PROPOSED RULEMAKING
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
[17 PA. CODE CH. 11]
State Parks; General Provisions
[32 Pa.B. 1611] The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Department), Bureau of State Parks (Bureau), proposes to amend Chapter 11 (relating to general provisions). The amendments update the chapter to improve the protection of State park resources, the safety of visitors and the recreational opportunities of park visitors.
These proposed amendments also reorganize Chapter 11 and eliminate unnecessary provisions. The present sections of Chapter 11 are deleted and replaced with §§ 11.201--11.224.
Statutory Authority
These amendments are proposed under the authority in sections 303, 313 and 314 of the Conservation and Natural Resources Act (act) (71 P. S. §§ 1340.303, 1340.313 and 1340.314); and 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 7505 and 7506 (relating to violation of governmental rules regarding traffic; and violation of rules regarding conduct on Commonwealth property).
Background and purpose
Under Executive Order 1996-1, the Department reviewed Chapter 11 and determined that it needed to be updated, reorganized and streamlined. This proposed rulemaking is intended to accomplish these objectives, as well as to incorporate the flexibility to expand recreational opportunities of the public in State parks.
The substance of most provisions in the current Chapter 11 is retained in the proposed amended chapter, but many of these provisions appear in a different arrangement. In addition, unnecessary provisions have been eliminated. These include provisions that would more appropriately be in the form of permit conditions rather than regulations; provisions that are matters of internal Department policy rather than rules governing conduct of the public in State parks; and provisions that merely restate Fish and Boat Commission regulations.
In the current Chapter 11, many rules of conduct carry criminal penalties--the offender may be cited with a summary offense--while others do not. The only means of enforcing the latter is to order the offender to leave a State park. An offender who refuses to leave may be charged with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. In the revised Chapter 11, all rules of conduct carry a criminal penalty. Therefore, the revised chapter gives officers more flexibility in enforcing the regulations--if a regulation needs to be enforced against a park visitor, the officer may either cite the offender for violating the regulation or order the offender to leave the State park.
Finally, as a result of several successful pilot programs, this proposed rulemaking liberalizes some provisions in Chapter 11 to expand recreational opportunities in State parks.
Summary of the Proposed Amendments
Title. The title of Subpart B is changed from ''State Recreation Areas'' to ''State Parks,'' and all references throughout Chapter 11 to ''State Recreation Area'' are changed accordingly. This change is being made because the act uses the term ''State parks'' to refer to land which the Department has jurisdiction to acquire and administer for State park purposes. The term ''State Recreation Areas'' does not appear in the act.
Definitions. Section 11.201 (relating to definitions) replaces current § 11.1 (relating to definitions). The new definition of ''State park'' includes all areas which, under the act, the Department has the authority to acquire and administer for State park purposes. The terms ''family unit'' and ''resident'' are deleted from the definition section because they are not used in the revised chapter. It should be noted that the term ''resident'' is also not used in current Chapter 11.
Scope. Section 11.202 (relating to scope) replaces current § 11.2 (relating to scope).
State park waters. Section 11.203 (relating to State park waters) replaces current § 11.62 (relating to State Recreation Area waters). Current § 11.62(d) is deleted because it consists of both internal Department policy, which does not require a regulation, and a provision that is redundant with new § 11.204 (relating to application of Fish and Boat Commission rules and Game Commission rules).
Fish and boat and game rules. Section 11.204 replaces current § 11.7 (relating to application of game and fish rules).
Trespass. Section 11.205 (relating to trespass) replaces current § 11.6 (relating to trespass).
Property left in a State park. Section 11.206 (relating to property left in a State park) replaces current § 11.15 (relating to property left in State Recreation Areas).
Traffic and parking. Section 11.207 (relating to traffic and parking) replaces current §§ 11.3, 11.4 and 11.16 (relating to crimes and offenses--traffic and parking; application of the Vehicle Code; and bus parking). It adds as a summary offense parking without the proper authorization in an area designated for persons with disabilities.
Vehicle Code. The provision in current § 11.4 stating that the Vehicle Code is applicable in State parks is eliminated in the revised chapter because it has been a source of confusion and is unnecessary. The intent of the provision was to make the public aware that the regulations governing operation of a vehicle in a State park do not negate the applicability of 75 Pa.C.S. (relating to the Vehicle Code. The provision is not necessary because the Vehicle Code's applicability in any given situation or location is governed by the provisions of the Vehicle Code itself.
