PA Steelhead Association Latest News

Sam Zacour TightLines!

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:04:55 GMT

https://www.goerie.com/story/sports/outdoors/2023/04/20/tightlines-newsletter-highlights-steelhead-fishing-in-erie-pa-fly-fishing-trout-fishing-walnut/70127090007/

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Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:25:09 GMT

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June 13 Meeting

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:25:23 GMT

The PA Steelhead Assoc. is pleased to welcome Jane Menchyk from the Western PA Conservancy and Dave Skellie from PA Sea Grant/PA Fish and Boat Commission/Lake Erie Region Conservancy as our guest speakers.　 Jane and Dave have worked on several land conservation projects (purchases and donations) in the Erie area. They will share their experiences and　discuss the importance of strong local partnerships in their pursuit of protecting land for multiple conservation usages. Dave and Jane will briefly talk about voluntary conservation opportunities and programs for landowners to explore including the tax benefits associated with donated conservation easements. We all have a vested interest in the preservation of these special places for current and future generations to have the opportunity to enjoy. Please join the PA Steelhead Association at the above time and location to find out how we all can benefit by working together. This meeting is open to PA Steelhead members and all interested parties.

Jane R. Menchyk - Land Protection Specialist –　Western PA Conservancy

Over 6 years experience coordinating and conducting all aspects of real estate transactions including land protection projects (donated and purchased). Land protection experience includes development of acquisition strategies, outreach with landowners and community, management of acquisition projects, development of legal agreements, including conservation easements. Jane works with interested landowners and other conservation organizations in the Lake Erie watershed and northwest region of Pennsylvania on land protection projects for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Jane received a B.S. in Biology from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

Dave Skellie - Coastal Land Use & Economic Specialist – PA Sea Grant/PA Fish and Boat Commission/Lake Erie Region Conservancy

Mr. Skellie has 38 years of land use planning experience within Erie County, having served as County Planner/County Planning Director for Erie County government for 29 of those years. He serves as a board member for the Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC). Dave works with the PA Fish and Boat Commission in regards to their Erie Access Improvement Program.　His areas of technical specialty encompass sustainable land use development initiatives, including comprehensive planning, land use regulations, the Coastal Zone Management Program, and farmland and open space preservation. Activities include serving as a liaison with watershed and governmental organizations, nonpoint-source pollution prevention, land preservation, conservation design, improved angler access, stream corridor protection, and land use-related outreach.

2012 Spring Run Banquet

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:29:26 GMT

The 2012 Spring Run Banquet will be held 3/31/2012, at 6:00 at the American Legion. There will elections, stories and food for all! More info to come soon.

PSA Walnut Creek Initiative

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:23:41 GMT

As several of you know, the numbers of fish that make it above Rte 5 in Walnut Creek has been very low in recent years. There are several theories as to why this is the case. We feel that this should be a key area of focus for the club in 2012. We plan on working with the PA Fish and Boat to restore fish to the upper stretches. We will keep you posted as we come up with more ideas on how to accomplish this.
tight lines, Steve B

Commission to Host Meeting for Erie Landowners

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:48:37 GMT

Commission to Host Meeting for Erie Landowners
to Explain Public Fishing Access Program

Harrisburg, PA – Private landowners in Erie who own stream frontage on Four Mile, Conneaut, Crooked, Elk, Walnut and Twenty Mile creeks are encouraged to attend an upcoming public meeting to explain the benefits of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) public fishing access and conservation easement programs.

The meeting will be held on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Big Green Screen Theater at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie. It is being hosted by the PFBC and PA Sea Grant.

“Acquiring public access easements is part of the agency’s strategy to improve public fishing areas and ensure that the public has access to these opportunities,” said Jackie Kramer, the statewide fishing and boating access coordinator for the PFBC Bureau of Boating and Access. “Private landowners interested in providing public access for anglers and learning how this easement purchase program operates are encouraged to attend.”

A public fishing easement is a voluntary and permanent legal contract between the landowner and the Fish and Boat Commission. The easement typically provides a 35-foot corridor along a stream bank that allows the public to wade in or walk along the stream bank for the purpose of fishing. The landowner continues to own and control the land.

Landowners interested in attending should RSVP to Dave Skellie at PA Sea Grant at 814-490-3248 or by email at dus18@psu.edu by October 28.

October Regular Meeting October 12

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:05:21 GMT

The regular monthly meeting is at 7 pm , October 12, well be held at the American Legion Post 773 at 4109 West 12th Street in Erie. We are asking all volunteers as well as any one interested in the Steelhead Expo, November 5, to please attend. The topics covered will be of great importance to volunteers, as ditties will be discussed. All volunteers will receive an event T-shirt for volunteering.

The November General meeting will be postponed to December 14, and our speaker will be Ken Anderson PAFBC Habitat Biologist.

