A plan by the Morris Area Girl Scouts Council to build a new recreation center at its 200-acre camping area in the Great Swamp watershed is raising concerns of GSWA, the National Park Service, the Washington Association and other local groups.

The plan, announced last spring, would include construction of a heated main cabin large enough to accommodate two scout troops; a large swimming pool featuring a pool house with changing room and rest rooms; a site manager’s facility and home; a large recreational field for use by the scouts and the local community; new, paved accessory roads; parking areas for up to four buses and 60 cars; and other facilities.

Construction would occur on 16-20 acres of currently forested land located in Mendham Township. The local Girl Scouts Council is currently conducting a campaign to raise $10 million, with the first $2 million going for the recently announced "Phase I" construction. As Across the Watershed went to press, no building applications had been filed.

Concerns have been raised because the camp property spans the headwaters of both the Upper Passaic River and Primrose Brook, both classified as protected, Category 1 "trout production" waters by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. In addition, the land is included in Planning Area 5 of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan, a designation that signifies exceptional environmental and historic value.

Also, according to Julia M. Somers, GSWA Executive Director, "The land targeted for development is currently part of a much larger, mostly undisturbed area – and thus highly valued for purposes of wildlife protection."

GSWA and other groups tracking this proposal have offered to assist the local Scout Council in developing an alternative plan that would take advantage of the "unparalleled historical and environmental-education opportunities this site presents," according to Somers.