Harrisburg, PA -- District Forester Roy Brubaker today announced that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 18 on the future of the South Mountain Golf Course concession in the Michaux State Forest in Franklin County.
“Here in the Michaux public expectations about how they use the state forest for both back-country wilderness experiences, short excursions, trails, wildlife viewing and educational opportunities continue to change and have grown significantly,”
Brubaker said. “Increased visitation is creating a high degree of demand on every acre of the Michaux State Forest, making us aware that continuing the site as a golf course may not be the best option for operations and visitor use opportunities.”
Brubaker added that with increased events, recreation, and visitation there is an increase in expectation and need for improved signage, comfort facilities, and interpretive resources for those interested in learning more about the role of this historic forest and region.
The current 10-year lease with South Mountain Golf Course, Inc., will expire at the end of 2025.
DCNR is strongly considering repurposing the site of the current golf course at the end of its lease in order to make the state forest land accessible to all for recreation, improve habitat for wildlife, and to be the site of a new visitor center to welcome and help educate state forest users.
The 47-acre site of the South Mountain Golf Course became state forest land in 1964, and was leased to a private vendor and reopened as a golf venue in 1968. There were expansions of the course footprint over the years.
The meeting will be held at the South Mountian Fish and Game Club at 11547 Loop Road, Fayetteville, PA, 17222, beginning at 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 18.
It will include a short presentation on the decision-making process to consider discontinuing the golf course as a lease venue followed by facilitated groups to collect public input.
Find more information about
Michaux State Forest on the DCNR website.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315
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