SUNBURY - Bill Knapick asked Northumberland County Commissioners Stephen Bridy and Rick Shoch at their meeting Tuesday for an update on his complaint made in October regarding the cutting of what he claims was hundreds of trees last Dec. 10 and 11 to create new trails for the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).
Knapick, Coal Township, accused the North Jersey Shore Jeep Club and outdoor enthusiast Barry Yorwarth of cutting the trees, which he claimed was in violation of the AOAA master site plan and state game commission regulations. Yorwarth, of Paxinos, is a member of the recently appointed AOAA Authority.
Knapick told the commissioners he has evidence supporting the alleged illegal activity.
Knapick said he reported the issue to Coal Township police, who referred him to the county since the property involved is located on county-owned land.
Bridy said the county is continuing to look into Knapick's allegations.
Contacted Tuesday night, Yorwarth said the issue was settled long ago.
"Everyone was working in conjunction with the county planning department and Pennsylvania Game Commission in the development of the proposed AOAA. Permission was granted to us by the county planning department to do it," he said. "Nothing was done underhandedly and we have nothing to hide. We never said we didn't do it. It's a done deal."
Yorwarth said the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and game commission said in May that they were aware of concerns, but that there was "no harm, no foul" in the work done at the park.
Both state agencies previously said they were pleased with the partnership, cooperation and communication they have had with the county over the AOAA.