercial resort development totaling many thousands of acres of among the most sensitive conservation land in Pennsylvania.
On Monday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m., Tobyhanna Township supervisors encourage public comment on allowing high-density cottages, large commercial resorts, helicopter infrastructure, industrial solar farms, and numerous other possible uses in special protection conservation districts. The purpose of this open space/wetland zoned land was to “protect fragile environmental and unique natural areas from development.”

The ordinance, as currently written, could allow for 100 cottages in 100 acres, or a cottage per acre, which would include roads and lighting. Forest clearing, habitat fragmentation, light pollution, sewage plants and stormwater discharges may directly impact these sensitive ecosystems.

A specific resident (Mr. Kerrick) is requesting these changes to purchase land and build a commercial resort near the Tobyhanna Creek. If approved, all open space/wetland conservation districts will be open to future commercial development.

Questions, comments, suggestions?  
All interested parties are encouraged to attend the hearing.

SAVE THE DATE:
WHAT: Tobyhanna Township Hearing
WHEN: Monday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Tobyhanna Township Government Center
    105 Government Center Way, Pocono Pines, PA, 18350