Like many of us who live here in Bucks County, I tend to think of our beautiful corner of the world as a hidden gem. So, I am always taken by surprise that no matter where I travel in the world, I meet so many people who know exactly where I live. “So beautiful” they always say, citing our charming farms, quaint towns and gorgeous natural landscape.
Unfortunately all this natural beauty and agricultural abundance — the very things that give Bucks its worldwide appeal and contribute tourism dollars to our economy — are seriously threatened by overdevelopment. In the past 50 years we’ve lost 70 percent of our agricultural land.
The cost of losing those fields dotted with cows, or bursting full of crops, is even higher for those of us who live here. We’re not just losing the look and feel of our place (which would be bad enough). We’re also experiencing more flooding due to storm water runoff, jeopardizing our air and water quality, and destroying habitat for local wildlife.
I hope the Bucks County Planning Commission will prioritize our land, air, water and wildlife by committing to preserve 25 percent of land or more in the upcoming Bucks 2040 Comprehensive Plan. It would be a great investment for those who live here and depend on a healthy environment, and for those faraway folks who wistfully speak of coming back to visit the beauty and charm of Bucks County.
Alison Levine; Advocacy Committee Chair, Bucks County Audubon Society
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