Schedule; closure. Section 11.208 (relating to schedule; closure) replaces current §§ 11.8, 11.111 and 11.122 (relating to schedule; evening driving; and fishing hours). In response to requests by the public, particularly those who enjoy jogging and walking in the early morning, the new section provides that State parks will open at sunrise (unless otherwise posted), rather than at 8 a.m. under current § 11.8.
Current § 11.8 allows use of camping facilities and cabins 24-hours a day by persons who have permits. This provision is deleted in new § 11.208 because it is contained in permits issued to these persons.
New § 11.208 adds hunting, trapping and snowmobiling as activities that are permitted 24-hours a day. This provision reflects current Bureau policy.
Miscellaneous activities. Section 11.209 (relating to miscellaneous activities) replaces current § 11.5(a)(3), (5) and (7)--(14) (relating to crimes and offenses--general). It also prohibits the following activities: removing or disturbing an historical or archeological artifact, relic or object; bringing an animal, other than a pet, into a State park; failing to comply with a condition of a permit; obstructing or impeding persons or vehicles, or subjecting persons to unwanted physical contact or unwanted verbal behavior; failing to dress appropriately; and storing or leaving food in a manner that is reasonably likely to attract wildlife.
Fires. Section 11.210 (relating to fires) replaces current § 11.5(a)(17) and (18) and adds a new prohibition against disposing hot charcoal except in a facility designated by the Department for charcoal disposal.
Natural resources. Section 11.211 (relating to natural resources) replaces current § 11.9 (relating to wood) and § 11.5(a)(4), which prohibit cutting, removing, damaging or defacing a tree, rock, plant or other natural object. However, under the new section, gathering edible fruits, nuts, berries and fungi (other than threatened, endangered, rare or vulnerable wild plants) in reasonable amounts for one's own personal or family consumption is permitted. In addition, gathering dead and down wood for use within the State park in designated campfire facilities is permitted. The new section prohibits planting seeds, trees, shrubs or plants; feeding wildlife; and releasing animals that were brought into a State park.
Pets. Section 11.212 (relating to pets) replaces current § 11.5(a)(19) and § 11.11 (relating to pets). The current sections require a 6-foot leash for pets. As a result of a successful pilot program, new § 11.212 does not mandate a maximum leash length. Instead, it states that if posting specifies the maximum length, the leash may not exceed this length. In addition, it permits use of a cage or crate as an alternative to leashing.
New § 11.212 adds the following conditions to the keeping of a pet in a State park: the pet may not behave in a manner that may reasonably be expected to disturb or intimidate another person; it may not behave in a manner that may cause damage to property; its droppings must be disposed of in trash receptacles or outside the park; and it must have been licensed and vaccinated as required by law.
Organized events; public assemblies; distribution of written material. Section 11.213 (relating to organized events; public assemblies; distribution of printed matter) replaces current § 11.5(a)(6) and (12) and current § 11.13 (relating to proselytism and distribution of printed matter). The new section generally prohibits organized events, public assemblies or distribution of printed matter without written permission of the Department. The procedure for requesting permission and for the Department's handling of a request is substantially the same as under the current § 11.13, but the provision has been simplified.
Waste. Section 11.214 (relating to waste) replaces current § 11.5(a)(15) and (16). The prohibition against disposing of waste is expanded to specify the types of material that are considered to be waste and to refer to posted instructions.
Weapons and hunting. Section 11.215 (relating to weapons and hunting) replaces current §§ 11.5(a)(7) and 11.10 and § 11.115 (relating to duck hunting). A provision is added prohibiting target-shooting except in areas designated by the Department. This target-shooting provision reflects current Bureau policy.
General recreational activity; horses; snowmobiles; all-terrain vehicles; mountain bikes. Section 11.216 (relating to general recreational activity; horses; snowmobiles; all-terrain vehicles; mountain bikes) replaces current § 11.12 (relating to recreational activity). The provision relating to horses is expanded to prohibit hitching or confining a horse in a manner that may cause damage to property, and to require the disposal outside the park of droppings from hitched or confined horses. The meaning of ''antlerless deer season'' in relation to the use of snowmobiles is clarified to allow for changes in Game Commission regulations establishing deer seasons. A new provision is added permitting mountain bikes on trails only if the trail is posted as being open for mountain biking. This biking provision reflects current Bureau policy and practice.
