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

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13:34

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Over 50 pigs found at Pittsburgh-area home after complaints about rat infestation: “Pretty horrific”

pigs in a pig pen

Police said they found over 50 pigs when they went to serve a search warrant at a home in Rostraver Township after neighbors complained rats from the property were overrunning their homes.  Last week, KDKA-TV captured video of a rat infestation that expanded into a local neighborhood in Westmoreland County. Rostraver Township police said the video helped officers file charges against Wendi Kraemer, who owns and operates an animal sanctuary at the property off Route 51 near Adams Drive. The township also issued several citations. Police said they served a search warrant at the property on Tuesday, where they found more than 50 pigs, with some even living inside Kraemer’s home.

“She admitted that the pig had been inside the night before and had urinated, but she said it was a one-time thing, but the conditions kind of were otherwise,” said Sergeant Richard Beranek with the Rostraver Township Police Department. The township condemned the property on Tuesday. KDKA-TV found a sign on Kraemer’s fence stating: “Danger. This structure is declared unsafe for human occupancy or use. It is unlawful for any person to use or occupy this building after 6-2-26.” Police shared pictures with KDKA-TV from that search, showing several pigs inside the home living in deplorable conditions. “Inside the house, there was a fly infestation that was pretty horrific. There were issues with water, potable water for the animals,” Beranek said. Beranek said some officers began to get sick due to the conditions inside. “It just wasn’t a good situation.

It was a hard one to take. I know they wanted to put something, anything on their face to go inside the house due to the smell. It smelled like ammonia pretty bad,” Beranek said. Police said a build-up of trash around the property, along with unsanitary conditions, are linked to the rat infestation now impacting those who live along Adams Drive. Humane officers and police went back to the home Thursday to serve another warrant to rescue the pigs, dogs and cats found on the property.

Source: Over 50 pigs found at Pittsburgh-area home after complaints about rat infestation: “Pretty horrific” – CBS Pittsburgh

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3

1 Peter 1:6–7

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1 Timothy 1:13-15

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Psalm 1:1–3

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;  but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law…

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“Rare” harpy eagle arrives at National Aviary

close up of majestic harpy eagle in nature
harpy eagle perched on branch in natural habitat
Photo by Itiel Cd on Pexels.com

There’s a new “rare” raptor at the National Aviary, one that can’t be seen anywhere else in the Northeast.  The aviary on Wednesday introduced its new female juvenile harpy eagle named Dariéna, who hails from the Miami Zoo. She’s part of the aviary’s new summer theme, Remarkable Raptors.  Like most eagles, the aviary says the female harpy is significantly larger than the male — sometimes twice the size. And harpy eagles are already massive, weighing 17 to 20 pounds. Their rear talons can reach 4 to 5 inches in length, which the aviary says is comparable to the claws of a grizzly bear.  Dariéna will live in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall, and visitors will also get to see her during daily educational talks. As she grows up, her eggshell colored plumage will slowly turn shades of harpy gray. 

Source: “Rare” harpy eagle arrives at National Aviary – CBS Pittsburgh

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2

James 1:14–15

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Ephesians 4:29

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Proverbs 23:7

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Matthew 6:22

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Luke 6:45

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the…

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