The Board and officers look forward to seeing you.

New Buget cuts 3 Million from PA DCNR and PA DEP

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:52:04 GMT

Upcoming PennFuture Events:

The Pittsburgh Solar Tour
Pittsburgh, PA - 7/17

Save the dates for these PennFuture events:

Annual Green Power Awards Luncheon 2011
Nominate your choice for a Green Power Hero by 8/1
Philadelphia, PA - 10/6
Pittsburgh, PA - 10/27

PennFuture's Annual Post Election Forum 2011
Harrisburg, PA - 11/15

Pain for taxpayers, pleasure for gas drillers - again
Pennsylvania's just-approved budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year makes deep cuts to basic and higher education, social services, healthcare, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (which was cut $3 million more than the governor proposed) and the Department of Environmental Protection among other programs.

The budget once again does not include a drilling tax or impact fee on the gas drillers. Pennsylvania infamously remains the only major gas drilling state without a drilling tax or fee. ExxonMobil, Shell, Chesapeake and othersundefinedsome of the largest and most profitable corporations on the planetundefinedare expanding their deep gas operations in Pennsylvania. These corporations pay the tax everywhere else and expect to pay it here. And 70 percent of Pennsylvanians want the industry to pay the tax.

A hot summer on the home front
The budget slashed state funding to every school district in the state. You can see the hit to your schools here. Funding for state colleges and universities was also cut.

While the gas drillers laugh all the way to the bank, taxpayers will now be hit with higher property taxes and will still find their districts forced to lay off teachers, increase class sizes and drop important programs. Parents hoping to equip their children for economic success will face higher college tuition that may force many families to delay or abandon the dream of a college education.

Summer back home may be really hot for legislators as they try to explain to their constituents their choice of cutting funding for education, environmental protection, and other vital government services, while once again failing to tax the gas drillers.

No help coming from the Marcellus Shale Commission
Governor Corbett effectively threw cold water on last-minute efforts to enact a drilling tax or fee as part of the budget when he again vowed to veto any bill that contained a tax. He said he wanted to receive the recommendations of his hand-picked Marcellus Shale Commission that are expected in late July. But the governor knows full well that there will be no recommendation on a drilling tax. Lt. Governor Cawley decreed that consideration of a drilling tax was off the table before the deliberations even started.

Partners for jobs
Legislation that will expand the nationally recognized Pennsylvania Industry Partnerships program and enshrine the program into law is heading to the governor's desk. Industry partnerships are collaborations between business, labor, and government to address job training needs, and improve the competitiveness of local businesses. These partnerships are important to the development of green jobs.

Senator Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster and Chester) is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 552.

Preserving the past, priming the future
Senator Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster and York) has introduced bipartisan legislation that would create tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic commercial buildings. Senate Bill 1150 would allow up to a 25 percent tax credit against qualified rehabilitation expenses. Both the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Department of Community and Economic Development must approve projects seeking the tax credit.

Pennsylvania's tremendous stock of historic buildings is a fundamental part of our sense of place, our quality of life and our economy. Yet we are a national laggard in providing state incentives for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, investments that could play a vital role in the revitalization of older communities and stem the loss of farmland and open space due to sprawl. Pennsylvania is one of four states east of the Mississippi River that tax income but lack a tax credit for rehabilitating historic commercial buildings.

Stop Smeargate against climate scientists
The board of directors of the American Association for the Advancement of Science issued a statement on Wednesday calling for an end to harassment of climate scientists that has included death threats, litigation and personal attacks. The statement highlighted the ongoing vicious harassment of Penn State's Dr. Michael Mann, who has endured at least four investigations of the integrity of his work and been vindicated by every one of them.

See you July 15
With the Pennsylvania legislature ready to blow this pop stand for two months, the Podcast and Session Daze are off to the shore - but just for a short while. You won't hear from them next week, but stay tuned. It's going to be a long hot summer and the two will be back - tanned, rested, and ready to do their part.

The staff and board of PennFuture wish all a safe and happy Independence Day, and hope everyone will pay special attention to our great Constitution, especially the First Amendment and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.

PennFuture's Session Daze is designed to be a brief, informative and occasionally humorous look at public policy in Pennsylvania. Please visit our website for more information about PennFuture.

Fish a& Boat Commission Announces Hotline to Report Suspected Pollution Incidents

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:12:57 GMT

Fish & Boat Commission Announces

Hotline to Report Suspected Pollution Incidents

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today introduced a new toll-free hotline for the public to report suspected pollution incidents or fish kills.

The number – 1-855-FISH-KIL (1-855-347-4545) – provides the public with a way to quickly alert PFBC staff to suspected environmental incidents, according to Board President William Worobec.

