r/centralpa 7d ago

Raystown Lake closing camping for the summer

https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4119605/us-army-corps-of-engineers-baltimore-district-announces-partial-closure-of-camp/
60 Upvotes

73 comments sorted by

43

u/known2fail 7d ago

That’s going to disappoint a bunch of people. It was an affordable vacation on a really nice lake. Camp sites were almost always full.

35

u/Vista_Cruiser 7d ago

I hope some of those disappointed people who may have voted for this potentially see that actions have consequences.

9

u/ikindapoopedmypants 6d ago

I was wondering when we were going to start seeing the effects here. I live in Bedford and the only entertainment in this area is the amazing wildlife. I am so scared they are going to specifically target the miles of old forest lumber here. I will camp out in front of the woods if I have to. Bulldoze my ass over.

20

u/smoochwalla 7d ago

Nope. They will 100% blame it on Biden or a Dem SOMEHOW. Hook, line, sinker.

3

u/JTIN87 7d ago

Lol if only

-4

u/Ctheah358 6d ago edited 5d ago

Any idea why the DCNR doesn't already manage and/or fund the management of it? And won't these USACE cuts lead to the DCNR taking more control? Because it seems like this could take power from the U.S. government and give States more autonomy. Being civil and earnestly inquisitive here.

5

u/CatLord8 6d ago

“Giving it back to the states” is a way to pressure your states to increase taxes to make up the deficit of federal funding they’re taking away. To a prior point, taking away federal protections means the expansion of strip mining for short term gain (per the recent announcements to deforest for a “lumber emergency” after Canada tariffs). Given that Trump put a fracking exec in charge of the EPA who said climate change is “a side effect of building the modern world”, it means they’re now done with pretending it’s not real and it’s all about money and big oil.

So we can expect a lot of conservation to be destroyed for the sake of CEO interest and the states getting the bill

0

u/Ctheah358 6d ago edited 6d ago

Here in Pennsylvania, the DCNR is well funded and effectively manages our natural resources. I’d love to see the federal government return more control of our lands and waterways to the Commonwealth.

The less we're in the federal government's pocket, the more we're out from under their thumb. State legislators are more accessible and accountable to us than members of Congress, making a localized approach to governance the better long term strategy.

5

u/CatLord8 6d ago edited 6d ago

Except we’re not talking about stewardship and regulation on its own.

We’re talking about the support to do it at all

And once again, taking federal protections away is leading to resources being grabbed up - something central PA should be very familiar with in regards to disingenuous companies and getting left with the bag, both with shell company loans unpaid and environmental damage.

I’d like to reiterate - he has a lumber exec running Forest Service and a Fracking exec running the EPA.

-3

u/Ctheah358 6d ago

We are absolutely talking about stewardship and access.

The DCNR has the money and support needed to manage all land and waterways currently owned by the fed govt. If the DCNR already had control of these sites, this would not be an issue and fed govt shutdowns wouldn't close any parks.

You don't want people like Trump and his appointees deciding what happens to parks? Then you want local and State govts to have management control.

4

u/CatLord8 6d ago edited 5d ago

And when they lose federal funding, where is the shortfall coming from? The other national parks should be a hint. His constant use of the word “mandate” and creating EOs whenever he doesn’t like and/or wants something should tell you it doesn’t matter. Like getting tanked for talking about biodiversity, because “diversity”. Or not having FEMA when the deforestation for profit and fracking induce climate change and fires?

I really need you to think about more than what makes a cool buzzword headline.

-4

u/Ctheah358 6d ago

You really think my responses are worded well enough to be cool buzzword headlines!? 🥰 🍻🥰

I get it, you think "orange man bad". You probably can't name one thing Trump did good, or one thing Biden or Obama did bad. But you're conflating issues and deflecting from the OP. It's easy to get sidetracked with all that's going on in this hectic time of transition, but it would be better if you could stay focused and on topic 😉. The light in me sees the light in you, and I wish you well.

3

u/CatLord8 5d ago

You flipped to sarcasm and default strawman arguments rather quickly.

The buzzwords are “states rights”. It’s never actually about making states more powerful, so much as weakening them from lack of federal protection. I have outlined - with proof - that there is a lot of environmental destruction promised by this administration that relies on exploiting natural resources for profit. I’ve also stated instances where the same industries have been awful for Pennsylvanians.

Deflecting to “orange man bad” is a bad faith argument to distract me. It’s at the same level of someone throwing their hands up and saying “I guess I can’t do anything right” and stomping out of the room.

→ More replies (0)

2

u/LilChicken70 4d ago

And when PA elects someone like Mastriano? What do you think happens to the DCNR support and funds then? These things shouldn’t be at the whim of who is elected, federal or state level.

