An “ongoing law enforcement issue” has temporarily closed the recreation areas around the Kinzua Dam in Warren, Pa. The closure is due to a reported threat. P-J photo by Josh Cotton

WARREN, Pa. — A threat reportedly forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the recreation areas around Kinzua Dam in Warren, Pa., on Thursday.

“In response to an ongoing law enforcement issue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District has temporarily closed the dam parking lot, dam pedestrian access area, Visitor Information Center parking lot, Visitor Information Center building and downstream picnic area,” read a statement on the Kinzua Dam’s Facebook page.

“These measures are intended to be only temporary and we hope to be able to return to our normal posture in the near future,” officials said. “We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.”

Jeff Hawk, Pittsburgh District public affairs officer, noted incident was “not a dam safety issue,” not a problem tied to the stability and operation of the dam and is also not a funding issue.

“We will open up those areas once law enforcement inform(s us) the issue has been resolved,” Hawk said. “We can’t put a timeline on it.”

“We don’t want people to worry about something structurally wrong with the dam,” Hawk continued. “There’s nothing wrong (the Dam).”

No visible law enforcement presence was observed on the top of Kinzua Dam or at Big Bend Recreation Area on Thursday. Part of the parking lot at Big Bend, as well as the road to the boat launch, was also not closed to the public.

Warren County Sheriff Ken Klakamp said the action was precautionary in response to a threat. No further details could be provided.