I question the environmental impact of this construction on land the conservancy has pledged to protect.
Not all members of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy agree that the New Cottages at Fallingwater should be built.
The WPC's mission as stated on its website "... protects and restores exceptional places to provide our region with clean water and healthy forests, wildlife and natural areas for the benefit of current and future generations."
In a press release on Aug. 9, the conservancy announced the purchase of a 25.5-acre addition to the 5,100-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve surrounding Fallingwater. The press release stated, "WPC considers its acquisition to be critical to the long-term protection of the reserve with the focus on maintaining the pristine quality of the Bear Run watershed ... ." WPC purchased the parcel because the owner wished to build a home there.
Now we learn the conservancy plans to build not one but six cottages on the reserve, just a few hundred feet from Fallingwater and, most assuredly, within the Bear Run watershed. Not only do I question the environmental impact of this construction on land the conservancy has pledged to protect, but I wonder why the cottages are necessary at all.
In the process of acquiring land for the reserve, the conservancy also acquired a number of residences that are used for guests. If additional housing for guests is needed, should not the conservancy be a good neighbor and refer the guests to the various lodging venues available a short, scenic drive through the Laurel Highlands?
My wife and I have been WPC members and supporters for many years and have volunteered in various capacities. We care deeply for the conservancy and applaud its land-conservation efforts. Reading of the plan to build cottages at Bear Run on land specifically acquired for watershed protection and reforestation is deeply disappointing.
James F. Sprowls
Stahlstown
