Despite the current distribution of land uses, the proportions of residential, commercial and industrial use are growing rapidly at the expense of rural areas. The Spring Creek watershed is beautiful, with open green space, abundant fresh water and forested hillsides, and is a desirable place to live. There has been considerable growth with the potential for more. However, the growth appears to be haphazardly spread across the landscape. The average lot size is bigger than those in other parts of the country and farmland does not appear to be valued as an irreplaceable resource.
Many people are aware that farmland is being lost, but no one seems to know how to stop it.
Most of the problems that this area faces are not due to a lack of technical knowledge. Instead, the hurdles that must be overcome are social and political in nature. The residents have a deep appreciation of the area and there is a reservoir of concern that can be tapped. Many people already recognize that future growth may create problems, but are unsure how they can get ahead of the curve. The fragmented system of government in Pennsylvania makes it difficult to coordinate planning over large areas, and tends to exacerbate a piecemeal approach to development.