“Timely notification is the number one critical factor in dealing with suspected pollution cases and protecting our aquatic resources,” he said. “The sooner we know about an incident, the sooner we can evaluate it and, if necessary, implement a response plan. As more time passes between an incident and our evaluation, we reduce our chances of clearly indentifying the source of the suspected pollutant. ”

President Worobec emphasized that the number is to be used only for reporting suspected cases of pollution or fish kills and is not meant for general inquires related to license sales, boat registrations or other agency issues.

“We want the public to be vigilant and to help us protect our aquatic resources,” he said. “But we also expect them to be responsible and to use the hotline only for its intended purpose.”

Callers using the hotline – which is available for use - will be directed to the PFBC’s Bureau of Law Enforcement in Harrisburg, where staff will answer calls from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Calls received after hours or on weekends will be sent to a voice mailbox where the caller can leave a message. PFBC staff will review voice messages and respond as soon as possible.

If someone spots a suspected incident and believes it is an immediate threat to public safety or the environment, they should dial 911 or the Department of Environmental Protection’s emergency number at 1-800-541-2050.

For non-emergency questions, please call or visit:

Licensing – (877) 707-4085
Boat Registration/Titling – (866) 262-8734, (866-BoatReg)
Boating Safety Education Courses – (888) 723-4741, (888-PaFish1)
General Questions – (717) 705-7800
Frequently Asked Questions and electronic comments – The Fishing Hole - www.fishandboat.com/inform.htm

To assist the public with understanding this new resource, the PFBC has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions, which appear on the PFBC website at: www.fishandboat.com/faqpollute.pdf.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.

For more information, contact:

Eric Levis

elevis@state.pa.us

717.705.7806

Get tools to protect water from Marcellus drilling

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:16:12 GMT

Don't miss this event about Marcellus Shale drilling!
This workshop will give grassroots conservation and watershed groups, concerned citizens and volunteers legal tools needed to protect our water and ensure Marcellus Shale gas drilling is done responsibly.

Topics:

Wastewater and stormwater permits and permit appeals
Clean water enforcement
Land use and zoning

Presentations by attorneys from:

PennFuture
Earthjustice
Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Three Rivers Waterkeeper
Environmental Law Clinics of the University of Pittsburgh Law School and Columbia University Law School

Details:
Date & time:
Saturday, April 16
Registration, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Program, 9:00 a.m. - noon

Place: Wilkes-Barre
King's College, Burke Auditorium

Cost: Free for PennFuture members and students with ID; $10 for others

   Space is limited.
   Pre-registration is required.
       Register online or by
       calling 717-214-7920.

More important info:

Breakfast will be available.
Resource materials will be provided.
Three CLE credits are available for attorneys.
Free parking is available.

Make a day of it!
Take advantage of Wilkes-Barre's new bike share program and visit the city's newly renovated River Common.

Annual Open House at Linesville Fish Hatchery set for April 2

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:39:05 GMT

Annual Open House at Linesville Fish Hatchery Set for April 2

Meadville, PA – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold its annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery on Saturday, April 2, from 11a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

What to do and see:

Watch the walleye spawning process including fish sorting, removing/fertilizing eggs.
See native fish species in the 10,000 gallon viewing tank.
Learn how to: tell the age of fish; tie knots; tie flies and cast; rig a rod; fillet/cook fish.
Buy a $3 t-shirt and put a fish print on it.
Buy your PA fishing license, posters, patches, and books.
Practice your casting skills in the Kids Casting Area.
Visit the boating safety tent to stay current on boating regulations.
Talk to staff from the PFBC and other partner agencies at their booths.

Shuttle service from the parking areas to the Visitor Center will be provided.

There’s something for everyone, so follow the crowd to the hatchery.

Directions:Turn off of State Route 6 at the only light in downtown Linesville and go ½ mile to the entrance. The address is 13300 Hartstown Road, Linesville, PA 16424.

For more information, contact:

Chad Foster

chfoster@state.pa.us

814-683-5126

Cuts to Conservation Funding (HR1)

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:52:33 GMT

Cuts to Conservation Funding

Put Aquatic Resources in Even Greater Danger

The Continuing Resolution Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Would Eliminate Funding Aimed at Keeping Fish and Wildlife off the Endangered Species List

Harrisburg, PA – A Continuing Resolution (HR 1) that recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives would eliminate funding for the State Wildlife Grant program, the nation’s most cost-effective program for preventing fish and wildlife from becoming endangered. In letters to, and personal visits with, Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is urging Congress to restore and continue funding to this vital program.

“Despite historical successes in bringing many fish and wildlife species back from the brink of extinction, other species at risk have continued to decline as evidenced by the staggering numbers listed under the federal Endangered Species Act,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “The State Wildlife Grant program, now in its 11th year, has served as a stable federal funding source for implementing congressionally required State Wildlife Action Plans in every state and territory, including Pennsylvania.”

