On Saturday of Labor Day weekend, I visited Beltzville State Park and witnessed something I never expected at a Pennsylvania state park — a mass ticketing operation at the front gate.

Upon entering the park, I saw multiple Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Rangers stationed at the entrance, stopping many, if not most, incoming vehicles. In the short time I was there, I watched numerous visitors pulled over and cited for minor equipment violations with fines reportedly ranging from $200 to $300.

I received a $260 citation because my bike rack partially covered my license plate. Other visitors were cited as they entered for things like seat belt violations and expired inspection stickers.

I fully support law enforcement and the important job DCNR rangers do to keep our parks safe. But systematically citing families and visitors for minor equipment issues at the entrance does not make the park safer. It discourages people from using the park — and that appears to be both the intent and the effect.

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year at Beltzville. Normally the park would be nearly full by noon. On this Saturday, the main parking lot was only about 20% full around 1 p.m., directly after the ticketing.

Our state parks belong to the public. They should be welcoming, not intimidating. Setting up a checkpoint-style operation at the gate to issue hundreds of dollars in fines sends the wrong message to Pennsylvanians who just want to hike, swim, and enjoy the outdoors.

Dr. Todd Clark

Cheltenham, PA