Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

HARRISBURG – Families and friends visiting Pennsylvania’s popular outdoor spots over the Memorial Day holiday weekend can enjoy a day of free fishing, thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend - May 24 – marks the first of two free fishing days in the Commonwealth. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone – residents and non-residents – to legally fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on both days, no fishing license is needed to fish in Pennsylvania's waterways. All other fishing regulations apply. “Fish-for-Free days offer an easy, convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Many families already spend the day at lakes and parks throughout the state. Now they can try fishing at no cost. “We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do...

Marilla, Gilbert reservoirs getting money HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced $500,000 in grants to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating, and aquatic resources within in McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties. This funding is available through a 2007 settlement agreement with Norfolk Southern as restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich Township, McKean County. The accident spilled sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages. The PFBC received $3.675 million of the settlement and must use the funds to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating and aquatic resources in Cameron, Elk, McKean or Potter counties. “The funds received through this damage se...

In its June 2014 issue, Pennsylvania Game & Fish magazine mistakenly printed a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) January 2013 press release which announced that the PFBC voted to close two state fish hatcheries, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). “The latest edition of the PA Game & Fish magazine incorrectly states that the Oswayo Fish Hatchery will be closed,” Scarnati said. “The PFBC will be sure that a retraction is printed in the next edition of the magazine, but it is important that residents know now that the Hatchery will remain open.” Scarnati explained that the General Assembly worked with The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to ensure that the hatchery remained open. On March 22, 2013, the Board voted unanimously to keep the Oswayo Hatchery in Potter County open for at least an additional two years. This decision reverses the PFBC’s previous vote in January 2013 to close the hatchery by the end of 2014. “Fish hatcheries in P...

(News Release) HARRISBURG – In an effort to boost accountability, the General Assembly recently adopted two new laws that will change the terms of service for board members of the state’s two wildlife commissions, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint). “There is growing concern among lawmakers and the public about the actions of these commissions and their impact on the long-standing hunting and fishing traditions of this Commonwealth,” Causer said. “While the commissions are independent agencies, they must also be accountable to our sportsmen, anglers and boaters. These laws are designed to help ensure that happens.” Acts 24 and 26 of 2014 reduce the length of the terms of service for board members of the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission from eight years to four years. Commissioners could serve as many as three terms but must be reappointed by the governor and reconfirmed by the Senate for each of those terms. The laws take effect in 60 days. The ne...

(News Release) HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that Tioga County’s Lake Nessmuk will be closed to the public beginning Feb. 18 as the PFBC prepares to conduct a fish salvage and begin construction to rebuild the lake’s dam and spillway. The fish salvage is expected to begin the week of Feb. 24 or March 3 and may take up to two weeks. In preparation, the PFBC will start lowering the water level beginning Feb. 18. The lake can be drained at a rate of about three to five feet per week, depending on weather. After the water level drops, PFBC biologists will open the lake’s outlet gate which leads into Morris Branch and collect fish with nets. The fish will be stored in live wells on PFBC trucks and then relocated to Lake Hamilton. Although fish salvages generally save a large number of fish, a significant amount will also perish, added Jason Detar, PFBC Area 3 Fisheries Manager. “We will collect as many fish as we can with nets...

(News Release) HARRISBURG – The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and Senate Majority Policy Committee, on Friday, held a public hearing to examine Pennsylvania laws pertaining to endangered and threatened species. Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senator Richard Alloway (R-33) explained that the purpose of the informational hearing was to receive testimony on the Threatened and Endangered Species legislation that has been proposed. Senate Bill 1047 was introduced by Senator Scarnati last year and would establish the Endangered Species Coordination Act. The hearing, which took place at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, included testifiers from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the PA Builders Association. “Our federal government has effectively protected threatened species for over 100 years,” Senator Scarnati stated. “However, currently in Pennsylvania our state agencies do not coordinate thei...

HARRISBURG (News Release) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced an invitation for project applications to the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Project applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and must use the application form specified in the grant application package. Project applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. The PFBC anticipates final selection and public announcement of grant awards by mid-May 2014. This funding is available through a 2007 settlement agreement with Norfolk Southern as restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich Township, McKean County. The accident spilled sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages. The PFBC received $3.675...

