Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation

Pennsylvania’s Governor is currently looking for ambitious students to make up the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and & Conservation. Below are some facts and requirements about the council, as well as, contact information for those wishing to apply.

Nomination Process for Perspective Council Members

Youth Council Application

v Originally created by Executive Order signed by former Governor Tom Ridge in September of 2001 as the “Governor’s Youth Sportsmen’s Advisory Council.”

v Executive Order re-issued and title changed to “Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation” by Governor Ed Rendell in September of 2003.

v Approximately 20 youth between ages of 14 and 18, active in hunting, fishing, trapping and/or outdoor or conservation-related organizations or clubs.

v Mission: To help enlist a new generation of individuals committed to protecting, promoting, and enhancing the outdoor heritage of this Commonwealth. To understand the working order of the 4 agency’s that promote and protect the Natural Resources of the Commonwealth – Pa Game Commission; Pa Fish & Boat Commission; Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Dept of Environmental Protection.

v Youth Mentors: Under the old Executive Order, representatives from the state natural resource agencies, conservation districts and associated conservation organizations were appointed as Liaison Members to the Youth Council. Many of these Liaison were re-appointed as Mentors under the new Executive Order and hold the following responsibilities:

· Advising and guiding the Youth Council on conservation and outdoor recreation topics & issues that are a concern of their agency.

· Communicating youth concerns to respective organizations and agencies;

· Helping the Youth Council fulfill the requirements of the Executive Order.

v Activities/Accomplishments of the Youth Council include:

· Youth interest surveys conducted in different regions of the state.

· Public comment provided at Commission quarterly meetings and provide comments in writing.

· Roundtable discussions and debates.

· Helped staff a booth for Earth Day events.

· Guest speakers to learn more about special topics and issues.

· Organized events to learn and share skills (pheasant hunt, canoe float trip, fly tying, fishing, camping)

· Learning formal lobby work – visit legislators with prepared comments on important topics concerning the Natural Resources and Youth issues.

v The Youth Council meets 4 to 5 times a year. Two weekend events and 2 Sunday meetings. Four board meetings are required by Executive Order.

Janet Nyce, Advisor

Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation

2547 Hill Road

Green Lane, Pa 18054 huntressjdn@verizon.net 215-234- 0330 h & fx

Nomination process for perspective council members

Twenty member council that meets 4 to 6 times a year to review, discuss and provide testimony on current issues affecting PA’s outdoor heritage. Provides a youthful perspective on hunting, fishing, boating, trapping and conservation issues to the Governor’s office, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Game Commission and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Nominations are accepted by:

Robert B. Miller, Jr.

Advisor to Governor Rendell for Hunting, Fishing, & Conservation

RCSOB, 7th floor 400 Market Street

Harrisburg, PA 17105

717-772-4285 FAX 717-772-9106

Council Mentors:

Mrs. Janet Nyce, Youth Council Director and member of Governor’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Council

Ms. Laurel Garlicki, PA Fish and Boat Commission

Mr. Glenn Nelson, PA Recreation and Parks Society

Mr. Charles Fox, PA Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC)

Mr. Gene F. Odato, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry

The first meeting for the 2005-2006 council will be September 23, 24 and 25, 2005. The Council will meet in the St. Mary’s area during the Elk Festival.

Sponsoring organization responsibilities:

• All conservation oriented organizations are invited to nominate high school students who they feel are interested in Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage. If approved, each student will be asked to attend council meetings and other activities and provide their input on conservation issues concerning Pennsylvania.
• Provide reimbursement to students for travel, lodging and meals for all Governor’s Youth Council activities.
• Approximately $300 to $500 over a 4 year period should be sufficient.*
• Receive appropriate reports from council members.

Council Member responsibilities:

• Be 14 to 18 years old.
• A High School student in good standing.
• Available for travel, with parent, if necessary.
• Provide detailed receipts and expense report to sponsoring organization.
• Be a leader and participate in all activities by attending a minimum of 3 out of 4 required board meetings. All members must be able to use a computer for email communication.
• Become an official DCNR volunteer (provides workmen’s compensation
• and state vehicle usage).

*The council will continue to utilize donated meeting room facilities, meals and hotel rooms of its supporting partners: PA Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR, PA Game Commission, Sportsmen’s Clubs, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop and Gander Mt.