Crowds of swimmers and jumpers flocked to The Rock and Kernsville Dam along the Schuylkill River in Tilden Township last summer. As the weather warms, the Department of Environmental Protection reminds people that the property is owned by the DEP and is not open to the public.
“DEP is committed to cutting down trespassing in the area and is exploring options to reduce or eliminate the attractions of the property, including the Kernsville Dam,” wrote Neil Shader, DEP Press Secretary, in an email April 21.
Last summer after the posting of A YouTube video, “Wild Things – Peace Rock / Cliff Jumping & Dam Sliding,” filmed by Nick Savino, people from near and far crowded onto the beach area of the Kernsville Dam, swimming in the river, sliding down the dam and jumping off The Rock. Illegal parking along Port Clinton Avenue, trash left behind and public safety were among the concerns expressed by local citizens and law enforcement. Safety concerns were confirmed after Essam Saba, 26, Allentown, drowned at the Rock on July 24, 2016.
“In the interest of public safety, DEP, with the cooperation of State Police and local municipalities, has already taken measures to cut down on trespassing on the property by restricting access to the site and putting up more ‘No Trespassing’ signs to discourage use of the area,” wrote Shader. “It is too soon to comment on other possible outcomes. There is no additional information at this time.”
Blue Mountain Wildlife Inc. maintains the trails in the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area.
“Regarding the coming summer, I can say that I hope the coming summer will see less traffic (and trash) than last summer, that I hope the efforts of PA DEP and local law enforcement to get the word out about the closing of the bulk of the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area to the public and the possible stiff penalties for ignoring the “No Trespassing” signs pay off, and that most if not all of the leadership of Blue Mountain Wildlife share my hopes,” said Gregg Adams, director and secretary of Blue Mountain Wildlife Inc. “I know that Tilden Police have already cited a number of individuals for trespass this spring. I believe that the leadership of Blue Mountain Wildlife would very much like to see the area opened up to the public once again, but understand that such a thing will not happen so long as the popularity of The Rock and the Kernsville Dam as destinations for thrill-seekers continues.”
DEP has a Community Information posting on their website at http://www.dep.pa.gov.
“DEP believes that it is vital for citizens to be informed about environmental issues in their communities, especially those issues that are of significant local interest and impact over an extended period of time,” DEP posts on the webpage. “It is the purpose of the Community Involvement section to make information about major environmental issues within the 15 counties of southcentral Pennsylvania conveniently located and accessible to all residents.”
On the webpage, DEP reminds residents and visitors that Kernsville Dam and The Rock and the property along the Schuylkill River upstream of the Kernsville Dam to State Route 61 in Berks County is not a public area and should not be used as such.
“Use of the property alongside and near the river, including Peace Rock, the dam, the beach area and all adjacent areas, is considered trespassing, except to provide portage around the Kernsville Dam. There are features on the properties at Kernsville Dam that present hazards to unauthorized persons. Boaters are allowed to use the river, aside from the area immediately before and after the dam, in accordance with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations.”
Visitors are reminded that vehicles parked illegally near the property will be ticketed and possibly towed, and anyone found on the site can be cited for trespassing. “No Trespassing” signs have been posted at various points on the property. While the property is state-owned, it is not open to the public for safety reasons, according to the webpage, which encourages visitors go to alternative sites open to the public for swimming and boating, including Tuscarora, French Creek, and Locust Lake state parks.
