No permits for hunting will be issued for Franko Farm Park in Salisbury Township.

“I’m not going to issue permits,” Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo said.

Sabo made the announcement, with the backing of the township solicitor and board of commissioners, at the Sept. 14 Salisbury Township meeting.

Sabo said he would post Franko Park with “No Hunting” notices.

Attorney John F. “Jack” Gross, managing partner, Gross McGinley LLP, township solicitor, said Sabo was entitled to make the decision. The commissioners could codify the ruling.

Under the Salisbury Township Parks and Recreation Ordinance, hunting is permitted in Franko Park and Riverside Park (Walking Purchase Park) during approved hunting seasons of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Only archery (bow and arrow) is allowed unless hunters are participating in the junior hunting program, as established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and designated in 2003 for Riverside Park when only shotguns are permitted.

Hunters register with the Salisbury Township Police Department.

Pennsylvania deer season for archery and crossbow is Sept. 17 through Nov. 25 and Dec. 26 through Jan. 28, 2024; for regular firearms, Nov. 27 through Dec. 10 and for junior license, Oct. 20-22.

Pennsylvania Elk Season for archery is Sept. 10-24. There are other hunting seasons for small game, wild turkey and black bear.

Sabo detailed his decision concerning ending hunting in Franko Park during the Sept. 14 meeting when “Review & Discuss Franko Park Hunting Guidelines” was the only topic on the workshop agenda.

Several factors apparently figured into Sabo’s decision. In a letter presented to commissioners, Sabo explained:

“In recent years, many concerns have been brought up about hunting at Franko Park. It was discussed and determined that both hunting and recreation should be maintained at Franko Park since no one group should be excluded from recreation.

“We all agree that hunters attempt to conserve the land and wildlife in a manner consistent with all of our values and mindset within the park setting.

“We have had complaints about hunters, tree stands and parking, but no incidents that caused bodily injury or property damage.

“That being said, township staff have discussed issues with the current plan. Pennsylvania Game Commission requires a 150-yard ‘safety zone’ around any occupied structure or building.

“Several concerns have been brought to light with new houses being built, sale of school district land with possible construction and master site plan being developed with regard to Franko Park and its uses.

“The mixing of recreation, sports, walking trails, dogs and hunters all at the same time can give cause for concern and it may be time to consider alternatives.

“The good news is,” Sabo’s letter continued “that the Wildlands Conservancy purchased over 186 acres and has designated over half of this as an archery-only hunting zone just like Franko Park.

“Two parking areas are offered, either on Black River Road or Church Road. This location is named Black River Sanctuary. They require registration via phone at 610-965-4397 and also notify the Pennsylvania Game Commission of all registered participants (They have a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for enforcement and assistance.).

“Salisbury Township Police issued 130 hunting permits and three junior permits for 2022. I reached out to Wildlands and their process is very easy to register. This would be a great alternative to hunting in Franko and alleviates the above-stated issues.

“If we continue to allow hunting at Franko Park we will need to reduce the area that hunting is allowed in order to follow safety guidelines for hunting.

“Sandy Nicolo [Salisbury Township assistant manager] has done a map to outline this information and it constricts drastically where hunting will be permitted.

“It is my recommendation that at the time, given all the above information, that we do not allow hunting at Franko Park and recommend hunting across the street.

“It is also my recommendation that we continue the program in Walking Purchase Park where recreation and hunting are less likely to mix on a daily basis. I feel this gives an equal opportunity to all to partake in multiple activities while maintaining an enhanced safety in our park system,” Sabo concluded in his letter.

Salisbury Township meetings in the municipal building include: 7 p.m. Sept. 27, planning commission and 7 p.m. Sept. 28, board of commissioners.