LEHIGHTON, Pa. — A state lawmaker from Carbon County wants a crackdown at Beltzville State Park.
State Rep. Doyle Heffley is asking the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to crack down on what he calls the lawlessness at the park near Lehighton.
Beltzville State Park is a popular place with grass, trees, water, and plenty of places to enjoy the sunshine.
However, popularity has a price. The people who visit the park leave behind mounds of trash.
Heffley says it's more than that. It's alcohol, drugs, along with a lack of social distancing. He worries the area will become a coronavirus hot spot.
Heffley wants DCNR to ban people from out-of-state from using the swimming area, the hiking trails, and the day-use recreation area.
A man who lives near the park thinks that is a great idea.
"The locals cannot use this park. It's trashed. There is extremely loud noise. There is alcohol, drugs, and it's being found every day in the trash that's being picked up by the locals," said Win Hoglen. "They should be charging to get into state parks like they do for other state parks. If they go to New Jersey and New York, I believe they charge and that's why they are all coming here, because it's free."
So far, there's no response from the state on Rep. Heffley's idea to ban out of staters from Beltzville State Park.
Newswatch 16 did a little bit of checking Tuesday morning. New York and New Jersey do charge for using state parks. New York charges fees, but it varies by park. New Jersey also sells yearly passes for entry to its state parks.
Social media posts show large crowds at Beltzville over the past few weekends.