HARRISBURG, Pa. (June 9) – In response to public concerns about the recently announced temporary boating limitations at the West Falls Access in Exeter Township, Wyoming County, which were set to be implemented from June 10 through September 10, 2025, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that the planned limitations will be delayed for a minimum of two weeks while alternative action is considered.
Pending any additional announcements, the new dates of the temporary limitations, which will restrict vehicle access to the boat launch and prohibit all powered boating, will be effective from June 27 through September 10, 2025.
During the 2024 summer boating season from June through September, the PFBC was alerted to a significant increase in illegal activity at the West Falls Access. Primarily, illegal activity included large groups of people using the boat launch to drive vehicles onto the shallow section of riverbed along the shore of the North Branch Susquehanna River. The PFBC along with Pennsylvania State Police and local authorities attempted to control and monitor this unlawful activity, resulting in approximately 500 vehicles being turned away from entering the boat launch. This season, the PFBC will continue to work with Exeter Township to address the concerns of local residents, safety concerns for the public and PFBC staff, and environmental concerns, while continuing to provide as much boating access as possible.
Anyone planning to use PFBC owned or controlled properties, including the West Falls Access and hundreds of other access areas across the Commonwealth, should review the regulations for using these properties in advance of their visit and obey all posted signs and warnings located on site.