By Erin Smith
A large crowd of concerned Bladen County residents gathered at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown on Thursday evening for an Open House in order to learn more about the proposed Black River State Park. “No park,” was the mantra from most who attended.
The Open House was an informal gathering designed to allow residents to learn more about the proposed state park and to ask questions as well as voice concerns.
Dave Head, who is the Planning Program Manager for the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, said, “The legislature said to do a feasibility study whether or not this should be a park.”
He said the proposed park and natural area would encompass a 40 mile long stretch of the Black River which would pass through portions of Sampson, Bladen and Pender counties. Head said if approved, the proposed park would be similar to the Lumber River State Park which offers boat ramp access, restroom facilities, picnic shelters, trails, and natural areas.
“How was it started?” asked Chris Barnhill, who is a farmer in the impacted area near the Ivanhoe and Rowan communities.
“I don’t know,” said Head.
Head explained further that the original legislation called for the area to become a state park but there was some opposition so it was amended to do a feasibility study.
Head said the proposed park, if approved, will not impact property taxes but would require the hiring of additional staff to operate the park. He estimated the proposed park would generate an additional 50,000 to 60,000 tourists coming into the area to visit the park.
Rachel Giddens who owns land along the Black River in Bladen County has several concerns with the proposed park including the increased traffic flow.
“They told us back in May there would be an additional 50,000 in our community,” said Giddens.
She also said she has problems with people traversing the Black River and camping on her property. She said when they leave, they leave their trash behind.
“It is a burden to us,” said Giddens.
She also added the Black River in the vicinity of her land is dangerous to navigate.
“They say conservation is their point. Then why are they pushing recreation?” asked Giddens.
Barnhill wanted to know why the proposed changes and additional access points to the Black River are needed.
“My question is who needs access that doesn’t already have access? I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have access to the river,” said Barnhill.
He added there is a lot of work needing to be performed on the river but a state park is not the way to do it. Barnhill said he felt the money the state is proposing for the park, would be better spent on repairing and adding infrastructure in the state.
“Don’t spend it there. Spend it where it can do some good,” said Barnhill.
There were also concerns expressed about adding additional strains to the local fire departments in the area. It was pointed out the Ivanhoe Fire Department does not have a rescue boat and all of the fire departments which would respond to any incidents which may occur along the Black River are all staffed with volunteers.
Not all Bladen County residents are opposed to the idea of a new state park along the Black River.
David Clark said, “I’m highly in favor of getting another park in Bladen County.”
NC Representative William Brisson, whose district includes Bladen County, was present to hear resident’s concerns for himself.
“There is no done deal,” said Rep. Brisson of the proposed park.
He explained that the Division of Parks and Recreation staff will take all of the public comments and survey responses and compile them and bring the feasibility study back to the legislature in March 2018.
“This is just in the opening stages,” said Rep. Brisson.
For those who could not attend the Open House in Bladen County, there are two more Open House sessions planned. You can also complete the survey online.
Dave Head with the Division of Parks and Recreation said the open houses are a time to listen and to have the residents to give state officials their thoughts on the proposed park. He explained the state would like to know such things as any concerns residents might have as well as amenities they would like to see done in the area. He gave examples of things such as primitive camping areas, picnic shelters, etc.
When asked about the status of privately owned land in the area, Head said privately held land would remain privately owned. Head said should the park be approved, the state would consider asking the Nature Conservancy for permission to use some of their holdings along the river.
When asked about traffic concerns, Head said traffic patterns differ depending on whether it is a state park or simply designated a natural area or state trail.
When asked what the creation of a state park may do to property values in the area, Head said that is not known at this time.
For those who could not attend the Open House in Bladen County, there are two more Open House sessions planned. The next Open House will be conducted Monday, September 18, from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Office located at 801 Walker Street in Burgaw.
The final Open House is planned for Wednesday, September 20, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Union Elementary School located at 10400 Taylors Bridge Highway/US 421, Clinton.
You can also complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/
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