Walnutport plans to crack down on the use of ATVs, as well as hunting, along the Walnutport Canal.

Borough council last week discussed the area in question, the whole north end of the canal.

The area falls in Lehigh Township jurisdiction, but the borough owns the entire property.

Greg Wuchter, of Lehigh Township, told borough council that last week alone there had been three doe killed there south of the Route 873 bridge.

Council President Michael Gaston noted that the area is supposed to be posted.

However, Mike Wentz, EMA director, said he was told they only have one game officer that covers from Harrisburg to New York.

Wuchter said it’s so opened up that anyone can walk there.

Gaston said he was concerned for the safety of innocent bystanders.

“My worst fear is someone overshoots, misses a deer,” Gaston said. “We should post for the safety of the people on the trails.”

Wuchter presented borough council with signs and said he would post them.

However, Wentz said he wasn’t quite certain where all of the property lines are on the canal.

“I don’t think it’s going to deter the four-wheelers,” Wentz said.

“I’m not worried about the money,” Wuchter said. “I’m worried about keeping the people out of there.”

Wentz noted that the gate is open by Route 873 due to the construction vehicles that are there.

It was suggested that the borough get at least another 300 signs.