Updates From the Centre County Historical Society

CCHS has been an active participant in the discussions about the future transfer of the Rockview lands for more than two years. Our goals throughout the discussions and while participating as a member of the Spring Creek Canyon Technical Advisory Committee have been to call attention to the importance of the rich cultural history that has been a part of these resources along Spring Creek. Philip Benner's early Ironworks at Rock (dating from 1793) and the Mann Axe Factory (1830s) are just two.

We have provided historical background and urged that the resources on this state-owned land be adequately inventoried and that a plan be developed that would identify methods for their protection and preservation. Our recommendations were outlined in the section we submitted that was included in a Cultural Resource Report for The Spring Creek Canyon Strategy: A Master Plan and Management Plan for the Spring Creek Canyon.

Our recommendation outlined several methods or guidelines that meet state and federal requirements and procedures in the protection of cultural resources. They include a Cultural Resource Assessment of prehistoric and historic resources, and possible National Register of Historic Places listing for the Benner Cemetery, and for the Village of Rock. The Spring Creek Canyon offers a unique and significant educational opportunity - one that will be substantially strengthened through the assessment, identification, and preservation of these cultural resources.

We urged in those recommendations that the actual transfer of land not take place until a Management Plan and Conservation Easements were in place to function at a sufficient level to address the issues associated with opening the land and its significant and sensitive natural and cultural resources to public use. We also urged that once the transfer of land has occurred and planning commences, that future work on the properties by the owners commit to broad community educational opportunities about cultural and natural resources related to these lands.

The Centre County Historical Society Board action of March 30, 2009 has not changed. The Historical Society continues to be in support of the Master Plan and in support of an effective management structure being in place to protect known and still to be investigated cultural resources before the land is transferred, regardless of its future owners.



- Jackie Melander, President



ClearWater Conservancy's Spring Creek Canyon Press Release