From the articles, my impression is that the family does indeed have great respect for the natural area, but I also felt it seemed as though they were burdened by the fear of liability, and they claimed to be paying taxes on 4000-some acres.
The Cook family gifted property to PA for Cook Forest SP. The park is one of the most popular in PA, is secured and maintained by the state, and the family maintains their rights to their homesteads and businesses - which thrive from the tourists.
Making such an arrangement sounds like something that a nature lover would find to be a win-win situation.
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