PFSC
2426 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA
17110
717-232-3480
PFSC 2007 Spring Convention
Celebrating 75 Years of Conservation
1932 - 2007
For
Immediate Release:
04/05/07
Contact: Jeff Souders or
Melody Zullinger
717-232-3480
or info@pfsc.org
http://www.pfsc.org
“CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION”
PFSC’s Spring Convention held in Williamsport - Site
of First Convention
The Pennsylvania Federation of
Sportsmen’s Clubs (PFSC) met for its semi-annual (spring) convention, March
23-25, in Williamsport;
the site of PFSC’s first convention.
45 of 52 eligible delegates were present for the Sunday voting
session.
Members attended PFSC, PA
Wildlife Federation (PWF) and PFSC Endowment Board meetings, and then
enjoyed an evening of fun, fellowship and festivities at the Fundraising
Banquet on Friday.
On Saturday, attendees were addressed by PFBC Executive Director Dr.
Douglas Austin and Leroy Young during the Fish & Boat Committee
meeting. Information on the
Susquehanna and Juniata River Creel Survey, March 31st Regional
Opening Day for trout, Preseason Trout Residency Study, Erie Access, Point
Of Sale for fishing license and Youth Fishing Licenses were a few of the
items discussed.
PGC Executive Director Carl Roe addressed a number of topics during
the Game & Trapping Committee meeting.
D-MAP/Antlerless Tags increases from $6.00 to $10.00, Baiting,
Hunting License increase, increased penalties for violations/poaching and
resolving bugs in the HERR program were all issues addressed by Mr.
Roe. Kevin Wenner,
PGC Regional Diversity Biologist, gave an informative talk on the Private
Landowners Assistance Program. Mike Tressler talked about how organizations can earn money
by purchasing discount tickets to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. Fred English was seeking PFSC’s support
to get legislation introduced to make laser sights legal for blind hunters;
this motion was brought before the delegates, and passed 35-1 (7
abstentions). John Plowman, with the Turkey Dog Alliance, asked for PFSC's
support to change the Game & Wildlife Code to allow hunting with Turkey
Dogs in the fall (SB580); this motion was taken to the delegates, and
passed 27-9 (9 abstentions). Matt Ehrhart, from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, discussed
the REAP Program, (The Reserve
Enhancement & Protection Act of Pennsylvania) and asked for PFSC’s
support, and received such by the delegates on Sunday.
The Environmental Committee watched a presentation by Ed Perry on the
effects of global warming. After
much discussion prior to Sunday’s meeting, the delegates voted to remain
neutral on the issue till more information is gathered.
Regional NRA Representative for
Legislative Issues, John Hohenwarter, and Kim Stolfer,
from Gun Owners Against Crime, spoke to the Firearms Committee about
current anti-gun legislation. They
also discussed the importance of attending the April 24th Pro-2nd
Amendment Press Conference at the Capitol.
Judge Krancer, who is running for the
Supreme Court also addressed attendees on his pro 2nd Amendment
stance, and asked for support in his election.
At Sunday’s general session, delegates
voted on resolutions brought before them.
The first resolution, to have a uniform 3-point restriction in all
Wildlife Management Units (WMU), failed by a vote of 20-22 (3 abstentions);
the second resolution, legalizing the use of lights on a firearm to hunt
predators, failed 22-22 (1 abstention); the third resolution, against
requiring a stamp to hunt on game lands, passed 39-1 (5 abstentions); the
final resolution, providing additional tools to prohibit littering on State
Game Lands, passed 24-17 (4 abstentions).
See Resolutions
Page full details. Full
Committee Reports posted below.
PFSC’s Fall
Convention is tentatively set to be held September 7th-9th
in Harrisburg. We will also be continuing our
celebration of 75 years of conservation with a Sportsmen’s Jamboree at Bass
Pro Shops May 12th & 13th, so mark your
calendars.
Representing 95,000 sportsmen and women,
the mission of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Inc. is to
provide a statewide, united voice for the concerns of all sportsmen and
conservationists, to ensure their rights and interests are protected and to
protect and enhance the environment and our natural resources. The PFSC has 75 years of experience
fighting for Pennsylvanians’ rights and privileges to hunt, fish, trap,
shoot and boat, and for the conservation of the Commonwealth’s natural
resources.
Fish & Boat Committee
Genetti Hotel, Williamsport
March 24, 2007
All divisions were represented.
Presenters were PFBC Executive
Director Dr. Douglas Austin and Leroy Young
Also representing the PFBC were
Dick Mulfinger, Gary Moore, Boating Advisory
Board Member Rex Bears, Commissioner Bill Worbeck
Fisheries Management Update-
Leroy Young
--Susquehanna
and Juniata River Creel Survey will begin April 1 and run until October.
