Deborah Weisberg

Pennsylvania has taken a major step toward removing derelict, abandoned and at-risk boats from waters across the state.
Legislation aimed at empowering local authorities to rid waterways of these environmental and navigational hazards was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro July 1. HB 103 amends Title 30 of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Code to clearly define at-risk, derelict, and abandoned vessels (ADVs); authorize municipal officials to identify,  document and remove such boats; and impose tougher penalties on errant owners.

A Centre County man died while kayaking with friends on the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, Pa., June 13.
Michael Barney, 43, of State College, drowned when his kayak got caught in rapids on the lower Youghiogheny, according to Fayette County coroner Dr. Bob Baker, who was dispatched at 7:19 p.m. Barney was a longtime whitewater enthusiast who frequented the river.

Laurel Caverns in Fayette County is poised to become Pennsylvania’s first underground state park, pending approval by the state Legislature.
Gov. Josh Shapiro included the designation with a $5 million allocation in his 2025-26 budget, with an eye toward enhanced tourism and conservation of the cave’s geological features. Located on Chestnut Ridge in Forbes State Forest, Laurel Caverns is the largest calcareous sandstone cave in Pennsylvania and would become the state’s 125th state park.