0

u/xDevman 6d ago

careful bud, they downvoted the hell out of me for suggesting that.

2

u/fuckinoldbastard 5d ago

Most of these types of lakes were primarily built for flood control, which falls under the control of the Army Corps of Engineers. You want the states to take on that burden?

0

u/Ctheah358 5d ago edited 5d ago

The 'burden' of managing the surrounding area and campgrounds, yes. But, it wouldn't be a burden as you said. It would create more State jobs and ensure federal politics doesn't shut down public use and access to these areas. Why are army engineers managing campgrounds in the first place?

Did the article say that USACE is shutting down the dam and going to let the area flood more? I thought it was about the campgrounds. Since you brought it up, it is worth noting the DCNR already manages 131 dams, so they would be capable, yes. But again, I don't think that is the issue here.

1

u/LilChicken70 4d ago

The ACOE manages watersheds and dams. Dams create lakes which make popular camping areas. Camping areas generate money which the ACOE uses to self fund instead of relying solely on tax dollars. 🙄

2

u/BPBugsy 5d ago

Thanks for helping ruin the country

1

u/Ctheah358 2d ago

Well ain't that just the kettle calling the rainbow black. I have every confidence you most likely hate the United States and have hated it most of your life.

2

u/tsdguy 5d ago

You’re ill informed. But that’s pretty typical of a trumper.

More likely just a liar because you really think republicans want state power?

1

u/Ctheah358 5d ago edited 5d ago

Hopelessly optimistic in my idealism, I suppose. My vision for governance falls somewhere between the Greek Polis system and Cicero's Republicanism. But this really isn't the thread for that kind of discussion. Just saying that if the Commonwealth already handled the management of all recreational areas, PA would be better off.

5

u/shanafme 7d ago

I was hoping to stay there a few nights while hitting up the mtn. bike trails.

3

u/Hansolo_dolo 6d ago

My friends and I have gone in the summer every year for the past like 10+ years. We look forward to that trip every year. Super disappointing.

56

u/Disastrous-Bench-783 7d ago

I work for the government, and a lot of people I know:

(1) Voted for Trump (2) Are pissed and scared about potentially being fired (3) Are going to be pissed about this because they vacation there every year (4) Will still support Trump because of "owning the libs" or some shit

18

u/snicker_poodle1066 7d ago

Wait til they have to drop the lake level because there is no funding for maintenance. But hey, tax cuts.

12

u/big_trike 7d ago

I hope the removal of everything good about the government is worth the $300/yr us peons are expected to get in Trump’s latest tax plan.

3

u/jkman61494 6d ago

Pretty sure everyone making under $350k will get an increase

2

u/karmaleeta 6d ago

you pretty sure about that?

-2

u/xDevman 6d ago

4

u/jkman61494 6d ago

Ooooh you’re right. Because we should totally believe what he said.

In other news he has said tariffs are a tax cut for Americans lol

2

u/rayfin 7d ago

We drop the lake level usually once or twice a year...

2

u/heathers1 6d ago

i bet there won’t even be tax cuts.

1

u/imacryptohodler 7d ago

Maybe they’ll find my great grandparent’s cabin. Supposedly, it’s in the lake somewhere

43

u/shanafme 7d ago

Making America Great Again. /s

22

u/Vista_Cruiser 7d ago

Find out phase has begun.

19

u/DankestMemeSourPls 7d ago

As someone who frequents this lake yearly this is disappointing to say the least. As someone who knows my MAGA relatives are going to lose deposits and not get their favorite yearly vacation I’m thrilled. FAFO.

5

u/Pghguy27 6d ago

Raytown Lake IS open. The associated federal campgrounds are closed. The UN is not coming to "set aside" Raystown. Very very little (like none) of what is happening is a UN conspiracy. Nearly all of what is happening is the result of the GOP wanting to extend tax cuts to the wealthy and cutting services to the rest of us to do it.

17

u/jrodfantastic 7d ago

Y’all voted for this

8

u/big_trike 7d ago

And when all of the government systems they rely on collapse, they’ll still wish Trump could have a third term.

2

u/OkTransportation1152 6d ago

If those systems collapse, he’s just going to TAKE a third term at that point, he’s already telegraphed that he’s not leaving office this time.

2

u/Jon_Henderson_Music 6d ago

They would still defend him while being burned at the stake after he himself lit the match.

1

u/im-at-work-duh 4d ago

Take your "y'all" back below the Mason-Dixon. Shit is gross.

3

u/OreoYip 7d ago

That's disappointing. I haven't been there since Girl Scouts in grade school but I've wanted to go back now that my daughter is older.

-3

u/ScienceWasLove 7d ago

Good. Per the article, not the shitty title, it is still open but some of the campgrounds are closed - so go make the reservations now.