Creel clerks have been hired and one creel clerk will be in the air. 130
miles of river will be surveyed on both weekend days and two week days. The
idea is to estimate angler effort, catch, harvest and satisfaction. They
will also evaluate bass angler opinion on potential big bass regs. on the Susquehanna. Angler expenditure, angler
use, and the ripple effects in terms of economic impact will be gauged.
--Regional
Opening Day is March31 for selected SE areas. It is April 14 for the rest
of the state. This idea has been discussed since the 1980's to take
advantage of warmer SE weather. It will also reduce trout movement prior to
opening day.
--Preseason
Trout Residency Study was done to determine statewide the movement of
stocked trout. It attempted to find out also if any hatchery or
environmental issues that may cause increased movement. Most movement is
down stream. They surveyed 300 meter sections. 100 meters upstream and 200
meters down stream. What they found was 72% of surveyed areas had fair or
better retention. Most movement came in higher gradient streams. The SE had
the higher retention levels in general because of lower gradient
streams. Where retention is a problem they will look at options like
stocking closer to opening day, in-season stocking only or not stocking.
Species make a difference rainbows tended to move after 3 days , browns after 5 days and brooks after 10 days.
.
Other
Issues- Dr. Douglas Austin
--Little J
Case was acted on by court and it was determined that the water was
navigable and that the stream bed is owned by the Commonwealth, It is still
not over though because the defendants filed for post trial relief.
Best advice is to stay close to the water and don't venture upland. Keep
your feet wet if possible.
--Erie
Access is moving ahead with 4 miles now acquired. Since most streams are on
private lands public easements state wide are being looked at.
--Point of
Sale for license sales is moving ahead. Agents are up and running in 206
locations. Wal-Mart will have 119 stores up by May 2007. 450 agents will be
deployed by the end of April.
--Youth
License continues to be pursued. Dr. Austin distributed hand out on this
and there is a lot of information on the Pa
Fish & Boat web site as to need and use of revenue. Kids aren't fishing
like they used to.
--Vacancies
exist for two Commissioners , one is a boating
commissioner. And there are two boating advisory board vacancies.
--Retirements:
Rick Hoopes, John Simmons, Guy Bowersox and Cecil Houser.
Submitted by
Bernie Spozio, Chairman
Game & Trapping Committee Minutes
Genetti Hotel, Williamsport
March 24,2007
Roll Call:
All Division's, PANWTF, and Pa Trapper's were represented.
Representing
the PGC: Commissioners Roxane Palone, Greg Isabella,
& Russ Schlieden, Exec. Dir. Carl Roe, &
Legislative Liaison Joe Neville.
Also
Present: Judge
Mike Kramer, candidate for Superior Court
PGC
Regional Diversity Biologist, Kevin Wenner
Eastern Outdoor Sports Show Incentive Program, Mike Tressler
Fred
English, Laser Sights for the Blind
John
Plowman, PA
Turkey Dog Alliance
Matt Ehrhart, Chesapeake Bay
Foundation on REAP
Judge Krancer, who is running for the Supreme Court addressed
attendees on his pro 2nd Amendment stance, and asked for support
in his election.
PGC
Executive Director Carl Roe addressed a number of things:
D-Map/Antlerless
Tags will increase from the current $6.00 to $10.00 which is a much more
reasonable rate. Other states
surrounding PA have a much higher fee for Antlerless tags.
Mentored
Youth Deer Program and the POS coming in the near future. The Mentored Youth will be able to report
their harvest on line. Baiting is a
big issue. Carl noted that 80% of
the people in PA approve hunting, but if baiting were made legal statewide,
this number could decrease because people would look at hunting
differently. Due to the Agencies
funding problem the PGC is holding back on hiring, and cutting
over-time. The Commission is
anticipating a License Increase in 2008.
Many
Districts are vacant with no WCO's.
The new WCO class will start 4/1/07 with 25-26 new WCO's
graduating in 3/08. Carl also
discussed increasing penalties for violations/poaching and to increase
access to SGL's for the hunting public. There are still some bugs in the new HERR's Program and they are being resolved. The Agency is trying to get Grant money
so that it can purchase their own internet server
for better customer service.
Kevin Wenner, PGC Regional Diversity Biologist, gave an
informative talk on the Private Landowners Assistance Program. This program provides guidance about how
landowners can better manage their property for wildlife diversity with an
emphasis on the nearly 100 bird & mammal species of concern that breed
in PA.
Mike Tressler talked about how organizations can earn money
by purchasing discount tickets for the Eastern Sports Show in Harrisburg for $8.00
and sell them for $9.00.
Fred
English, an avid hunter who was blinded in an accident a few years ago, is
seeking PFSC support to get Legislation introduced to make laser sights
legalized for blind hunters. The
ability to use a laser on their firearms and bows would allow their spotter
to better aid them for a more accurate shot.
John Plowman
& the PA Turkey Dog Alliance is seeking PFSC support to change the Game
& Wildlife Code to allow hunting turkeys with dogs in the fall
season. SB 550 will do just that.
