ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC.
MEETING MINUTES April 14, 2002
Opening
	The monthly meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse. President Lewellen led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge. Agencies and member clubs attending: Allegheny Country Rifle-Susick Clairton-Mike Maranche National Wild Turkey Fed.-Shick Bakerstown Beagle-Bucek Dormont-Mt.Leb-Bloss Pitcairn-Monroeville-Hoffman Bethel Park O.-Lijewski Elizabeth-Collura Renton R & G - Girdich Bethel Park S.-Walters Forest Grove-Cersosimo TCWA-Connors Bull Creek - Stanislaw LFSC - Liberto Tri County Trout-Sparrow Carrick - Slavonic North Boros - Baker W PA Taxidermists-Fundy PGC - WCO Gary Fujak PFBC - WCO Mike Wheale The March minutes were approved as mailed.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
	CORRESPONDENCE - Thank you notes from Congressman Patrick Toomey and Hospice Care. GUESTS - Steve Crawford representing gubernatorial candidate Bob Casey. Time was given to Mr. Crawford to present his candidate's views. "Bob Casey firmly believes the Constitution should be upheld; Pa has enough gun laws". Mr. Casey has met with sportsmen across the state. He believes the PGC and PFBC should not be used as a political playground. The governor's office should be an open door for communication. It is important that offices be held by representatives willing to listen to all sides on important issues. It is suggested that your opinions on candidates be expressed through letters to newspaper editors.
Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission
	WCO Mike Wheale presented a video on "Keep PA Fishing", including new license structure. A 4-year plan would include a trout stamp with license at $30.00. This would increase the Fish Fund revenue by about $3.4 million per year. An initiative to get monies from the legislature is being promoted at the present time. Visit the Commissions web site for up-to-the-minute information on licenses, fishing and boating programs. www.fish.state.pa.us DEP Secretary David E. Hess has asked the U.S. Senate Environmental and Public Works Comm. to help alleviate the problem of interstate waste. At least 20 states dump 47.3 percent of the waste into PA. Pennsylvania is seeking federal legislation that would possibly charge a $25 tipping fee for every time a load is dumped. This fee, divided into agencies such as the PFBC, and Growing Greener, could help fund conservation programs. Mike suggests sportsmen join together & brainstorm and come up with ways to help this situation. The Turtle Creek stocking was cancelled because of a massive discharge of aluminum oxide from the White Valley deep mine. It is hoped this will happen at a later date.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
	WCO Gary Fujak explained that WCO Beth Fife was unable to attend as stated at the ACSL March meeting due to another commitment. Antler restrictions were given final approval with a vote of 4-3. Four point-one side in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Erie, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland. Three or more inches Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia. Mistaken kills should be reported no later than 12 hours after time of kill to region office; entrails removed, carcass delivered to any WCO in county in which killed and a $25 restitution fee paid; the deer confiscated by the WCO and a new tag given to the hunter. This is tentatively approved; public input is accepted. Of the 736 individuals polled, 57 percent of PA resident deer hunters supported antler restrictions. Elk season Nov. 18-23. 70(36 antlered and 34 antlerless) available with public drawing Sat. Sept. 28. The $10 nonrefundable application fee will stand. Last year's results can be obtained at www.pgc.state.pa.us-News Release #102-01. Applications available at same website. SGL regulations - mountain bikers and horseback riders not permitted to designated routes from second Saturday in April to the last Saturday in May and last Saturday in September to third Sat. in January except Sundays in both time frames. Non-hunting users would also be required to wear 250 square inches florescent orange in each season. PGC continued - preliminary approval to allowing hunters participating in the October muzzleloader antlerless deer season to use "any long- gun muzzleloading firearm". Approval given to allow licensed furtakers to use traps to take groundhogs from Feb.1 to Sept.30.
FISH AND CLEAN STREAMS
	Frank Sparrow reported April 25 Deer Creek Watershed Assn. mtg. Indiana Twp.Bldg. 7:30 p.m. 2002 Venture Outdoors on May 18 at Washington's Landing sponsored by River Life Taskforce and other organizations. Also, free fishing on Wednesdays at noontime and evening. June 1 - Bull Creek Sportsmen's Club - Women in the Outdoors, sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Senator Jane Orie is planning a meeting to discuss the Deer Creek Mall project and the impact from the LTV closing and their deep mines, refuse deposit area and manufacturing facilities. Henry Hoffman has been in contact with Betsy Mallison of DEP regarding LTV. Envirathon at the Family Retreat Center, 1100 Freeport Rd. scheduled 4/26. Growing Greener program will be discussed at the MAY MEETING.