Swimming. Section 11.217 (relating to swimming) replaces the following current sections under ''Swimming Areas'': §§ 11.21--11.27.
Current § 11.25 (relating to closure), which states that the Department will close entry to a swimming area when it reaches capacity, is eliminated in the revised chapter, because it is a matter of internal Department policy and does not require a regulation.
Under the new § 11.217, hours during which swimming is permitted are as posted.
The provisions relating to attire worn in designated swimming areas are expanded. Clothing may not display lifeguard lettering or insignia. In swimming pools, children who are not toilet-trained must be clothed in leak-proof clothing. The requirements concerning supervision of children are more specific than the current requirements. Current § 11.27 (relating to supervision of children required) requires that children 9 years of age or younger be supervised by a ''responsible'' person. The new provision requires that children under 10 years of age be supervised ''competently and effectively by a person at least 14 years of age.''
Provisions addressing diving and sports activities are added. Running-entry diving, diving from the shoulders of another person and head-first diving from poolside in shallow water are prohibited.
Because of a successful pilot program, aquatic apparatus that is prohibited under current § 11.23 (relating to aquatic apparatus) is allowed under new § 11.217(8) if permission is given by posting or by an on-duty lifeguard. Similarly, engaging in sports activities, including water polo, volleyball, disc throwing and catch, is prohibited unless permission is given by posting or by an on-duty lifeguard.
Camping; overnight facilities. Section 11.218 (relating to camping; overnight facilities) replaces current § 11.5(21). It prohibits camping or using an overnight facility without a permit.
The sections in current Chapter 11 that govern the conduct of persons using overnight facilities are eliminated in the revised chapter and will appear instead as conditions of the permits issued to these persons, including §§ 11.32--11.39, 11.101 and 11.102. Section 11.209(b)(1) of this proposed rulemaking prohibits the failure to comply with a condition of a permit.
Some provisions under ''Camping Areas'' and ''Cabin Areas'' in current Chapter 11 are matters of internal Department policy and do not require regulations. For that reason they are eliminated in the revised chapter, including §§ 11.31, 11.32(d), 11.34(a) and 11.41(c). Sections 11.34(b) and 11.41(b) (relating to camping permits; and occupancy and use of cabins) are deleted because they are statements of statutory authority and are not needed as regulations.
Boating. Many of the boating provisions in current Chapter 11 are merely reiterations of Fish and Boat Commission regulations. These provisions are eliminated in the proposed rulemaking because they are enforceable as Fish and Boat Commission regulations. The provisions being eliminated are the following sections under ''Boating Areas'': §§ 11.68--11.71 and 11.73; and the following sections under ''Special Provisions for Presque Isle State Park'': §§ 11.117, 11.119, 11.121(a) and 11.124.
New § 11.219 (relating to boating) applies to boating other than whitewater boating. It replaces the following sections under ''Boating Areas'': §§ 11.63 and 11.72--11.74; and the following sections under ''Special Provisions for Presque Isle State Park'': §§ 11.118 and 11.121(b) (relating to boating near beach areas; and anchoring of watercraft).
The provisions in current §§ 11.61 and 11.64 (relating to use; and mooring and dock space--general) are eliminated in the revised chapter because they are matters of internal Department policy or are more appropriate as permit conditions than as regulations.
Two current sections under ''Special Provisions for Presque Isle State Park'' are eliminated because they covered by other provisions. Section 11.120 (relating to hydroplaning) is eliminated because it is covered by a Fish and Boat Commission regulation establishing a slow, no-wake zone for boating within 500 feet of shore at Presque Isle State Park. Section 11.121(b) is eliminated because it is covered by new § 11.219(e)(1).
As a result of a successful pilot program, new § 11.219(b)(4)(viii) permits the use of surfboards and body boards in designated areas of Presque Isle State Park.
New § 11.219(e)(1)(ii) replaces current § 11.94 (relating to boat mooring) under ''Special Provisions for Point State Park.''
