I am writing to express my outrage with the decision by DNREC to build upscale cottages on the current youth primitive campsite location at Cape Henlopen State Park.
I have read the recent articles and letters from other community members who have a scouting background, and I am in full agreement with them, as well as the Preserve Our Park Coalition. What exactly is DNREC thinking? Oh, of course, it’s all about the money!
This youth primitive area has been used by scouts (not just locally but also from neighboring states) and other youth groups for over 40 years. Does it bring in a lot money? Probably not. Is there a lot of upkeep to the sites? No, there is not. Does it allow young people to experience the outdoors, especially in a beach environment? Yes, it does. Does it allow young people to enjoy an area that is not in the middle of the regular campground (hence the word primitive)? Yes, it does.
As someone who grew up in Lewes (and remembers this area as Fort Miles), I have been involved in Boy Scouts of America for 45 years (both on the Cub Scout Pack side as well as the Boy Scout Troop side) and continue to camp every month. This primitive site has always been perfect for our scout campouts (we like Site B the best). Boy Scout Troop 95 has camped throughout the year (any season) and the cubs from Cub Scout Pack 95 love the family and den campouts, during warmer weather, at the primitive sites. We have biked the trails all over the park, to Rehoboth and back, have had great interaction with other scout troops – playing games in the large field where it is not bothering others in the regular campground, enjoying a campfire together, and have even had a Sussex District Camporee at this location. This area is used by bikers, hikers, and folks just walking their dogs and enjoying the area.
Shame on those from DNREC who have made the decision to destroy – yes, destroy – this primitive camping area. Shame on those same DNREC persons who feel developing this area is more important than preserving it.
I will be encouraging all scout leaders from Sussex County, as well as parents of former and current scouts, to step up and contact their legislators before it is too late. This planned development needs to be stopped!
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
