Email sent from PALTA to state representatives on 6/27/17:

Dear [Representative]:

On behalf of the 75 member organizations of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and the 120,000 Pennsylvanians they count as members, I write to request your support of HB 544 and ask that you oppose all amendments with the exception of Rep. Maher’s A1763.

The final passage vote for this legislation last year was 187-2 in the House.

HB 544 would amend the Recreational Use of Land and Water Act to limit the liability for personal injury or property damage of landowners who generously open their lands to public use for hunting, bird watching, hiking, and other forms of recreation. It ensures they will not punished for allowing the public on their land free of charge.

The Association’s member organizations work with landowners to conserve their land and to provide safe and responsible recreational opportunities to the public. Landowner fear of liability is often an obstacle to establishing trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities. By providing assurance to landowners that their public-minded decisions to provide access won’t be punished with undue liability, House Bill 544 will expand recreational opportunities for the public.

Landowners and the public deserve the protections and recreational opportunities that this bill promotes. Both of their interests would benefit from the passage of this bill.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew M. Loza
Executive Director