Editorial: Be a caretaker for Pennsylvania parks

Tribune-Review | Tuesday, June 1, 2021 12:01 a.m.

Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review

At Keystone State Park in Derry Township.

If you are planning on spending part of your summer camping at Keystone State Park or kayaking at Ohiopyle, you aren’t alone.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation of Natural Resources issued an overcrowding alert for the Memorial Day weekend, warning visitors that 14 of the 121 state parks including the popular Westmoreland and Fayette county locations could be glutted with people eager to spend the holidays in the wild.

It was not a surprise. It is the same kind of problem that lots of parks are seeing across the country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. From New York to Montana to Hawaii, the gorgeous natural spaces are being rediscovered for their affordable and socially distant recreation possibilities.

It’s a great problem to have. Except when it isn’t.

In 2020, Ohiopyle experienced hazardous traffic and parking problems because of the number of visitors to the park, which has no gates and therefore can’t just close down like Disneyland when it hits capacity. Additionally, careless visitors caused a big jump in litter and more feet tramping through the green spaces killed grass. Some disrespectful guests flouted rules about alcohol use and others used inflatable devices in unsafe areas.

It’s a disappointing counterpoint to a new appreciation for natural beauty. Millions usually visit state and national parks every year, but, in 2020, the Outdoor Foundation reported hiking grew by 8.1 million participants. That is good news for a state like Pennsylvania with 121 state parks, 20 state forests and 16 national forests — and a $13 billion outdoor recreation industry.

It is the kind of appreciation that easily could continue and grow for the benefit of both the people and the parks themselves. More visitors could translate to more revenue and more options available at the parks.

But that is up to the people.

Whether you have always loved visiting Keystone or just fallen in love with Ohiopyle or are thinking about a visit to another of Pennsylvania’s precious and protected natural spaces, do so with respect and reverence. It is within everyone’s power to be caretakers for our parks.