On September 1, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced several state park and forest campsites will be closed Wednesday and Thursday as the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida approach Pennsylvania.

The remnants of Ida are expected to bring 4 to 6 inches of rain to a large portion of Pennsylvania, with some areas expected to see 8 inches or more. The heaviest rains are expected Wednesday afternoon into the evening, which has prompted the early closings.

“Keeping people safe is our highest priority and we are acting out of an abundance of caution ahead of Ida reaching Pennsylvania,” Dunn said. “We ask guests in the designated parks to leave before the heavy rains hit and encourage visitors at parks and forests be mindful of the expected impact of Ida Wednesday and Thursday.”

State park campsites that will have some or all campsites closed Wednesday and Thursday include:

-- Kooser

-- Linn Run

-- Trough Creek

-- Warriors Path (Organized Group Tenting)

-- Colonel Denning

-- Fowlers Hollow

-- Poe Valley

-- Poe Paddy

-- Caledonia

-- Cowans Gap (Campground B)

-- R B Winter

-- Laurel Hill (Campground, Copper Kettle Lodge, Group Camp 3)

-- Pine Grove Furnace (Campground)

-- Worlds End (Cabin Colony)

State forests that have campsites that will close Wednesday and Thursday include:

-- Tuscarora (Campsites 1, 24, 57, 91)

-- Sproul (Bull Run Site 28, Campsite 20, 22, 23, Plantation Hole Site 26, Laurelly Fork Site 27, Stout Hollow Road Site 21)

-- Tiadaghton (All Callahan Run Sites, Naval Run, Black Forest Trail Trestle Sites 1, 2 & 3, Little Morris 1, Bonnell Flats 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5, Black Walnut Bottom 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, C1, C2, & C3)

-- Susquehannock (Lock Branch Campsite)

-- Tioga (17 Campbell Hollow, 18 Big Run North, 18 Big Run South)

-- Delaware (E8-Bridge Camp, E14-Silver Lake, Delaware River Campsite 20)

-- Loysalsock (Masten CCC Camp 21, 22, 970 Jakersville CCC Camp, 489 Mill Creek Road)

Additional campsite closures may be required depending on rainfall and the trajectory Ida takes when it hits the commonwealth. Visitors to campsites in those parks and forests are asked to leave those areas no later than 12:00 PM Wednesday.

Bureau of State Parks Director John Hallas and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger encouraged those with questions to contact specific parks and forest districts for additional information about the closings.

They added that visitors in the areas expecting heavy rainfall use caution with flooding, downed trees and other potential dangers in play.

Those traveling from parks and in the risk area should check for alerts and advisories before heading out to a local or state park or forest to make sure facilities are open and conditions are safe to go boating or be near rivers and streams.

Be alert for rising water and avoid rivers and streams during a flood watch or warning. A flood watch means that flooding may occur, and to be prepared to move to high ground. A flood warning means that there is actual flooding and to move to high ground quickly.

Avoid the water during and even after storms, as small creeks and streams can flood rapidly. Elevated water levels and downed trees and branches can create serious hazards where conditions are normally calm and manageable.

Avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low lying areas and areas where water collects – they can unexpectedly flood or overflow.

Climb to higher ground if water starts to rise. Leave low-lying areas immediately.

Don't try to swim to safety in a flood. Wait for rescuers.

When rain is forecasted, do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers, or low-lying areas.

Have more than one way to receive weather alerts such as television, radio, and cell phone. Sign up for emergency and weather alerts from ReadyPA website.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Related Articles - Need To Invest In State Parks/Forests:

-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Opposes Any Effort To Cut Dedicated Funds To Support State Park, Forest, Recreation Projects

-- House Republicans Introduce Bills To Raid Dedicated Environmental Funds, Cripple Solar Energy, Shield Violators From Enforcement

-- New Poll: 86% Say Parks, Trails, Outdoors Are Essential To Their Physical, Mental Health During Pandemic; State Parks Saw 26.6% Increase In Visitors

-- 90% Of PA Voters Want Senate, House To Provide More Funding For Critical Environmental, Conservation Programs; That Didn’t Happen In 2020

-- Growing Greener Coalition: 93% Of Pennsylvanians Say We Have A Moral Obligation To Care For Our Environment - Don’t Cut Dedicated Funding

-- Growing Greener Coalition: American Rescue Plan For Water & Green Infrastructure

-- WeConservePA: Water & Green Infrastructure - A Good Fit For PA American Rescue Plan Funding

-- WeConservePA Urges Groups To Work With County, Local Govts. To Invest Federal Rescue Funds For Watershed Restoration, Land Conservation, Park & Trail Improvement Projects

[Posted: September 1, 2021]

9/6/2021