What does moving into the ‘yellow phase’ mean for Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests?
Pennsylvanians can expect to have more outdoor recreation options available to them as Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration begins to ease some COVID-19 mitigation efforts in certain parts of the state.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources each opted for a phased reopening of facilities and services that closed in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Many of the changes were implemented only in the 24 counties, including Centre County, that moved into the yellow phase of Wolf’s reopening plan on Friday. Wolf also announced Friday that 13 additional counties, in western Pennsylvania, will enter the yellow phase on May 15.
Shooting ranges
All rifle, shotgun, pistol and archery ranges on state game lands, including Scotia Range, in yellow counties reopened Friday after a seven-week hiatus.
The Game Commission also reopened its northwest and northcentral offices, the latter of which serves Centre County.
“The closing of shooting ranges on game lands impacted hunters and target shooters who rely on those ranges for practice,” Executive Director Bryan Burhans said in a statement. “I’m pleased to announce this round of range openings and look forward to the next.”
Because of the statewide shooting range closures, the Game Commission announced Friday that it’s extending the life of the 2019-20 shooting range permits. The permits had been set to expire June 30. The Game Commission will now consider them valid through Aug. 31.
Pennsylvania 2019-20 hunting and furtaker licenses, which allow holders to use shooting ranges on state game lands, will also be valid for range use through Aug. 31. However, hunters and trappers will need new 2020-21 licenses before hunting or trapping beginning July 1 through June 30, 2021.
“The state’s COVID-19 guidelines offered little choice but to close ranges statewide initially,” Burhans said. “Still, the Game Commission wants to be fair to those who pay to use ranges on state game lands, and making 2019-20 shooting range permits, as well as 2019-20 hunting and furtaker licenses, valid to use shooting ranges through Aug. 31 will enable shooters to make up for lost time.”
All hunting seasons and bag limits remain in effect and all of Pennsylvania’s 1.6 million acres of state game lands remain open for public access during the pandemic.
State park facilities
While all Department of Conservation and Natural Resources trails, streams, forests, roads and parking areas have remained open statewide for recreation, facilities have been closed and events canceled.
Starting Friday, at least one restroom would open up in day use areas and in marinas at state parks and forests statewide, with additional cleaning protocols implemented.
Other state park and forest facilities, including offices, campgrounds and the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, in yellow counties are scheduled to reopen May 15.
Cabins in yellow areas are scheduled to reopen June 12.
“As the weather turns warmer, DCNR anticipates even greater numbers of people will be looking for opportunities to be outdoors, to connect with nature and exercise for good health,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a statement. “As staffing allows and with the appropriate protocols in place to ensure safety, we are working to reopen our state parks and forests so that Pennsylvanians can realize all of the benefits associated with being outdoors.”
In counties designated yellow, outdoor events with no more than 25 people are allowed. People who live in counties that are still under the stay-at-home order are encouraged to find outdoor recreation opportunities close to home rather than traveling to yellow counties.
Playgrounds
All state playgrounds and nature play areas statewide are closed indefinitely.
All Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority and State College Area School District playgrounds are scheduled to remain closed until Centre County is upgraded to the green phase.
All CRPR programming, events, camps and other activities have been canceled through at least June 30.
CRPR restrooms, sport fields and courts — except all basketball courts in State College — are scheduled to reopen Monday. SCASD’s outdoor athletic areas have also reopened. No organized sports groups, tournaments or leagues are permitted.
Swimming
Swimming beaches statewide are closed until at least June 6.
A decision about swimming pool reopenings is pending, although the Millheim Pool at Soldier and Sailors Park announced this week it will not be opening this summer. The DCNR is discussing recommended guidance with the state Health Department.
Pavilions
Pavilions at state parks and forests are only available on a first-come, first-served basis for informal groups of no more than 25 people in phase-yellow counties. The same is true for CRPR pavilions. Reservations will be closed until a county moves into the green phase.
Picnic tables in state parks are expected to be dispersed to avoid crowds.
People who use picnic tables or pavilions are encouraged to sit at least 6 feet away from each other.
Interpretive centers, amphitheaters and group camping
All interpretive centers, amphitheaters and group camping facilities statewide are closed indefinitely statewide.
Campsites and cabins should only be used by members living in the same household.
DCNR encourages those who do take advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities to avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads, bring a bag to carry out or dispose of their own trash and pet waste properly, adhere to social distancing, wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 6:00 AM.