Current § 11.73 (relating to motor boats) specifies power restrictions for motorboats at each park where boating is permitted. Only electric motors are permitted at some parks, and horsepower limits are specified for most parks where internal combustion engines are allowed. New § 11.219 replaces these power restrictions with a requirement that boaters must comply with power restrictions as posted. Although the power restrictions posted at each park are established by Fish and Boat Commission regulations, the removal of these restrictions from Chapter 11 and the reliance on posting allows for flexibility in the future.
Whitewater boating. Section 11.220 (relating to whitewater boating) replaces current § 11.75 (relating to whitewater boating). The quota provisions in § 11.75(a)(3) are eliminated from the chapter because they are matters of internal Department policy and do not require regulations. Provisions applicable to whitewater boating at all three whitewater State parks have been consolidated under subsections (a), entitled ''general requirements'' and (b), entitled ''general prohibitions'' of new § 11.220. Subsection (c) contains additional provisions applicable only to Ohiopyle State Park; subsection (d) applies only to Lehigh Gorge State Park and subsection (e) applies only to McConnells Mill State Park.
As a result of a successful pilot program, the prohibition in current § 11.75(a)(3)(iv) prohibiting weekend and holiday use of the Youghiogheny River Loop before 3 p.m. from May 1 to September 30 is eliminated.
Point State Park. Section 11.221 (relating to special provisions for Point State Park) replaces current §§ 11.91, 11.92, 11.95 and 11.96 under ''Special Provisions for Point State Park.'' Under new § 11.221(4), an exception is permitted to the prohibition against wheeled recreational equipment, such as bicycles. The Department can allow an exception by means of posting or written permission. This is a liberalization of current § 11.96 (relating to recreational equipment), which allows no exception to the prohibition against the equipment, and is the result of a successful pilot program at Point State Park. Under this pilot program, posting states that bicycling is permitted on a route from the north side of the park along the walkway on the Fort Duquesne Bridge, through the Park's portal, then exiting the Park at the north end of Commonwealth Place
Section 11.93 (relating to group activities) is deleted from the Point State Park provisions because it is redundant with new § 11.213. Section 11.94 is replaced by new § 11.219(e)(1)(ii).
Presque Isle State Park. Section 11.222 (relating to special provisions for Presque Isle State Park) replaces current §§ 11.112, 11.113 and 11.123 (relating to visiting after closing; violation of night parking permit; and seining for bait). Current § 11.116 (relating to duck blind permits) is eliminated in the revised chapter because it is a matter of internal Department policy and is not required as a regulation.
Violation of rules regarding conduct in State parks--summary offense. Section 11.223 (relating to violation of rules regarding conduct in State parks) is a new provision. Under this section, engaging in any activity that is prohibited under Chapter 11 (other than a traffic or parking offense, which is covered under new § 11.207) constitutes a summary offense. This new provision is intended to correct several problems in the current Chapter 11.
First, under the current Chapter 11, confusion often arises from the fact that the violation of some rules is clearly identified as a summary offense, but the violation of others is not. The only means of enforcing the latter is for a law enforcement officer to order the offender to leave the park; a person who refuses to leave the park may then be charged with the misdemeanor of criminal trespass. There appears to be no rational basis for considering some types of violations but not others as summary offenses. The new § 11.223 will eliminate this distinction and will allow any rule to be enforced as a summary offense.
Second, § 11.223 will give law enforcement officers greater flexibility in enforcing the rules and regulations in Chapter 11. Currently, if a park officer determines that enforcement is necessary in a particular situation, and the violation is not one of those listed in Chapter 11 as being a summary offense, the officer has no alternative but to order the offender to leave the park; if the offender refuses to leave, the park officer may file a charge of criminal trespass, which is a misdemeanor. Under the new § 11.223, the park officer has the option of issuing a summary citation to enforce any regulation.