“In the Commonwealth, the Commission has received approximately $8 million since 2002,” added Mr. Arway. “This has been leveraged with at least an additional $8 million – more than doubling Congressional investments for over $16 million in timely, meaningful conservation work. We cannot afford to lose that support now.”

Each State Wildlife Action Plan assesses the health of the state’s wildlife and habitats and outlines the actions needed to conserve species of greatest conservation need and the full array of wildlife over the long term. Before State Wildlife Grants, the Fish and Boat Commission did not have the resources necessary to devote adequate attention to non-game species.

With the help of these grants, the PFBC has been able to be much more proactive in gathering and using data about vulnerable species, including actually removing species from the state threatened and endangered species lists as a result of increased knowledge about the distribution and abundance of species. This result is both good for the environment and good for businesses, since it is more cost-effective to work around common species than to deal with them once they are threatened or endangered. Once a species is listed as threatened or endangered, the Government Accountability Office estimates that the cost of recovery of a single species can exceed $150 million.

State Wildlife Grants are also particularly significant in supporting the PFBC’s work on environmental review and project implementation such as small dam removals. Mr. Arway stressed that losing State Wildlife Grant support would curtail the PFBC’s ability to deliver timely project reviews, recommendations to applicants, and on-the-ground projects.

“We are already faced with having to do more with less as fishing license revenues decline at the same time that our permit review work has risen - and continues to rise - as a result of activities like the Marcellus shale development,” said Mr. Arway. “State Wildlife Grants are the one reliable source of funding that we have to try to keep pace with the ever-increasing permit review load.”

“Even in these difficult financial times when we all must shoulder some of the burden, we still need to ensure that fish and wildlife and their habitats are conserved for the benefits they bring to Americans through cleaner and healthier environments and the legacy we leave for future generations,” he added. “Congressional funding for State Wildlife Grants also goes hand-in-hand with job creation and economic sustainability since more than half a million U.S. jobs center around wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation. This includes Pennsylvania’s $3.4 billion fishing and boating industry.”

Funding for State Wildlife Grants is supported by the Teaming with Wildlife coalition, a national coalition of 6,300 conservation organizations and nature-based businesses including state fish and wildlife agencies, anglers, boaters, hunters, hikers, and other conservationists.

For more information about State and Wildlife Grants and State Wildlife Action Plans, please visit www.teaming.com.

Executive Director Delivers 'Straight Talk'

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:25:02 GMT

Executive Director Delivers 'Straight Talk'

Feb. 10 at Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Harrisburg, PA - The executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will bring his popular "Straight Talk" discussion to the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event in North America next week.

John Arway will speak at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, which runs Feb. 5-13 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

As part of his presentation, Mr. Arway will provide a preview of the PFBC's draft river management plan for the Susquehanna River. He will discuss other issues of interest to the agency and to anglers and boaters and will take questions from the audience.

Mr. Arway is also scheduled to bring his Straight Talk discussion to sport shows in southwastern and southeastern Pa., where he will preview the draft river management plans for the Three Rivers and the Delaware River. Appearances include:

7 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Allegheny Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa., and at

2 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sportshow in Oaks, Pa.

Attendees are encouraged to bring questions, comments, and their own fishing stories to these special sessions.

PA Fish and Boat Commission
1601 Elmerton Avenue | Harrisburg, PA 17110

Fish & Boat Commission Takes Actions

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:56:48 GMT

Fish & Boat Commission Takes Actions

at Quarterly Meeting

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission voted at its quarterly meeting today to add eight stream sections to the list of self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations, to award a grant to the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to construct a fishing pier on Lake Erie, and to approve several habitat grants. Also, commissioners approved several land acquisitions and changed a boating regulation to clarify the correct use of docking lights while a vessel is underway.

In addition to the regular business meeting, the Commission hosted a special evening seminar last night on ice fishing, featuring three pro anglers from the North East Ice Tour, which drew a crowd of approximately 65. The evening session also included the presentation of the Stanley Long Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, which honors the Commission’s most exemplary and inspiring volunteer, and an award from the American Fisheries Society recognizing a Commission research project on panfish.

Commissioner Glade Squires, Commission President William Worobec and Executive Director John Arway jointly presented the Stanley Long award to Michael Skurecki of Montgomery County.

“Volunteerism is absolutely vital to our success,” said Mr. Arway. “Volunteers help us with our stocking efforts, they help us with law enforcement and they help us with our education and outreach programs. Mike exemplifies the volunteer spirit and is well-deserving of this award. He has served for over 15 years as a volunteer Education and Information instructor, teaching Family Fishing and SMART Angler Programs. As a Commission volunteer, Mike conducts an average of 14 day-long programs per year while investing over 70 hours of volunteer time and driving between 400 and 500 miles.”

Also last night, before the ice fishing seminar began, commissioners took part in a ceremonial signing of theAnglers’ Legacy pledge. By signing the pledge, commissioners agree to share their passion for fishing and the outdoors with at least one person each year.

