Petition Summary: The proposed parking lot is located in the floodway of Fishing Creek in Dauphin County. This property is repeatedly flooded. Floodways are the most important component of a floodplain and carry the highest and fastest water during a flood event. They also allow for drainage following a flood. The Fort Hunter Station property is currently an open space and is home to old growth trees and a variety of wildlife species including a species of special concern, the spotted turtle. We oppose the development of this property, believe it is unnecessary, believe it will diminish the drainage of the floodway and displace wildlife.

Article I, Section 27 of the state constitution states “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic values of the environment. ... As trustee of these resources, the (c)ommonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.” An important part of the State Supreme Court’s recent Act 13 opinion requires that each branch of government, before proceeding on an action that might affect constitutionally protected interests, must consider the environmental effects.

Action Petitioned For: We the undersigned are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to eliminate the parking lot that is proposed for Fort Hunter Station in Dauphin County.