January 8th Presenter
PA Steelhead Association officer Ryan Novatnack presented on the PSA involvement with the Women’s Intro to Steelhead Program.
On November 2nd and 3rd the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at entrance to Presque Isle Bay held host to PFBC’s 2nd annual “Women’s Intro to Steelhead” Program. The PA Steelhead Association, along with Pennswood’s West Trout Unlimited and the Fly Fishers International (FFI), helped to make this event another great success. The program saw 31 participants from across the state gather in Erie, PA over the weekend.
Ryan did his presentation on the basics of introductory Steelhead fishing.
November 13th speaker was PFBC Biologist Tim Wilson!
Tim is stationed in Linesville and our Lake Erie Tribs fall under his watch.
He laid out the plans to rectify the challenges they have with the 4 Mile project.
Very importantly, he presented the priority list of what creeks they will work on. He believes that new fixes will be learned as they go from creek to creek. A lot of discussion was held on the priority of the Walnut Creek Project...The waterfall. It is the last to be done. Why?? They hope to learn from the other projects and incorporate any new ideas that come up. As he said.. It is the biggest project and it will be expensive so we want to get it right to the best of our ability and experience, even though it will be a few years off. He makes a lot of sense and I support him on the plan.”
Report by Frank Scicchitano
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April 10th Presenter:
Senator Dan Laughlin -
Senate Game & Fisheries committee chair.
Senator Dan Laughlin was our guest speaker at the April monthly membership meeting. The Senator is Chair of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee. He discussed the legislative process, the roles of committees and led a discussion of bills before the House Game & Fisheries Committee. He concluded by graciously answering members questions on some of the bills and issues facing outdoorsman.
First off Senator Laughlin revealed he is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He explained how he gave up opportunities to be on more powerful committees because he is committed to outdoor recreation and activities. There are a number of bills in committee concerning fishing and hunting. The Senator explained how it takes a long time to get bills passed and that there is a lot of back and forth in the process.
Some of the bills he discussed were:
House Bill 584 which includes a waiver on fishing licenses for therapeutic activities.
House Bill 617 which would discount licenses for those that teach hunter safety courses.
House Bill 752 that would remove the current $400.00 cap per acre for buying land that restricts the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
House Bill 514 that would merge the Fish and Boat Commission with the Hunting Commission
House Bill 929 that would increase resident fishing licenses incrementally over 3 years from $21 to $30, as well as raising the Trout & Salmon permits and non-resident licenses.
Senate Bill 315 which would honor veterans and active military with discounted licenses.
Senate Bill 377 which would increase Penalty for Killing Bald or Golden Eagles.
Senate Bill 147 which would make Sunday hunting legal.
Senate Bill 485 authorizing the Sale of Anterless Deer Licenses through the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System.
Senator Laughlin gave his views on many of these bills and asked the membership for input on some of those that would impact fishermen. He also discussed the concerns the legislature has about the number of licenses sold dropping and how a price increase could further impact the totals.
The PSA Board of Directors thanks Senator Laughlin for taking the time to attend our meeting and inform us of ongoing issues and how they are being addressed.
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