“So far, more than 10,000 Pennsylvania anglers have taken the pledge,” said Mr. Arway. “And we would like 10,000 more to sign up. If you haven’t signed up yet, please go to our website, take the pledge and introduce someone to the joys of fishing and boating.”

During today’s business meeting, commissioners:

Added eight stream sections to the list of self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations. The stream sections are in Venango, Warren, Blair, Huntingdon, Lycoming and Potter counties. Surveying unassessed waters and documenting wild trout populations are consistent with the Commission’s Strategic Plan for Management of Trout Fisheries in Pennsylvania, which may be viewed in its entirety at http://fishandboat.com/troutplan.htm.
Extended the wild trout stream designation on the Little Juniata River by an additional 19.7 miles downstream, from the Bellwood Sewage Treatment Plant to the Barree Road Bridge (SR 4004).
Adopted a boating regulation change which clarifies the use of docking lights. Many boaters assume that docking lights may be used as headlights while a vessel is underway. However, the forward-facing direction of docking lights creates glare and confusion for other boaters. The change makes it unlawful for a boat operator to use docking lights while underway except when docking and the boat is travelling at slow, no wake speed and is within 100 feet of approaching a dock, a mooring buoy or the shoreline. The regulation is not intended to negatively impact nighttime fishing activities, such as bow fishing, which use downward-facing artificial light.
Adopted a boating regulation change which establishes a no-wake zone for just over two miles at the very uppermost limit to power boating and skiing activities created by the Piney Dam on the Clarion River.
Approved a grant of up to $150,000 to the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to construct a fishing pier at Liberty Park on Lake Erie. The authorityhas obtained matching grants in the amount of $100,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and $75,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection.
Approved a property exchange in Berks County (Marion, Heidelberg and North Heidelberg townships) in which the Commission will convey approximately 22 acres of its Charming Forge property along Tulpehocken Creek in exchange for $12,000 and an easement on a significant portion of the other party’s property. Also, the Commission will retain easements on a defined portion of the Charming Forge property. The new easements will benefit the public by providing better parking and improved stream access.
Authorized the acquisition of a 27.1 acre parcel, currently known as Bailey’s Grove, located along Clarks Valley Road in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County. The parcel provides over 5,000 linear feet of frontage on Clarks Creek.
Authorized the acquisition of an easement on over 2,600 linear feet on both sides of Elk Creek in Girard Township, Erie County, on the Tome property.
Authorized a grant not to exceed $240,000 to Girard Borough, Erie County, to purchase 73 acres along Creek Road adjacent to the Girard borough park. The property also includes approximately 1,895 linear feet of access on Elk Creek. As part of the grant conditions, Girard Borough will grant to the Commission an easement that will allow for public fishing access along Elk Creek. In addition, the borough will grant the Commission a parking easement and an easement for fishing, boating, and riparian and fishery management on the adjacent Girard Borough Park property. This will provide an additional 5,310 linear feet of access.
Approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to impose a closed season on river herring on the Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River and River Estuary, the Lehigh River, the Schuylkill River and their tributaries, and the Conowingo Reservoir.
Approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to close Lehigh County’s Leaser Lake to all fishing until June 18, 2016, in order to establish a high quality fishery. The lake was completely drained in fall 2008 in order to make repairs to the dam.
Adopted new royalty rates for sand and gravel that is extracted from Commonwealth waters by the dredging industry. The new rates cover the 10-year period of Jan. 1, 2011, through December 31, 2020.
Approved habitat grants for a fishway on Bald Eagle Creek near Lock Haven, Clinton County; a restoration project on Darby Creek, a Delaware River tributary; and an enhancement project on Cacoosing Creek in Berks County.

Contact: Eric Levis

717.705.7806 or elevis@state.pa.us

Allegheny Defense Project

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:34:02 GMT

25 December 2010

Protect Morrison Run! Tell the U.S. Forest Service to Protect the Kinzua Creek/Chappel Fork Watershed

Kinzua Bay, Chappel Bay, Rimrock, Kinzua Beach, Kinzua Heights, Pine Grove, Morrison Run, National Scenic Byway, North Country National Scenic Trail, Morrison Trail

Send a letter to the U.S. Forest Service telling them to Protect Morrison Run!

The Morrison Run Project, located in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), proposes actions including 4,976 acres of even-aged logging, and 1,366 acres of herbicide application. This project is part of an annual ANF project total of 19,374 acres of even-aged management (serial clear-cuts), and 7,188 acres of herbicide application, which includes Morrison Run, Coalbed Run, Pine Bear, De Young, and Sothwest Reservoir. Send a letter to the U.S. Forest Service telling them to Protect Morrison Run now!