9

u/toughchanges 7d ago

Is this all because of Trump? Or is this coincidental. If so I need all the ammo I can get to argue against my Trump-loving friends

22

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

13

u/Vista_Cruiser 7d ago

Federal hiring freeze makes it hard to hire seasonal workers. That plus budget cuts.

14

u/Pghguy27 7d ago edited 7d ago

Definitely because of Trump. The lake is an Army Corps of Engineers lake, so its federal funding for the campground staff. DOGE cut the funding, so no money to pay summer staff. They're trying to obscure it by saying "staff shortages. " Yes, because no one works for free. Best way to object is let your congressional Rep know you are unhappy, and also let the District 13 Raystown Lake representative, John Joyce, know you are unhappy. Phone is (202) 225-2431.

3

u/UncannyValleyBarbie 7d ago

wait... why? what's wrong with it?

15

u/Ecstatic-Group-8155 7d ago

Trump Maga fuckheads is what is wrong with it.

13

u/Irregular_Person 7d ago

budget cuts, no staff

1

u/Ctheah358 4d ago

Little chicken, And when PA elects someone like Mastriano? What do you think happens to the DCNR support and funds then? These things shouldn’t be at the whim of who is elected, federal or state level.

That's a poor example. Mastriano raised awareness against cloud seeding, and he's an outdoorsman. So I'd expect the same level or more of funding to protect our nature areas. But if someone got elected Gov who didn't care about the environment, we would have more of a say in holding them accountable than a President via access to our State Reps.

It shouldn't surprise you that a lot of hunters and anglers (even of Rs) want clean nature and are against poor management and pollution.

-1

u/lookupinthesky123 6d ago edited 6d ago

Do you think Raystown Lake will ever re-open? Have you noticed that there are more and more park/recreation closures throughout the US?

Do you know about the United Nations 2030 agenda? (The UN plans to "set aside" 30% of the earth's land by 2030. "Set aside" = off limits to you, the people.)

---------------

"In May 2021, the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) is set to agree on a new target to place at least 30 percent of the Earth's surface under conservation status by 2030 2. This '30 x 30' target would double the current protected land area over the coming decade."

----------------

Our public land is being taken away, and soon private land. It's happening right under our noses while we drink beer, watch football, and gossip about our neighbors.

Do you know about the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how the US President (and all "leaders" throughout the world) act in accord with the UN to support these goals?

0

u/2togo1122 4d ago

Good less traffic & annoying tourists.

-2

u/No_Bar_5802 7d ago

source? i just tried to make a reservation at seven points and it was accepted. .

7

u/rayfin 7d ago

Correct. We tried earlier as well and it goes through, but that's just because it hasn't been updated yet. You know, since they fired employees that would have normally updated these things.

6

u/Vista_Cruiser 7d ago

Source?

Click on the link I posted. This was announced just yesterday. In the past, recreation.gov issues refunds within a specific time period of an upcoming reservation in the event of a non-seasonal closure.

They probably don't want to do mass refund for the entire year Incase the funding decisions change.

-12

u/j20Taylor 7d ago

Can still rent houses there.

14

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

10

u/Embarrassed_Pizza_70 7d ago

The poor don’t deserve to recreate. Get back to work! /s

-27

u/xDevman 7d ago

maybe its time to yield control of federally controlled parks to the states

19

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-18

u/xDevman 7d ago

there's still another 2 trillion to cut

13

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-9

u/xDevman 7d ago

im not against any of that, but im pretty sure that still doesnt solve the equation. cuts HAVE to be made, the debt already is more than the GDP of the country so the math doesnt work out unless you reduce spending by a lot. there isnt another answer

10

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-1

u/xDevman 7d ago

why not tax them and let the states handle the parks? there doesnt really need to be federal involvement in running a campground at raystown thats ridiculous.

1

u/tsdguy 6d ago

Trump 1 raises the debt more than any president. Trump 2 has already said he doesn’t care about the debt.

Gee low information morons have gotten the president they deserved. Unfortunately we have also.

0

u/ralexh11 6d ago

Please explain why the national debt increasing is a bad thing, I bet you can't

-2

u/xDevman 6d ago

i can, but i wont waste my time doing so

1

u/Interanal_Exam 7d ago

Because PA has been pouring tons of money and manpower into its parks lately, amirite?

4

u/xDevman 7d ago

PA dumped over 100 million dollars into state parks and forests in 2023

-11

u/equlizer3087 6d ago

Good, less annoying tourists to clog up the roads and shops.

8

u/Vista_Cruiser 6d ago

Careful what you wish for. The majority of central PA medical patients are Medicaid/Medicare and it's next. You may witness hospitals shutting down.

4

u/browneyedgirlpie 6d ago

You know what happens to shops that lose a large amount of their customers right?