Prices. Section 11.224 (relating to prices) replaces current §§ 11.14 and 11.164 (relating to volunteer projects and State Recreation Area promotion; and fees). The reference in current § 11.164 to the Environmental Quality Board is eliminated because under section 313(f) of act, the Environmental Quality Board has no authority over matters within the Department's jurisdiction. New § 11.224 does not itemize the activities, uses and privileges for which fees may be charged. These items and the prices to be charged will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Affected Individuals
Chapter 11 governs the conduct of visitors to State parks, and therefore, State park visitors will be affected by the revisions to this chapter. In 2001, State parks had 36--38 million visitors. The proposed rulemaking adds rules of conduct, liberalizes some current rules of conduct and revises the application of criminal sanctions for violation of rules of conduct.
Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The revision of Chapter 11 will result in no additional costs or paperwork requirements for the general public, local governments or the private sector. The only additional costs for the Commonwealth will be the Department's costs in revising rules and regulations booklets, summaries of rules and regulations for posting in State parks, web pages and permits to include conditions that are being eliminated from Chapter 11; posting horsepower limits for motorboats; and posting length limits for pet leashes.
Effective Date/Sunset Date
These amendments will be effective upon publication of final-form rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Chapter 11 will thereafter be monitored by the Department to determine whether the regulations effectively fulfill the goals for which they were intended.
Contact Person
These proposed amendments are posted on the Department's website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us. Written comments, suggestions or objections from interested persons will be accepted by the Department for 60 days after publication of these proposed amendments in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The comments may be directed to Gary Smith, Chief, Division of Park Operations and Maintenance, Bureau of State Parks, P. O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; fax (717) 783-5017; or e-mail at garyksmith@state.pa.us.
Alternative means of providing comments and alternative formats of the proposed amendments may be made available to persons with disabilities upon request by contacting Gary Smith at (717) 787-8800 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD).
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on March 13, 2002, the Department submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and the Chairpersons of the Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committees for review and comment. In addition to submitting the proposed rulemaking, the Department has provided IRRC and the Committees with a copy of a detailed Regulatory Analysis Form prepared by the Department in compliance with Executive Order 1996-1, ''Regulatory Review and Promulgation.'' A copy of this material is available to the public upon request.
If IRRC has any objections to any portion of the proposed rulemaking, it will notify the Department by June 21, 2002. The notification shall specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met by that portion. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for the Department, the Governor and the General Assembly to review these objections before final publication of the regulations.
JOHN C. OLIVER,
SecretaryFiscal Note: 7B-3. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 17. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subpart B. STATE [RECREATIONAL AREAS] PARKS
CHAPTER 11. GENERAL PROVISIONS (Editor's Note: The Department is proposing to delete the current version of Chapter 11 as it appears in Pennsylvania Code pages 1-1 to 11-39 (serial pages (217041) to (217079)).
Sec.
11.1--11.16. (Reserved). 11.21--11.27. (Reserved). 11.31--11.39. (Reserved). 11.41--11.52. (Reserved). 11.61--11.83. (Reserved). 11.91--11.96. (Reserved). 11.101--11.102. (Reserved). 11.111--11.124. (Reserved). 11.151--11.164. (Reserved).
11.201. Definitions. 11.202. Scope. 11.203. State park waters. 11.204. Application of Fish and Boat Commission rules and Game Commission rules. 11.205. Trespass. 11.206. Property left in a State park. 11.207. Traffic and parking. 11.208. Schedule; closure. 11.209. Miscellaneous activities. 11.210. Fires. 11.211. Natural resources. 11.212. Pets. 11.213. Organized events; public assemblies; distribution of printed matter. 11.214. Waste. 11.215. Weapons and hunting. 11.216. General recreational activity; horses; snowmobiles; all-terrain vehicles; mountain bikes. 11.217. Swimming. 11.218. Camping; overnight facilities. 11.219. Boating. 11.220. Whitewater boating. 11.221. Special provisions for Point State Park. 11.222. Special provisions for Presque Isle State Park. 11.223. Violation of rules regarding conduct in State parks. 11.224. Prices. § 11.201. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act--The Conservation and Natural Resources Act (71 P. S. §§ 1340.101--1340.1102).
Commercial activity--An activity in which a person directly or indirectly accepts consideration of value as compensation for the provision of goods or services, including transportation.
Crimes Code--Title 18 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Department--
(i) The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth.
(ii) The term includes authorized officials of the Department.
Designated swimming area--
(i) A swimming pool, wading pool or the area of a natural or artificially constructed pond, lake, stream, river, bay, tidal waters or other body of water, which is designated, developed, maintained and operated by a State park for bathing and swimming purposes.
