Dateline 10 December 2021
(Erie, PA) The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), in charge of state parks, today announced the possible early closure of Presque Isle State Park on Saturday, 11 December 2021, due to forecast rain followed by extreme (60+ MPH) gusts of high wind Saturday afternoon.
Whereas the ‘digital traffic sign’ by the entrance to Presque Isle normally announces “Welcome to your park,” visitors today were instead greeted with a repositioned sign conveying a dire, albeit misspelled warning of severe weather and a possible early park shutdown.
Due to the number of large trees on Presque Isle and their propensity to topple over in high wind, Birding, PI.com encourages everyone in Erie to “stay safe, stay sane, and stay home,” as conditions warrant. The birds will be fine.
Recent tree damage across the Pine Tree Trail shows the impending danger. This is no joke, folks!
Meanwhile, Friday turned from overcast to generally lovely, mostly sunny, and ‘warm’ (mid-50’s deg F). Bird sightings on Presque Isle, hampered by duck season/hunters, included Ducks, Gulls, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Report to follow.