Matt Ehrhart asked the PFSC to support The Resource
Enhancement & Protection Act of PA (REAP). REAP would benefit small to mid sized
farms the most. The Eastern part of
PA doesn't have the CREP program but REAP would help.
Adjourned at
3pm
Respectfully
submitted,
Chuck Lombaerde, Chairman
FIREARMS
COMMITTEE MEETING
Genetti Hotel, Williamsport
3-24-06
Regional
NRA Representative for Legislative Issues, John Hohenwarter, and Kim Stolfer, from Gun Owners Against Crime, spoke to the Firearms
Committee about current anti-gun legislation. They also discussed the importance of
attending the April 24th Pro-2nd Amendment Press
Conference at the Capitol.
The committee discussed the Washington, D.C.
court case, which lifted the hand gun ban in the District. The District of Columbia Circuit Court
affirmed that the Second Amendment of the Constitution protects an
inherent, individual right to bear arms. Today’s ruling should have a
positive impact on the current D.C. gun ban we’ve been fighting to
overcome.
Mike Protz,
John Hohenwarter and Kim Stolfer told the
attendees about the meet and greet held for Freshman Legislatures on March
12th. They felt the trip
was a very rewarding experience for both the legislators and gun rights
advocates.
Mike Protz, Chairman
Environmental
Committee Meeting
3-24-07
The PFSC environmental affairs
committee met on Saturday March 24th at Genetti's
Hotel in Williamsport, PA. Chairman Ed Zygmunt
began the meeting by noting that when the PFSC was established 75 years
ago, degradation of the Commonwealth's streams due to unregulated mining
and logging was a principle reason why our founders came together to form
the organization. Protecting clean water, wildlife habitat, and other
natural resources remain an important mission for PFSC 75 years later.
Rick Spencer, National Wildlife Federation Regional Representative,
discussed federal legislation that will help to prevent the introduction of
aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes
and other water bodies. The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007
(S.725) would regulate the discharge of ballast water from ships that can
release exotic species into U.S.
waters. The committee voted to recommend PFSC support for this legislation.
The committee also recommended PFSC support for the Resource
Enhancement and Protection Act of PA (REAP). This legislation will provide
state tax credits to farmers and businesses that finance stream buffers,
barnyard improvements, erosion controls, and other effective conservation
practices. REAP has widespread support from many conservation
organizations.
Discussion then began on the proposed PFSC policy on global warming.
Ed Perry, global warming outreach coordinator for the National Wildlife
Federation, gave a presentation on the causes of global warming and its
affect on wildlife, humans, and the environmental. Bernie Spozio spoke against the adoption of the proposed
policy. He said climate change occurs naturally and that man has no impact
on climate. Following these presentations, a long discussion about global
warming was held by those in attendance. The committee took no action on
this matter.
Ed Zygmunt, Chairman
Awards Comittee
Williamsport,
PA
March
24, 2007
Land
Steward of the Year
The Land Steward Sub Committee did not
officially meet; however, the Awards Committee did offer to accept
nominations for this award. Being
none there was no action. It is
requested the chairmanship of the Land Steward of the Year Committee be
reviewed and perhaps a new chair be appointed. LeeRoy Vatter did a commendable job in setting this committee
up, but his duties as a member of the Game Committee prohibit his active
participation as chairman of the Land Steward of the Year committee.
John
L. Laudadio Conservation Leadership Award
Jaron Lee VanOrd will be recognized as the recipient of the Laudadio Award this evening. His hometown is Warren, PA
and his credentials are impressive.
It was announced that applications to be
considered for this award should be presented to the state office or Laudadio Committee Chair before the September
Convention.
Since there is no “official” chair for
this committee, it is suggested the PFSC president appoint one as soon as
possible and all applications be submitted to the state office by mail.
Legislator
of the Year
Committee Chair, Ralph Owens, reported
no legislator has been recommended for this award for 2007.
Poster
Contest
As there was no poster chair, the state
office will display all the posters at the banquet and have people vote for
their favorite in each age category.
The posters receiving the most votes will be the winners. Helen Kleiner
volunteered to be next year’s poster chair.
A theme still needs to be decided on.
Jim Price
Chairman,
Awards Committee
Hall of Fame Committee
Williamsport,
PA
March
24, 2007
The Hall of Fame Committee of the PFSC
met at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport, PA
on March 24,
2007. The following were
present and represented their divisions:
N.E. Jim
Price
N.W. Pete
Dalby
N.C. Andy
Sorg
S. Ray
Martin
S.E. Bill
Halbfoerster
S.W. Archie
Bossart
S.C. Jeff
Daubert
C. Ralph Owens
There was a discussion regarding the nominees
for the Hall of Fame Award, followed by a motion to accept the two resumes
submitted. Motion carried.
This report will be submitted to the
PFSC Board of Directors for final approval.
Jim Price
Chair, Hall of Fame Committee
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