C O M M I T T E E S

Sporting Arms and Information & Legislation
	Mike Slavonic's report http://www.acslpa.org The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has advised the ACSL Committee that briefs for their appeal is due April 23, 2002 and that our case will be heard in Pittsburgh. It appears that the date will be September. The committee put together a petition to the NRA Firearms Civil Right Legal Defense Fund to request financial support for this lawsuit against the PSP commissioner. Rep. Ed Staback, a member of the Firearms Background Check Advisory Committee, has requested the chair of his committee invite the ACSL to testify on the preliminary report on the administration of the PA Instant check. FOAC and ACSL meetings with Bob Casey's political director have been agreeable and the FOAC questionnaire is promised shortly. Ed Rendell and Mike Fisher haven't agreed to the questionnaire. Voter's guides will be circulated within a week. Habitat Improvement Advisory Committee disbanded. Teams of stakeholders will include organized sportsmen groups along with landowners, the Farm bureau, organizations interested in non-game wildlife. A list of the stakeholders was requested but to date not received. Senator Jane Orie is setting up a meeting with Roxane Palone and the committee for discussion.
CONSERVATION
	Jack Walters reported on clean coal technologies used in pollution control and power generating processes that reduce air emissions and lower greenhouse gases. DEP is looking for new river or stream cleanup sites in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties for the 13th annual River Sweep on June 15. It is hoped people will call with information about their favorite waterway that needs to be cleaned. Contact Betsy Mallison at (412)442-44182. The world's first fuel-cell gas turbine hybrid power plant is now generating electricity. The advanced generator is being tested within a mini-power plant the size of a small house trailer at the University of CA-Irvine. Penn State Conservation Leadership School sessions are June 23-28, July 7-12, July 14-19 and are available to any club in the league. Phone 414-793-4437, a copy will be mailed to you or get one at the next league meeting, May 9. The ACSL pays half the tuition for this school.
Game Committee
	Mike Maranche reporting commissioner vote on antler restrictions 4-3. Nay- Palone, Reilly, Schleden and Spock; Yeah- Dunkle, Moore, Gilford. Reilly is now under investigation by A.G. Fisher for his threat to sports writers. The National Audubon Society is anti-hunting. David Sederman, editor of the magazine states that he would rather an animal take a bullet than die from starvation or autos, but most importantly the conservation of forests, springs and wildflowers is more an issue; get rid of the deer herds. Furthermore, selling PA's hardwood to European countries is most profitable. Check out the website on Green Certification and Scientific Certification Systems at www.scs 1. com. Report on Pennsylvania
BANQUET
	MARCH 1, 2003 - clubs are reminded to be taking current photos of facilities and events that can be used at the banquet. Suggestions are always accepted and appreciated.
Policy & Budget
	Treasurer Joe Connors reported to those present the financial status of the league; their assistance to clubs, legislative expenses etc. There are seven clubs with outstanding dues who will not have voting powers in effect March 31, 2002. Treasurer Connors was commended for his excellent stewardship of the league finances and assured the monies spent thus far have been approved by the bodies present at monthly meetings.
ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR SHOW
	Henry Hoffman stated approximately 800,000 attended the show this year. Clubs members are encouraged to help at the league booth; they can represent their clubs and assist sales and give information as requested. The Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen's Club gave many hours as did some of the league directors and former directors. The new fishpond worked well. There is need for more help dismantling the league booth when the show closes. Several important items were misplaced, if you helped close the booth, please see Henry. 2003 Show dates will be 2/12-16. Jack Walters was commended for his exceptional handling of the beef jerky supplies and booths.
Youth Day
	JULY 27 MILLVALE CLUB GROUNDS - Frank Sparrow reported progress in requests for lunch supplies, sports and volunteer equipment. Meetings are scheduled for 4/22 and thereafter. Please call Frank (724)444-6569 to offer your assistance. This event requires many hands to make it a success. The High Flyer Hunting and Retriever Club will be contacted for their participation as will the National Wild Turkey Federation. YouthDay applications were available and will be registered with the PA Game Commission.
New Business
	Delegate Jim Liberto reported Pgh. must follow the state law and provide lock boxes for firearms at the Courthouse, etc.
Treasurer's Report
	Joe Connors presented his report; which was accepted without question. (Hoffman/Slavonic) The monthly door prize was won by Jim Susick, delegate of the Allegheny Country Rifle Club. Jim donated his winnings to the ACSL.
Adjournment
	Adjournment was called for at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Secretary
Special Meeting Notes
	PLEASE NOTE - if you have an E-mail address - and would like the minutes sent to your E-mail, send it to Mike Slavonic at acsl@nauticom.net.
Next Regular Meeting
	LLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC. next meeting Thursday, May 9, 2002 7:30 p.m. Courthouse swearing-in ceremony National Wild Turkey Federation, Allegheny Valley Chapter Come join us! !
CLUB NEWS
	ATTENTION CLUBS - REMEMBER TO TAKE PHOTOS OF CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES! TURN THEM IN TO TOM VENNERO OR SARA BARNETT