An Op-Ed by Senator Richard Alloway As an avid sportsman and conservationist, I find the rhetoric surrounding opposition to Senate Bill 1047 and House Bill 1576, known as the Endangered Species Coordination Act, both disappointing and disingenuous. Protection of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable species and preservation of the habitats that sustain them is one of the core functions of three Pennsylvania state agencies-the Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). These agencies effectively protect the Commonwealth's threatened and endangered species, and they are undoubtedly the best equipped to continue to fulfill this critical charge. This legislation would not change that, rather it would simply establish a consistent, transparent and accountable framework for doing so. SB 1047 and HB 1576 strike the right balance between species protection and economic considerations. Species are best protected when thos...

HARRISBURG – The state House today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) bill that clarifies the authority of wildlife and waterways conservation officers to use discretion when enforcing the state’s game, fish and boat laws. House Bill 1584 specifically states the officers may issue written or verbal warnings in lieu of making arrests or issuing citations. “As a former police officer, I know how important it is to exercise discretion in law enforcement,” Causer said. “While conservation officers already have the authority to exercise such discretion, it is not specifically spelled out in law and is likely not being used as much as it could be or should be.” As chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, Causer also noted passage of Senate Bill 648, which protects the rights of property owners who allow hunting on their property. The bill ensures those landowners are not subject to prosecution for violations committed by hunters on their land. The bills ...

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), approved four bills today, including two that impact the terms of service for board members of the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission. House Bill 828, sponsored by Causer, and House Bill 798, sponsored by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), would reduce the length of the terms of service for board members of the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission from eight years to four years. It also would allow them to serve multiple terms with appointment by the governor and approval of the Senate. “These proposals are about bringing more accountability to the work of the commissioners for the benefit of sportsmen, anglers and boaters,” Causer said. “It also provides more flexibility for the governor and lawmakers by providing the option to appoint a commissioner to multiple, consecutive terms of office.” Under current law, the term of office for commissioners of bo...

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee today unanimously approved a resolution calling for a study of the impacts of merging the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), chairman of the committee and prime sponsor of the legislation. The resolution now goes to the full House for consideration. “Hunting and fishing are an important part of our heritage, and we need to look at all of the options available to help preserve these activities for generations to come,” Causer said. “The study will give us the good, solid information we need to make the best decisions for the Commonwealth’s hunters and anglers.” Watch Rep. Causer’s comments on passage of the resolution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLzxunoVjYo House Resolution 129 calls on the non-partisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to study the financial feasibility, impact, costs and savings that may be realized...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, has introduced a resolution calling for a study to assess the pros and cons of merging the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. “Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation where management and oversight of fishing, boating and wildlife activities are managed by two separate, independent agencies,” Causer said. “In these challenging economic times, it’s appropriate to study the commissions’ operations and see if we might be able to do things better and more efficiently with one organization rather than two.” Last month, the executive directors of both commissions appeared before the House Game and Fisheries Committee to present their annual reports. While a number of issues were covered in both presentations, financial concerns were a significant point of discussion from both agencies. “Clearly, funding is a concern, and if we can elim...

The need to repair high-hazard unsafe dams across the state will be among the issues the state Fish and Boat Commission director will talk about during the agency’s annual report to the House Game and Fisheries Committee on Tuesday. John Arway will also talk about changes to the stocking program, the health of the Susquehanna River and the agency’s need for a long-term, alternative funding source. He will also highlight the agency’s accomplishments during 2012. State Representative Marty Causer is chairman of the committee. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is closing the Oswayo fish hatchery in Coudersport in a cost-cutting measure. The commission is also closing the hatchery in Bellefonte in an effort to save $9 million over the next four years. The 18 employees at the hatcheries are not expected to be laid off. Commission Executive Director John Arway says the closings are necessary to meet future healthcare and retirement obligations for employees, and to pay for infrastructure needs. The hatcheries won’t be completely closed until the end of 2014. Fish are being raised at both facilities and won’t be ready to stock until the end of this year and spring of next year. Once the fish have been stocked, the facilities will be cleaned and then closed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – As you heard first on Monday on 1490 WESB's LiveLine, State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has been named chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session by Speaker-designate Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney). “Hunting and fishing play an important role in our state and regional economies, but more importantly, these activities are a vital part of our heritage,” Causer said. “As chairman of the committee, my top priority will be to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations of sportsmen and sportswomen.” The House Game and Fisheries Committee is responsible for reviewing legislative proposals that impact hunters and anglers in the Commonwealth. The committee also receives and reviews annual reports from both the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. During the 2011-12 session, the committee worked on several bills that are now law, including: Enhancements to th...

