Fruit Belt Threatened

Fruit Belt Threatened by Unplanned Urban-Style Development

Arcing 20,000 acres in a crescent from the southwest to the north-central part of Adams County, Pennsylvania lies the Adams County Historical Fruit Belt, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the state.

The fragile farm-based economy, scenic rural landscape, and quality of life treasured by residents and visitors for a century is being threatened.

How does this happen?

Rural townships often fail to address development issues until it is too late. Huntingdon Township Supervisors found themselves in this position in 2004 when they were ordered by Commonwealth Court to approve a preliminary plan for a 275-unit trailer park on 140 acres between Route 94 and Idaville-York Springs Road, outside the borough of York Springs. The court found for the developer because a zoning ordinance had yet to be approved by the township when the plan was submitted in 1999.

Does this cause problems?

• Overcrowded Schools
• Higher School Taxes
• Traffic Congestion
• Environmental Harm
• Wetland Encroachment
• Safety and Security Problems
• Destruction of Natural Scenic Beauty

What can be done?

Save Our Rural Heritage (SORH) is fighting to stop the trailer park because it will destroy the wetlands, ruin the rural way of life, and dramatically alter the landscape of the Fruit Belt, a region deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

What can you do?

Join SORH as a member • Attend SORH meetings

Volunteer time for community awareness campaigns

Volunteer expert advice and assistance in:

Legal Matters • Land Use • Ecology & Geology • Water Management
Traffic & Transportation • Lobbying • Fundraising • Public Relations

Or, you can contribute toward covering the costs of legal / expert expenses,
as well as producing and distributing publicity materials

Membership is open to all who support
SORH's mission and initiative.
There are no dues, but contributions are always welcome.

Join by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it