GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WKBW) — A delayed start to camping season has turned into an indefinite closure. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz's order for all campgrounds to close went into effect on Wednesday.
Based on reports we've received, and as approved by NYS, today I've signed an emergency order closing all campgrounds (as defined by NY law and which require a permit to operate) in Erie County, and prohibiting camping at any of these sites, effective 9 am tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/LudY3KsxnO
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) April 14, 2020
"It could be devastating to a small business like us because we rely on that revenue to pay the staff," Branches of Niagara partner Tom McLaughlin said. "As well as all the capital work and the maintenance. So we can't do it without people coming here."
The cabins at Branches of Niagara campground on Grand Island are 50 feet apart, which is well above the social distancing requirement. The staff was taking additional measures to be ready to open by mid-May.
"Even the way things are today, we believe that campgrounds are a great place where we could have a safe interaction with people where they're not close to each other," McLaughlin said. "We think it's very doable."
If you've got cabin fever, a wooden cabin in Erie County is no longer an option. Campgrounds will remain closed until the county's order is lifted.
