Citing COVID-19 concerns related to the recent actions of out-of-state visitors to Beltzville State Park in Carbon County, Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, today called on Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn to impose certain restrictions on out-of-state residents using the park’s facilities.

“With the current restrictions to businesses across the state, we need to ensure the lake and surrounding communities do not become a COVID hot spot,” Heffley wrote.

“Recent social media reports and videos show large groups of out of state visitors who are not following social distancing guidelines, are smoking marijuana and consuming alcohol, lighting off fireworks and swimming in restricted areas without any adherence to social distancing guidelines.”

“I am requesting that you take immediate action to prohibit non-Pennsylvania residents from access to the swimming area, day use recreation area and hiking trails at Beltzville State Park. Boating and fishing access should be permitted in designated areas provided that all CDC guidelines and state license and permitting regulations are followed.”

“It makes no sense to restrict businesses from safely reopening across the Commonwealth only to allow this lawlessness on our state-owned properties,” wrote Heffley in his letter to Dunn.

For a complete report, see Tuesday’s edition of the Times News.