(ii) The term includes the land, buildings, equipment and appurtenances used in connection with the body of water.
Fish and Boat Code--Title 30 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Game and Wildlife Code--Title 34 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Person--A corporation, company, club, firm, association, society, partnership, joint stock company, governmental agency or individual.
Pet--A dog, cat or other domestic animal.
State park--
(i) An area under the jurisdiction of the Department acquired or administered as a park under section 303 of the act (71 P. S. § 1340.303) or designated or administered as a park under section 302(a)(12) of the act (71 P. S. § 1340.302(a)(12)).
(ii) The term includes:
(A) A State park.
(B) A State park preserve.
(C) A parkway.
(D) A conservation area as defined in § 44.1 (relating to defined) that is administered and managed by the Department's Bureau of State Parks.
(E) A State Park Natural Area as defined in § 17.2 (relating to State Parks Natural Area definition).
(F) An environmental education center administered by the Department's Bureau of State Parks.
(G) State park waters under § 11.203 (relating to State park waters).
Summer season--The period beginning on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day.
Vehicle Code--Title 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
§ 11.202. Scope.
(a) This chapter applies to State parks.
(b) The prohibitions in this chapter do not apply to authorized Department employees, authorized volunteers and concessionaires acting within the scope of their duties or concession agreement, or to Federal, State and municipal law enforcement officers performing their official duties.
§ 11.203. State park waters.
The Department has jurisdiction over the following bodies of water:
(1) General.
(i) Lakes, water impoundments and other bodies of water that are wholly owned by the Department or completely surrounded by State park land.
(ii) Creeks, streams and nonnavigable rivers that run through or along State parks.
(iii) Water areas within a 100-foot safety zone around launching, swimming, docking, mooring and marina facilities at State parks.
(2) Presque Isle State Park. Misery Bay, Marina Lake, Thompson Bay, Horseshoe Pond, Duck Pond, lagoons and all the waters in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay within 500 feet of the low-water mark of the peninsula of Presque Isle.
(3) Pymatuning State Park. Pymatuning Lake.
§ 11.204. Application of Fish and Boat Commission rules and Game Commission rules.
Title 58 Pa. Code Parts II and III (relating to Fish and Boat Commission; and Game Commission) apply in State parks to activities under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission. However, to the extent that this chapter is more restrictive than 58 Pa. Code Part II or III, this chapter applies.
§ 11.205. Trespass.
(a) A person who violates this chapter, disregards an instruction or warning given by a Department-commissioned officer or interferes in the performance of the duties of a Department-commissioned officer, may be ordered to leave a State park.
(b) A person who refuses to leave a State park after receiving an order to leave from a Department-commissioned officer commits an act of criminal trespass under section 3503(b) of the Crimes Code (relating to criminal trespass).
§ 11.206. Property left in a State park.
(a) Property that has been left in a State park for more than 24 hours without written permission of the Department, or property that impedes public access or navigation, may be moved or removed by the Department and placed in storage at the State park. The property may be subject to disposal under Article XIII.1 of The Fiscal Code (72 P. S. §§ 1301.1--1301.29) or as otherwise provided by law or by agreement between the owner and the Department.
(b) Property that has been stored under this section will be released from storage only upon adequate proof of ownership and payment of the charges established under § 11.224 (relating to prices).
§ 11.207. Traffic and parking.
(a) Traffic. Operation of a motor vehicle, as defined in the Vehicle Code, as follows is prohibited:
(1) On a State park road at a speed in excess of the posted limit or, where no speed limit is posted, in excess of 25 miles per hour.
(2) On a State park road, lane, trail or area that is posted as closed to motor vehicles, except with permission of the Department.
(3) Off a road or outside a parking area, except on a trail or in an area posted as open to motor vehicles, or except with written permission of the Department.
(4) So as to cause noise that would likely annoy or disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.
(5) Not in obedience to traffic-control devices.
(6) For purposes of commercial activity without written permission from the Department.
