Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) announced its intention to require hikers to have permits to use State Game Lands (SGLs).
Keystone Trails Association (KTA) has been following the development of this proposal since last summer, when non-hunter permits for SGL access were being considered. In August, KTA's Executive Director, Curt Ashenfelter, met with PGC's Executive Director to advocate on hikers' behalf, and was assured that hikers would be exempt from any permitting requirement. In September, the PGC again relayed that the proposal would be revised to exempt persons using SGLs on foot.
PGC is now proposing a SGL permit - which would be free-of-charge - to be required of all non-hunter trail users accessing the many other trails in Pennsylvania that cross SGLs.
In many states, hikers are required to have permits to utilize their trails. In Pennsylvania, we have fought hard to keep our trails open to all hikers and trail runners. This policy could change that, and the precedent it would set could affect hikers for decades to come. Even a "free" permit has its costs.
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