PFSC’s 2007 Fall Convention

Environmental Committee

Holiday Inn East

Joint Environmental & Conservation Education Committee Report

The PFSC joint Environmental and Conservation Education Committee met at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Six divisions as well as the PA Trappers Association were represented.

Chairman Ed Zygmunt began the meeting by noting two recent successful efforts by PFSC in partnership with other conservation groups. The PA courts ruled in our favor in the long-running case regarding the coal-mine bonding requirements by the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection. Also, Governor Rendell recently signed into law the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP), which will provide further tax benefits to agricultural producers who undertake conservation projects that enhance water quality and wildlife habitat.

Jeff Krause of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented a slide program on the Corps’ deer management program at Raystown Lake. Jeff said efforts to better manage the deer population on the Corps’ property are resulting in a healthier forest and better wildlife habitat.

Rick Spencer, Regional Organizer for the National Wildlife Federation, reported the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the 2007 Farm Bill. There is increased funding for conservation and water quality programs, as well as a new “Open Fields” provision that will provide $20 million annually as incentives to landowners who provide free public access for hunting and other recreational purposes. Rick urged everyone to contact U.S. Senator Bob Casey, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and ask him to support Committee Chairman Harkin’s farm bill proposal.

Rick also reported on the status of other federal legislation including the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act, the Aquatic Invasive Species Act, and various clean energy and global warming proposals.

Michael Barton, a private consulting forester who is working on several wind energy projects, continued his presentation and discussion that began in the Game committee meeting. Mike said it is possible to construct wind energy projects with minimal impacts on forest resources and wildlife. To date, wind energy facilities have only been constructed on private land. However, wind energy may someday be produced on public land.

Ed Perry briefly discussed the proposed sale of Commonwealth-owned property at Spring Creek in Centre County to Penn State University. He said this tract is a critically important part of the Spring Creek watershed that deserves permanent protection from development.

Bernie Spozio briefly discussed the need for upgrades to municipal sewage treatment plants and suggested that the PFSC should become more involved in this issue.

Ed Zygmunt then asked if anyone had any issues pertaining to conservation education. None were presented.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 pm.