Fish and Boat Commissioner Chosen as

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:31:10 GMT

Fish and Boat Commissioner Chosen as

PA Citizen Representative
to Chesapeake Bay Commission

Harrisburg, PA – Former Franklin County Commissioner G. Warren Elliott was recently appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem and Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati to be the Pennsylvania citizen representative to the Chesapeake Bay Commission. The Commission is a tri-state legislative assembly representing Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland designed to coordinate any related policy issues across state lines.

Elliott currently serves as a commissioner for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission where he has gained a reputation asa strong advocate for expanded acquisition of permanent access easements to Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers. Elliott serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Habitat and Environment Committee.

“Our Pennsylvania waterways and the opportunities they provide are invaluable,” Elliott commented. “Certainly we must be mindful of the impact we have in Pennsylvania on areas like the Chesapeake Bay and its estuaries. Being a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission is a high honor and I thank Senator Scarnati for entrusting me to be the citizen representative for Pennsylvania.”

Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway applauded the appointment, emphasizing that “the health of the Chesapeake Bay is directly correlated to the health of the Susquehanna watershed, and Warren Elliott understands and is committed to the protection, conservation, and enhancement of both.”

“As a Fish and Boat Commissioner, Mr. Elliott helps set policy for how we manage aquatic resources here in Pennsylvania,” Arway added. “We are thrilled to have a sitting Commissioner as part of such an important interstate body as the Commonwealth and the other member states look to finally clean up the Bay while also addressing water quality and fisheries management issues on the Susquehanna here at home.”

Elliott will serve a four-year term beginning with the commission’s first meeting in Annapolis in January.

Praise an PAF&BC Employee Web Page Now Available

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:22:30 GMT

December 10, 2010

Harrisburg, PA – Anglers and boaters who have received outstanding service from Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) employees can now share that experience with the agency’s leadership through a new Web page called “Praise an Employee.”

“One of my goals as executive director has been to engage the public more and give them the opportunity to interact with staff and Commissioners,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “One way we’ve accomplished this is through the public information meetings held in conjunction with our quarterly Commission meetings. These have been well attended and we are planning to host another one on January 24 which will feature several professional ice fishermen from the North East Ice Tour.

“Another way we are connecting with the public is through The Fishing Hole, which provides the public and staff the opportunity to ask us questions via email. But the public also should have a means to let us know when they have received excellent service from our employees,” Arway added. “Now they can do that through The Fishing Hole and a new page called Praise an Employee.”

The new Web page gives the public an easy and convenient way to tell Commission leaders about exceptional service they have received. Incoming public comments will go first to the PFBC Human Resources Division and then to the executive director.

“After reviewing comments, I will share each one with the appropriate bureau director and the respective employee so that the employee receives the recognition he or she deserves,” said Arway.

The Praise an Employee page can be found under The Fishing Hole at: http://www.fishandboat.com/inform.htm.

National Geographic: Mine Is Looming Threat to Bristol Bay

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:54:34 GMT

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/12/bristol-bay/dobb-text/1

Alaska’s Choice: Salmon or Gold

If built, a huge mine would transform Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, possibly jeopardizing the world’s richest sockeye salmon fishery.

For more information and/ro action:

WWW.tu.org/bristolbay

www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org

Corbett names transition teams

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 04:28:36 GMT

From: PennFuture's Session Daze December 3,2010

Corbett names transition teams
This week Governor-elect Tom Corbett announced the members of his transition teams. We were really interested to learn of Corbett's Energy and Environment Committee, which will develop recommendations for how to cut costs and conduct business at DEP, DCNR and the PUC and deliver them to the governor by January 18. Of the 30 members of the committee, at least 17 are lobbyist or lawyers representing gas drillers, the waste industry, coal mining, and utilities or work for companies with active enforcement, permitting, and other matters before the DEP and PUC. There was no representative from an organized hunting or angling group named to the committee.

PennFuture's Session Daze is designed to be a brief, informative and occasionally humorous look at public policy in Pennsylvania. Please visit our website for more information about PennFuture.

Holidays Mark Beginning of New Fishing Season

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:15:06 GMT

Harrisburg, PA – The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for anglers to get a jump on the 2011 sporting season. Anglers can purchase a 2011 license beginning December 1, which gives them a bonus month for free.

Fishing license vouchers also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Purchasing vouchers for family members and friends is easy and convenient. Vouchers – and licenses - can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Outdoor Shop at www.theoutdoorshop.state.pa.us. A voucher may be redeemed at any of more than 900 issuing agents across the state.

“We sell about 4,000 vouchers each year,” said Bernie Matscavage, director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Administration, which oversees sales. “They are easy to purchase and require only a method of payment. It’s just like a gift certificate. The recipient then redeems the voucher for a fishing license.

“A resident annual fishing license can be purchased for $22.70,” said Matscavage. “Add in a typical trout-salmon permit for $9.70 and an angler can enjoy more than a year of fishing for $32.40 – less than a typical dinner for two and about the price for two people to see one movie.”