(b) Parking. The following activities are prohibited:
(1) Parking a motor vehicle, boat trailer, camp trailer or other vehicle or equipment in an area designated by the Department for persons with a disability unless the vehicle is operated by, or for the transportation of, a person with a disability or a severely disabled veteran and the vehicle displays one of the following:
(i) A valid person-with-disability registration plate or a valid severely-disabled-veteran registration plate, issued in accordance with the Vehicle Code, or a substantially equivalent issuance from another state.
(ii) A valid person-with-disability parking placard or a valid severely-disabled-veteran placard, issued in accordance with the Vehicle Code, or a substantially equivalent issuance from another state.
(iii) A valid placard provided by the Department's Bureau of State Parks indicating issuance of authorization to operate the vehicle on State park land.
(2) Parking a motor vehicle, boat trailer, camp trailer or other vehicle or equipment as follows without written permission of the Department:
(i) In an area other than an area designated by the Department for parking.
(ii) In a location that obstructs a gate, road, trail, footpath, bicycle path, access way, drinking fountain, entrance, exit or road turnaround.
(iii) In an area that is posted as closed.
(iv) At a campsite.
(v) When the park is closed under § 11.208 (relating to schedule; closure).
(3) Parking a bus in an area that is posted as being closed for buses.
(c) Removal; storage. A motor vehicle, boat trailer, camp trailer or other vehicle or equipment parked in violation of subsection (b) may be removed and stored at the owner's expense upon authorization of the Department.
(d) Violations. Engaging in an activity in violation of this section constitutes a summary offense under section 7505 of the Crimes Code (relating to violation of government rules regarding traffic).
(e) Parking tickets.
(1) Prior to filing a citation charging a summary offense for violation of subsection (b), the Department may issue a parking ticket, which will be handed to the violator or placed on the windshield of the violator's vehicle. The Department will not file a citation if the violator pays a charge to the Department in the amount of the maximum fine as provided in section 7505 of the Crimes Code within 5 days of the violation as specified on the ticket.
(2) If it has issued a parking ticket, the Department will file a citation only if the violator fails to pay the charge within the time limit specified in paragraph (1) and in the manner specified on the ticket, as provided for in 234 Pa. Code (relating to rules of criminal procedure).
(3) If it has not issued a parking ticket, the Department may file a citation as provided for in the 234 Pa. Code.
(f) Violations of parking provisions of the Vehicle Code. Violations of sections 3351--3354 of the Vehicle Code (relating to stopping, standing and parking) will be handled in accordance with subsection (e) except that the amount of the charge imposed by a parking ticket will be $15.
§ 11.208. Schedule; closure.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b)--(f), as otherwise provided in this chapter, and as otherwise posted, State parks are open to the public daily only from sunrise until sunset.
(b) Point State Park. Point State Park is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(c) Presque Isle State Park. Presque Isle State Park is open to the public from 5 a.m. until sunset. After sunset, it is open only to tenants, persons with visitor passes and persons engaged in evening driving. The closing hour for evening driving is as posted.
(d) Fishing and boating. Subject to § 11.219 (relating to boating), areas designated for fishing and nonwhitewater boating are open to the public for these purposes 24-hours per day. However, at Presque Isle State Park, fishing is permitted only during hours when the park is open to the public.
(e) Hunting and trapping. Subject to § 11.215 (relating to weapons and hunting), areas designated by the Department for hunting are open to the public for hunting and trapping 24-hours per day.
(f) Snowmobiling. Subject to § 11.216 (relating to general recreational activity; horses; snowmobiles; all-terrain vehicles; mountain bikes), snowmobiling is permitted 24-hours per day.
(g) Closings and restrictions. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the Department may close a State park, portion of a State park, or State park facility or may restrict it to certain uses or activities.
(h) Prohibited activities. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the Department may prohibit certain uses or activities in a State park, portion of a State park or State park facility.
(i) Informing the public. The public will be informed of the closure, restriction or prohibition under subsection (g) or (h) by any form of communication, which may include this chapter or posting, or by fencing, barricade, gate or other structure or device manifestly designed to exclude intruders.
(j) Prohibitions.
(1) Entering, using or remaining in a State park, area or facility that is not open to the public or that has been closed under this section is prohibited, unless permitted by the Department.
(2) Using, or engaging in activities in, a State park, area or facility in violation of a restriction or prohibition under subsection (g) or (h) is prohibited, unless permitted by the Department.
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