Economic Development and Public Parks are not Mutually Exclusive

The Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland has wrapped up their recommendations, ultimately removing language that would encourage the development of park land by private entities, as well as their well documented desire to seize public land for privatization.  Language remains, encouraging public-private partnerships to engage in business activities with the Department of Natural Resources, on public land.  This process is one that DNR already fulfills successfully.

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Without a doubt, public outpouring of support for Rocky Gap State Park made the difference.

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Advocates for Rocky Gap have articulated support for economic development and recognize that Rocky Gap is one of Allegany County's greatest tourist draws.  While privatization has no place at the park, the value of the park to the County demonstrates that protection of state parks and economic development are not mutually exclusive; they are both critically important.

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While the Task Force has ended their role in the process, however, Western Maryland officials still retain the ability to continue to recommend development.  During the course of the Task Force meeting, Senator George Edwards and Delegate Jason Buckel continued to encourage development opportunities, advocating for large scale water parks and hotels.  Although the Task Force did not ultimately recommend that, Edwards and Buckel retain the ability to introduce legislation that could harm public lands.

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Commissioner Shade was recognized as having released to the public, a map of his target area at Rocky Gap, a 35 acre parcel known as the day use area. 

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Rocky Gap State Park boasts visitation to the day use area of the park of more than 600,000 people per year.  The day use area of the park is host to public boat rentals, two public swimming beaches, a forested fishing peninsula, a fishing dock, and acres of picnic and recreational space.  The area is home to a popular seasonal café, ranger station and public restrooms, as well as a parking lot of nearly 700 spaces which often fills with state park enthusiasts on summer weekends, as well as for local events.

The Rocky Gap campground, also formerly targeted by Task Force language, is comprised of 278 campsites, and is booked full every summer weekend from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day.  All of this park visitation is without any enhancements. 

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Rocky Gap has been a gathering place for local events by community organizations holding fundraising events that often fund a significant portion of their annual budgets each year and draw record-setting crowds of local residents to support hometown non-profit agencies.  The park has hosted thousands of children for environmental education and groups who have planted today’s shade trees over the last 40 years.

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To ensure protection of these beloved lands, it's important to continue to advocate for the preservation of State Parks to legislators in the upcoming legislative session.  "Save Rocky Gap" will continue to share ways to remain involved and provide updates, as this process unfolds.

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For now, we hope you will bring your yard signs in from the weather and save them, should these public lands come under siege again.  Please patronize Rocky Gap and consider ways that you can become personally involved in protecting the natural and recreational opportunities that exist at Rocky Gap.  Follow the Facebook page, "Friends Of Rocky Gap" and don't hesitate to message us to ask what you can do.

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