Harrisburg - Governor Tom Corbett has signed House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale bill, into law. The bill enhances protection of our natural resources through stronger environmental standards, authorizes counties to adopt an impact fee, and builds upon efforts to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence. The historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the state’s Oil and Gas Act since 1984. It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last October. His plan followed the work of the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission. House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory commission. “This growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a reason to stay here in Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “Thanks to this legislation, this natural resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs and powering our state’s economi...

HARRISBURG – A Houston drilling company has agreed to pay a $93,710 settlement in lieu of fines and civil damages to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as a result of the company’s pollution of Clearfield County’s Little Laurel Run in late 2010. EOG Resources, Inc. agreed to the settlement following investigations by PFBC waterways conservation officers and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) which determined that the substances the company released were deleterious, destructive or poisonous to fish. The substances first entered Little Laurel Run on Dec. 13, 2010, and affected the creek through March 22, 2011. Little Laurel Run has been designated as a high quality water under DEP regulations. As part of the settlement, EOG also agreed to pay an additional $65,000 towards an environmental project of the PFBC’s choosing in the Laurel Run watershed. The money will be placed into a PFBC restricted account until a project is developed. This is the fourth settlement EOG ...

Harrisburg – “A Pennsylvania Christmas,” a decorating theme celebrating official state symbols, will welcome visitors to the Governor’s Residence this holiday season, First Lady Susan Corbett said today. “The governor and I are excited to welcome Pennsylvanians to the Governor’s Residence during the holiday season,” said Susan Corbett. “We chose ‘A Pennsylvania Christmas’ to recognize the natural beauty and uniqueness of our commonwealth. We hope that visitors will enjoy this holiday tribute to Pennsylvania.” Christmas trees donated by the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association adorn the building’s public areas. Each tree has a specific theme, including White-Tailed Deer, Flagship Niagara, and Brook Trout -- among others. Several original pieces of artwork are also on display, including those of nature artist Ned Smith and artist Nick Ruggieri. Each tree has two ornaments featuring the Corbett’s Airedale puppies, Penny and Harry. The ornaments are hidden on the trees so that c...

Harrisburg, PA – Anglers from across the state have been helping the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ( PFBC) stock more than one million adult trout in preparation for the traditional opening day on April 16. PFBC Executive Director John Arway says opening day is a time-honored tradition that families and kids look forward to every year. “Opening day is a huge event for so many families and their children,” Mr. Arway said. “In fact, the regional opening day and the traditional opening day are two of the biggest fishing days of the year. To get ready for them, our ‘great white fleet’ of stocking trucks has been busy since mid-February replenishing Pennsylvania's waterways with a fresh supply of brook, brown, and rainbow trout.” April 2 marked the regional opening day of trout in 18 southeastern counties. Every year the PFBC stocks about 3.2 million trout in waterways across the state. About 50 percent are stocked before the opening days, 45 percent are stocked before the end o...

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is sponsoring a free educational Family Fishing Program for families on Saturday, July 24 at John J. Collins Memorial Park (Benner Town Lake), Potter County. The program will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants are to meet at the pavilion at the Point. The program is open to families with children ages 8 – 15 years old. A parent or guardian must accompany children to this wonderful event. We’ll even provide the fishing equipment! The program will include a welcome and introduction, and presentations regarding SMART fishing, regulations, licenses, where to go, equipment, knots, rigging and baiting, casting skills, and a family fishing session. More information on Family Fishing Programs can be found at www.fish.state.pa.us. Reservations are required for this event. Please contact the Regional Education Specialist at 814-359-5127 to register by Wednesday, July 21. Please call between the hours of 8:00 a.m...