By Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director
On Tuesday, August 19, I met with Executive Director Matt Hough of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to learn his thoughts on hiker fees for state game lands. Mr. Hough assured me that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has no plans to implement hiker fees on state game lands.
However, there is a proposed permit for riders of bicycles, horses, or snowmobiles on designated state game land trails. Hikers, birdwatchers, and others without hunting or furtaker licenses could continue using state game lands in the same manner they do now.
Those wishing to comment about the proposed permit can do so by attending the Board of Game Commissioners meeting on Monday, September 22, at the Lamplighter Inn, 6566 William Penn Highway, Delmont (Westmoreland County). Doors will open at 7:45 AM; public comment will begin at 8:30. The commissioners may vote on the proposed permit on September 23.
Comments can also be e-mailed to pgccomments@pa.gov or snail-mailed to ATTN: Game Lands Permit, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.