Swimming at Mauch Chunk Lake will be for Carbon County residents and season pass holders only through Labor Day following an extension Thursday by county commissioners.

The motion to run the restrictions on swimming and beach access until Sept. 7 passed unanimously.

“We’re seeing our area state parks overwhelmed with garbage and disrespect for our countryside,” Commissioner Rocky Ahner said. “I want it to be clear that Mauch Chunk Lake is not an overflow parking lot for our state parks.”

Following the decision, Ahner said that commissioners had received numerous emails and phone calls from the public regarding the matter. He commended the respect county residents have already shown for Mauch Chunk Lake while the restrictions have been in place.

“Carbon County residents in general have been very respectful in the COVID-19 pandemic keeping our numbers low, and that respect should be returned by passing this well-deserved motion for a safe recreation area for county residents,” he said.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich clarified that non-county residents can buy a season pass or rent one of the cabins or camp sites to be able to access the beach and lake.

One of the pitfalls of the restrictions is a lack of revenue coming into the county. When it comes to dollars versus health, however, Ahner said the choice is clear.

“The loss of revenue doesn’t outweigh the safety of the residents of Carbon County,” he added.

On a related motion by Lukasevich, the board authorized additional resources for the sheriff’s department.

“It will allow them to provide additional personnel at the lake on weekends and holidays up until that Sept. 7 date when the restrictions are currently slated to end,” Lukasevich said.

Ahner encouraged county residents who do use the lake to patronize the two stores on site.

“They’re run by local people,” he said, “and it’s important to keep them going just like we would a local hardware store or other business.”