Indiana County Commissioners discussed the recent success of one of the county’s natural treasures at their meeting this morning.
Buttermilk Falls in the area of New Florence has become a very popular destination this year with over 15,000 visitors this season alone. This is due in part to recent improvements to the park, including a walkway that goes behind the waterfall, and the recent promotion of the park as part of the Fred Rogers Trail. But with all that success comes problems, and County Commissioner Rod Ruddock said that one problem that the county’s Parks and Trails commission will take care of as soon as possible is the issue of where to park. People have been seen parking in nearby no parking zones, and that has irritated some of the people who live near the park.
He also mentioned making things safer for park attendees to prevent people getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Speaking of Parks and Trails, the Commissioners approved a temporary water line easement for the Ghost Town Trail for XTO Energy. They will put a water line that will go across the trail for fracking operations. This will be in October, and the trail will remain open while the water line is in place. As part of the agreement, XTO Energy will make a $5000 donation to the parks and trails legacy fund and foot the bill for any repairs that need to be made as a result of damage from the water line.