In addition to online and at more than 900 issuing agents, fishing licenses and vouchers can be purchased at county treasurers’ offices, and at PFBC regional offices:

Northwest Region - Meadville (Crawford County)
11528 State Highway 98
Meadville, PA 16335

Walnut Creek Access Area – Fairview (Erie County)
241 Manchester Road
Fairview, PA 16415-1710

Linesville Visitors Center – Linesville (Crawford County)
13300 Hartstown Road
Linesville, PA 16424

Southwest Region - Somerset (Somerset County)
236 Lake Road
Somerset, PA 15501

PFBC Headquarters - Harrisburg (Dauphin County)
1601 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Northeast Region – Sweet Valley (Luzerne County)
5566 Main Road
Sweet Valley, PA 18656

Southeast Region – Elm (Lancaster County)
Brubaker Valley Road and Lakeview Drive
Elm, PA 17521

Southcentral Region – Newville (Cumberland County)
1704 Pine Road
Newville, PA 17241

The PFBC also sells a number of angling and boating-related products through the Outdoor Shop, including caps, books, posters and the flagship publication Angler & Boater magazine. Customers can also renew boat registrations and purchase launch permits for un-powered boats online.

For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania – including a calendar of upcoming Family Fishing Programs - please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com. To help plan your next outdoor trip in Pennsylvania, visit www.visitpa.com and select “Outdoor Recreation” under Things To Do.

Fall Kids Fishing Event Round up

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:15:21 GMT

On Saturday November 13th, the Pa Steelhead Association hosted 17 children at a learn to fish for steelhead program at Walnut Creek Marinia. No Steelhead were landed, but a few were hooked and then lost. Two prizes were donated for the event; a Shakespeare spin rod was donated by Follies End Bait and Fly Shop and a spinning reel was donated by Fish USA. The Rod was won by Naomi Mass of Bethel Park and the reel was won by Madeline Welsh of Erie. Each participant received a Stringer Finger (donated by John Hall) and a box of flies tied by Gem City Fly Tyers and PSA Members.

All participants will also receive Junior memberships to the PSA.

A big thank you to all who helped out! Thank you!!

FOUR MILE CREEK ACCESS 2010-2011 STEELHEAD SEASON

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:58:47 GMT

FOUR MILE CREEK ACCESS 2010-2011 STEELHEAD SEASON

The Lawrence Park Golf Club is again graciously permitting anglers to access a portion of their property below the dam to fish the lower section of Four Mile Creek (west side only) from 100' downstream (north) of the fish ladder to the mouth. However, the way anglers access that section of stream is limited and will remain as such until further notice. See below:

Anglers are NOT permitted to utilize the foot bridge at the dam in order to cross the stream.
Anglers must enter the stream from the footpath located on the stream's east side located between the Lawrence Park Golf Club dam and the Lawrence Park Fishing Club property line (marked with yellow rope). This area is immediately next to (north of) the dam on the east side of the creek. Anglers must enter the stream from this point, and then walk in the stream down to the mouth to access the west bank (lower fishing hole). Fishing the east side of the stream is prohibited unless the angler is a member of the Lawrence Park Fishing Club.
NOTE: In past years, anglers were permitted to utilize the foot bridge to cross the stream then walk along the top of the west bank, then hop down over the bank to access the west side of the stream: THIS IS NO LONGER PERMITTED DUE TO A FEW INCONSIDERATE ANGLERS. Anglers must stay in the stream and walk down to the west side of the mouth. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Fishing is not permitted between the dam and Route 5. TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

NOTE: With the exception of the stream access point described above, ANGLERS ARE STILL PROHIBITED FROM TRESPASSING ON THE EAST SIDE OF LOWER FOUR MILE CREEK (from the center line of the stream eastward) UNLESS THEY ARE A MEMBER OF THE LAWRENCE PARK FISHING CLUB (MEMBERS ONLY). TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

NOTE: Lawrence Park Fishing Club was forced to close it's property to public fishing due to vandelism.
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FISH PASSAGE FACILITY (fish ladder) AT FOUR MILE CREEK

A fish passage facility (fish ladder) has been installed by the PA Fish & Boat Commission at the Lawrence Park Golf Club dam (north side) and is operational. The following regulations apply to all Commonwealth fish passage facilities, including the fish ladder at the Lawrence Park Golf Club dam, and will be STRICTLY ENFORCED:

"It is unlawful for any person to fish within any fishway, chute, slope, fish ladder, fish lift, or other fish passage facility located on or in connection with any dam on the waters of the Commonwealth."
"It is unlawful for any person to fish in an area within a radius of 100 feet of the entrance or exit points from any fishway, chute, slope, fish ladder, fish lift or other fish passage facility located on or in connection with any dam on the waters of the Commonwealth."

