The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned local park officials that protesters at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland could seek to camp illegally in the parks.
The National Park Service intends to transfer some law-enforcement personnel from other Midwest parks to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Summit and Cuyahoga counties for convention week, Superintendent Craig Kenkel said on Thursday.
“We’re looking to up our capacity,” he said.
He said he was unable to provide a firm number on how many additional rangers might be moved to Cuyahoga Valley on a temporary basis for the days surrounding the convention July 18-21.
The national park maintains a small campground with five sites at the Stanford House in Boston Township
The National Park Service “does not envision it being a problem,” Kenkel said.
Summit Metro Parks also is “not anticipating any problems” with people who are unable to get hotel rooms camping in the park system, Executive Director Lisa King said.
A recent meeting between the FBI and park rangers was “more of an informational-sharing activity,” she said.
The FBI, in a statement issued to newsnet5.com, said it is “not aware of any current threat or concern to any of the Metro Parks.”
The park system is not planning to do anything different during the Republican get-together, King said.
The park district’s 20 rangers will keep a close eye out for anyone trying to camp overnight in isolated areas of the parks, she said.
Anyone found camping in the park system will be told to leave or be arrested, officials said.
A permit is needed to camp in most areas of the park system, although the park district operates several primitive camp sites.
The park district does not intend to issue permits for camping during the Republican convention, officials said.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning@thebeaconjournal.com.