New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns

camping tents and chairs in the middle of a grassy area

Last October, Pennsylvania announced plans to bring “glamping,” or luxury camping, to several state parks, including Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County. But now, some of those plans have been put on hold.  A safety issue involving tents scheduled to be used at several parks has forced cancellations and refunds for people who had already booked reservations. According to Timberline Glamping, a recently manufactured batch of canvas tents was unable to meet both fireproofing and waterproofing requirements at the same time due to changes in federal environmental standards. The company says that because the tents did not meet safety expectations, it made the decision not to use them.

In a statement to KDKA, Timberline Glamping said, “Timberline Glamping prioritizes the safety of our guests over any profits or convenience. All reservations that had to be cancelled due to this safety recall have been refunded in full.” The issue comes as Pennsylvania state parks continue to see strong visitor numbers and growing interest in camping. State officials have promoted the glamping initiative as a way to expand overnight lodging options and attract new visitors to the parks. In a statement to KDKA, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said, “DCNR is committed to keeping visitors informed and ensuring all facilities meet strict safety standards.

Timberline Glamping identified an issue with a batch of canvas tents that prevent fireproofing and waterproofing treatments from working together, and glampsites using those tents will remain closed. Six sites at Hickory Run and Promised Land State Parks remain on track to open by July 4 using tents that meet safety requirements, and no issues have been reported at French Creek State Park. Timberline notified guests in advance, issued refunds, and has worked closely with DCNR to address the issue and meet the Commonwealth’s public safety standards.”

Source: New “glamping” reservations at Laurel Hill State Park canceled over tent safety concerns – CBS Pittsburgh

This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
Acts 4:11

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25 people arrested, 52 chickens recovered during raid breaking up cockfight in Chester, Pennsylvania

roosters fighting in close up shot

Police arrested 25 people and recovered 52 chickens while breaking up an active cockfight in Delaware County over the weekend. Law enforcement acted on a tip received last week about a cockfight scheduled for Saturday in the 500 block of Franklin Street in Chester, the Pennsylvania SPCA said in a news release Monday. Multiple agencies executed a search warrant Saturday night and interrupted the cockfight in progress. They arrested 25 people, rescued 52 live birds and found three dead roosters. The live birds were taken to the PSPCA headquarters in Philadelphia for treatment.

They will remain in PSPCA custody pending their surrender or adjudication of the court case, according to the animal shelter. “Cockfighting is one of the most brutal forms of animal cruelty,” Nicole Wilson, PSPCA director of animal law enforcement and shelter operations, said in a statement. “These birds are forced to fight to near death one cut at a time, suffering devastating injuries in the process.”   Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in 42 states, including Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. The PSPCA said the investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information should contact its hotline at 866-601-SPCA.

Source: 25 people arrested, 52 chickens recovered during raid breaking up cockfight in Chester, Pennsylvania – CBS Philadelphia

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14

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New livestream camera shows lives of Pennsylvania’s secretive timber rattlesnakes

close up of coiled sidewinder rattlesnake in sand

A new livestream wildlife camera takes viewers right into a timber rattlesnake rookery in Pennsylvania. The new livestream gives a 24/7 look at timber rattlesnakes living in an undisclosed, remote location in Pennsylvania. A rookery is where the female snakes spend the summer, preparing to give birth and care for their babies.  Considered one of the largest rattlesnake species in the world, the secretive timber rattlesnake is native to the eastern U.S. and is endangered and threatened in nearly half of the states where it lives.  The camera comes from a partnership between Cal Poly and Carlisle-based Dickinson College. It’s the third installment for Project RattleCam, which aims to encourage education about rattlesnake behavior, discourage harm and foster dialogue.  While timber rattlesnakes are venomous, experts say they prefer to avoid confrontation and only strike in self-defense.

Not only do rattlesnakes help control rodent populations, preventing the spread of disease, but their venom has also helped produce medications like anti-clotting drugs. Faculty researchers, students and volunteer community scientists monitor the livestream chat, where viewers can ask questions and even name the snakes. “Scar” is the first to be named in Pennsylvania.  “The public can help us collect data,” Emily Taylor, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor and co-director of Project RattleCam, said in a press release. “In fact, we have science journal article publications coming out soon that are co-authored by some viewers who helped us as community scientists. It’s really important to me that people know that this isn’t just a camera.

Source: New livestream camera shows lives of Pennsylvania’s secretive timber rattlesnakes – CBS Pittsburgh

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:6

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