By Kimberly Hess
PLS

 

The Committee met to hear the Fish and Boat Commission's annual report.

 

Dr. Douglas Austen, Executive Director of the PA Fish and Boat Commission, provided the Committee with an overview of the Commission's role in PA, noting that its economic impact exceeds $2 billion per year. He stated that "the number one issue facing the Commission is money," noting that the fishing license or permit fees have changed, on average, every 6.5 years since 1950. However, he noted that the last increase was more than nine years ago and trout stamp and boat registration fees haven't been increased in fourteen years, meaning the Fish Fund needs additional revenue. Dr. Austen stated that "fiscal projections show fund balances are declining to the point where it will be difficult to fund core functions, let alone provide the level of services that anglers have come to expect and enjoy." He recommended that the General Assembly pass HB 2155, which makes "appropriate adjustments" to existing fees. Dr. Austen also outlined the Commission's current projects, including:
• PCBs in Hatchery Trout: recent testing has demonstrated that overall, the levels of PCBs found in PA trout this year were very low, meaning these fish are safe to catch, handle and eat in moderation.
• Huntsdale PCB Investigations: investigations showed increased PCB levels in fish in one section of the hatchery. Consequently, trout production was stopped in that section, which has resulted in a decline in PCB levels.
• 2004 Trout Stocking: the Commission plans to stock 4.2 million trout in 2004, averaging 10-11 inches in length. View the list of 2004 planned stockings.
• Boating Safety: there were eleven recreational boating accident fatalities in 2003, slightly below the average of 11.6 per year. Additionally, the Commission issued 14,000 boating safety education certificates to students who completed a boating safety course in 2003.
• Law Enforcement Report: the Commission recommends that the Legislature enact BUI (boating under the influence) legislation like the DUI legislation enacted last year.
• License Sales: sales of all licenses declined in 2003, including fishing licenses by 3.7% and trout stamps by 4.3%
• Steelhead Survey: "last year witnessed one of the best steelhead fishing seasons ever on Lake Erie" and its tributaries. Additionally, surveys of anglers show that they support a "Lake Erie Stamp."

 

Chairman Bruce Smith (R-Cumberland) commented on Dr. Austen’s data showing that 80% of anglers support a $5 Lake Erie Stamp, telling the members that he hoped they would recognize the strong support. He then inquired if the projects Dr. Austen referred to have already been authorized and the Commission is awaiting the release of funds. Dr. Austen affirmed this. Rep. Smith commented that he would support the release of the funds.

 

Rep. Smith then noted that he was informed that in a pre-budget address meeting between the Commission and member of the Governor’s office it was decided that the Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission would be the only agencies required to match funds from the proposed bond question. Rep. Smith inquired about the status of this idea, noting that he supports the bond, but not if it places such a burden on the Commissions. Dr. Austen replied that the Commissions were the only agencies asked to match funds, which is an “alarming” inequity. He noted that further conversations have softened the definition of “match,” but it is still unclear exactly what it means. 

 

Lastly, Rep. Smith inquired about the Commission’s contract with Tellico Trout Farms in North Carolina, noting that if trout from that farm are cheaper than PA farms, why doesn’t the Commission get more fish from it to save costs. Dr. Austen replied that the Commission is still looking at its options. In 2003 it got 130,000 fish from Tellico at an average cost of $1.10 per fish, which is below the overall average. He noted that trout are raised differently in NC because of different waters and growing seasons.

 

Minority Chairman Ed Staback (D-Wayne) inquired why the two Commissions were the only agencies asked to match funds from the proposed bond. Dr. Austen replied that it was believed that the agencies have been asked to do so in the past, but this is not really true. They have been asked to pay back funds for capital projects, but not a project for project direct match for bonds. He assured the Committee that the issue will be worked out. Next, noting that Dr. Austen is new to his position in PA, Rep. Staback asked him if he has ever been confronted by an infrastructure crisis like he is now. Dr. Austen replied that he has not, because most agencies like the Commission have different funding sources. He noted that funding from programs such as Growing Greener would put the Commission on par with its equivalents in other states. To conclude, Rep. Staback inquired if PCB levels are still a problem. Dr. Austen replied that they are not. He noted that PA is the only state that tests and provides consumption advisories.

 

Rep. Gary Haluska (D-Cambria) commented that the Reynoldsdale hatchery has not been addressed recently. Dr. Austen replied that it is to be included in the next wave of improvements and a design request has been submitted. Rep. Haluska then commented that if the Commission is considering outsourcing, it should be aware that hatcheries also benefit the community in that they are educational sources for those who tour the facilities.

 

Rep. Sheila Miller (R-Berks) expressed several concerns with land development in her district. She noted that a piece of property owned by the Commission and leased by the county is set to be developed into soccer fields and urged the Commission to act quickly if it did not support this because it is running out of time. Secondly, she noted two dams that need attention; one needing repair and the other which is to be removed. Next, she commented that the Commission seems to lopsidedly support Cabelas and inquired if equal opportunities are being given to other vendors. Lastly, she inquired what the Commission is doing in regards to blowfish. Dr. Austen replied that blowfish will be addressed in the next Commission meeting. He then stated that Cabelas is under contract for the calendar, but the Commission has worked with other vendors, such as Gander Mountain. Rep. Miller commented that she would like to see a disclaimer on the calendar because it appears exclusive and sends the wrong impression.

 

Rep. Dan Surra (D-Elk) invited Dr. Austen to visit the Blue Valley hatchery where the nursery is used for educational purposes then the fish are used for stocking. He noted that the Commission needs to “look outside the box.”

 

Rep. Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny) commented that there is obviously interest in fishing licenses because the number of hits on the website has increased, but despite that fact license sales are down. Dr. Austen jokingly replied that the Commission should start to charge for access to the website.

 

Rep. John Evans (R-Crawford) inquired if the Commission is still considering junior licenses. Dr. Austen replied that the Commission still supports the idea because it engages kids. Rep. Evans then inquired if the funds from the Lake Erie Stamp would be for both the Lake and its tributaries. Dr. Austen confirmed this. 

 

Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) asked for a breakdown on the 11 boating fatalities and how many were alcohol related. Dr. Austen replied that he did not have the numbers and would have to get back to him.

 

Rep. Staback inquired how the Commission is involved in homeland security. Dr. Austen replied that the Commission may not use revenue from license fees and boat registration for anything but fish and boat programs, which restricts the Commission. However, they have been asked to patrol waterways, especially when the President visits PA, which they are usually reimbursed for. The Commission has also trained some officers to be able to respond in an emergency. He noted that the Commission is aware of its responsibilities and limitations. Rep. Staback then inquired if the Commission has even been unable to provide security when asked. Dr. Austen replied that he was not aware of any such instances.

 

Rep. Smith inquired if the Commission tracks hours logged when performing security duties and then submits the receipts for reimbursement. Dr. Austen replied that in statewide declarations of emergency they do, but this is usually for flooding emergencies not security emergencies. Lastly, Rep. Smith inquired about the reserve balance of the Fish Fund and Boat Fund. Dr. Austen replied that the Commission projects the Fish Fund to drop from $10 million to $6 million in 2004 (it dropped from $11 million to $10 million in 2003) and the Boat Fund to drop from $14.8 million to $14.1 million in 2004. Although the Boat Fund is more flat, he noted, it still needs additional revenue to keep pace with the Fish Fund for projects.