NOTE: At this time, fishing is not permitted in Four Mile Creek between the Lawrence Park Golf Club dam and Route 5. TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

FOLLWING THESE GUIDLINES WILL HELP ENSURE PORTIONS OF FOUR MILE CREEK REMAIN OPEN TO PUBLIC FISHING

PFBC Stocking Brown Trout in Erie Tributaries

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:51:10 GMT

Meadville, PA – The PFBC is stocking brown trout into the tributaries of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay again this year. The first stocking took place on September 28, 2010 at Trout Run. These seven inch long trout are fin clipped for identification purposes before being stocked. Additional stocking locations are Presque Isle Bay, Crooked Creek, Godfrey Run, and Orchard Beach Creek. All tributary stockings will be done as close to the mouths of each stream as possible as long as there is adequate water flow. If stream flow is low, the fish will be stocked directly into the lake near the stream mouth.

Lake Erie Fisheries Biologist Chuck Murray reported that, “The goal of this program is to emulate the brown trout program on Lake Ontario, but on a smaller scale. The intention of this effort is to add some diversity to the tributary fishery, create a near shore springtime fishery, and enhance the offshore summer boat fishery. These brown trout stockings will supplant the surplus steelhead stocked since the elimination of the Coho program in 2003. The brown trout stocking program was started in 2008 through the gracious donation of 100,000 certified disease free eggs provided by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. New York has provided the same number of eggs to the PFBC each year.

Murray also added that, “This will be a cooperative venture between the PFBC and local cooperative sportsman’s nurseries. In addition to the thousands of brown trout to be stocked by the PFBC, approximately 35,000 additional brown trout were already stocked earlier this year by 3-CU and the Wesleyville Conservation Club with the assistance of the PFBC Cooperative Nursery Unit. The success of the program will be monitored through creel surveys and existing assessment programs over the next several years. Brown trout stocking will be about 50,000-100,000 annually, representing about 5-10% of the steelhead stocking levels.”

CONTACT
Keith Edwards
814-336-2426
kedwards@state.pa.us

LBFC Recommends Marcellus Shale Funding Support

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:20:04 GMT

LBFC Recommends Marcellus Shale Funding Support

For Fish and Boat Commission

Harrisburg, PA – In releasing its triennial performance audit of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) recommended that the General Assembly “consider providing additional resources to the PFBC so it can continue to make efforts to protect water resources from potential degradation by Marcellus Shale drilling efforts.”

The LBFC audit specifically cited results from PFBC and state Department of Environmental Protection inspections which showed environmental and water quality problems. “These statistics suggest that, in all likelihood, Pennsylvania will continue to experience high rates of environmental, health, and safety violations at Marcellus Shale drilling sites,” the LBFC reported. “Given this new threat, we recommend the General Assembly take action…to ensure the PFBC…has sufficient resources to carry out its mission.”

PFBC Executive Director John Arway, testifying before the committee this morning, reminded lawmakers that the Commission relies almost entirely on fishing license sales, boat registration fees, and federal funding tied to fishing and boating to support everything it does.

“This includes trying to keep pace and stay ahead of the current and projected impacts of energy development to fishing and boating recreation and on the resources the PFBC is mandated to protect,” said Mr. Arway. “If the Commission received a portion of a severance tax, we would be in a much better position to work with industry and other agencies to ensure that aquatic resources are protected during the planning, development, and production of the Marcellus Shale natural gas field.”

Bringing attention to the ongoing debate in Harrisburg, Mr. Arway asked the legislature to take advantage of the “historic opportunity to allocate a portion of the proceeds to conservation and to dedicate a part of its revenues to the Commission to protect the future health of our aquatic resources and the fishing and boating recreation they provide.”

The Marcellus Shale drilling industry has come into Pennsylvania in full force and has substantially increased the responsibilities of conservation agencies like the PFBC. Since 2001, the PFBC has tripled the number of oil and gas well permit reviews it conducts each year, and Mr. Arway said his staff are struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing volume. Within the past year, PFBC staff also have conducted approximately 175 field views of gas well sites and have observed water quality degradation from a number of these facilities.

“This limited field presence is completely inadequate if we are expected to live up to the charge given to us by the General Assembly in 1909 to enforce water pollution laws and – just as importantly – to work with other agencies and the industry to try to prevent problems before they occur," Mr. Arway said.

Referring to the Commission’s formal response found in the appendix of the audit, PFBC Board of Commissioners President William Worobec explained that “we must diversify our funding streams if we are going to meet the growing expectations being placed on the Commission as we implement our mission on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, visiting anglers and boaters, and our fragile natural resources.”

The LBFC’s audit is available on the PFBC’s Marcellus Shale page under Featured Topics. It also will become available later today on the LBFC website at http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us.

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