AT hikers may have to blue blaze Pennsylvania this year.

[Jimmers]

Technicalities, as usual. Without a budget passed, the government will only pay "essential" employees, however that's determined. The revenue lost due to the parks being closed doesn't figure into the equation, since the state gets most of its income through taxes, and 1.5 million a day is peanuts in comparison. I'd look for the state law relating to this, but I've done enough research today for school. I'm done sifting through government documents.

[Skidsteer]

The problem is that both sides are being pig headed and not willing to come to an agreement. I read the proposed budget that Gov. Rendell sent to the legislature. It looks like it has some good things in it but then again it also has some not so good things. But if both sides are unwilling to compromise we may be in for a long tough road. In my humble opinion what it really boils down to is that the legislature is controlled by the republicans and the Gov is a democrat. And this is a bit of payback for the US gov being now controlled by democrats. But this is getting to political for me. And this should not be a political discussion.

Yeah but you brought it up.

[minnesotasmith]

Guess this is an indication that PA will be that much longer bringing its section of the AT up to the standards of more-advanced states such as GA, NC, TN, and VA.

[Jimmers]

Whatsamatta powderpuff, are the little rocks hurting your feet? I thought people wanted a nature experience. Well, there ya go, rocks and all.

[Panzer1]

I thought that the trail was created by an act of congress. How can the state shut it down. You will be hiking on the trail not the state park.

Panzer

[emerald]

If you are caught on the AT thru one of the state parks you will be escorted out and fined.

I don't know who you are and would be interested in knowing your source for this information.

[emerald]

Guess this is an indication that PA will be that much longer bringing its section of the AT up to the standards of more-advanced states such as GA, NC, TN, and VA.

MS, I want you to know I saw what you posted, but it's past my bedtime. You'll need to wait for me to taunt you another day.

[minnesotasmith]

PA's trail clubs are with clearing rocks out of the section of the AT they've been entrusted with about where the local clubs in NW and ME are with switchbacking trails; no one has explained the concept to them slowly enough in sufficiently simple English for them to understand why trails should have such work done on them to be complete and ready for hikers. I do wish someone would do this, though...

[c.coyle]

Coyle, you forgot Swatara State Park.

Yes, I did, and it's right in my back yard. Swatara is almost completely undeveloped - a state park in name only.

[rickb]

The A.T. passes through [two state parks], Caledonia and Pine Grove Furnace. I think they're the only two.

Michaux State Forest, too. Not a park, perhaps, but close enoough.

[emerald]

MS, just read your post. I'd suggest more coffee and less hanging around mweinstone. You might also consider donating so you can edit.

[fiddlehead]

latest word from the PA govt. officials is that they are going to keep the casino's open and make the govt. officials in them work along with health care and policeman. But state parks will be closed. Shows you what's important to the politicians, aye?

[emerald]

What do state parks and paid employees have to do with preventing us from walking the trail?

According to what I read above and elsewhere, there will be some state employees on Pennsylvania's forests and parks for security purposes. Someone employed by Pennsylvania who works in enforcement and with whom I spoke on Saturday didn't seem 100% clear about whether thru-hiking would, could or should be prohibited. State parks, forests and game lands? are closed and I've read people are being asked to leave those facilities. I have not heard thru-hiking will be prohibited.

Warren asks a good question. I'm seeking an answer to that question and hope to acquire accurate information and distribute it to others who want to know.

[emerald]

I doubt very much that they can stop thru-hiker[s] from continuing their hike[s]. Who would stop them anyway; all of the state employees would be furloughed!

Not everyone SB.

[Yahtzee]

I still have seen no official statement saying thru-hikers are prohibited from hiking in PA during the furlough. Even if it only applies to the state parks (Caldonia, Swatara..) that would seem insane to me. How can you close down the woods?

Has anyone contacted the ATC on this pt.? Curious to know how this all shakes out. Hopefully, all has been settled as I type.

[Jimmers]

They're only staying open because the casinos filed a motion to remain open. I doubt the order will stand past the hearing today. Casino enforcement is hardly an "essential public safety " position.

[modiyooch]

Coyle, you forgot Swatara State Park.

and all the state game lands

[emerald]

Has anyone contacted ATC?

I emailed Karen Lutz, provided a link to the Class of 2007 thread and requested ATC provide us with information. Someone may want to email Harpers Ferry. Post here if you do. Let's not bury them in email.

I'd be especially interested in hearing from anyone who has 1st-hand information about thru-hiking at Pennsylvania's state parks. Obviously there will be no swimming or ice cream, but thru-hikers are survivors.

When I posted this message, I had already received but had not yet read an out of office reply to my email from Karen.

[emerald]

and all the state game lands

The funding mechanism is different, but the impact of the shutdown may be the same. I haven't read anywhere that SGLs are closed. Anyone have a link indicating that they too are closed?

[emerald]

I haven't read anywhere that SGLs are closed.

Just called PGC's Southeastern Regional Field Office. They are operating as usual and SGLs are not at all impacted by the partial shutdown.