President Mike Maranche called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge

of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison.

The following clubs and agencies were in attendance:

BAKERSTOWN BEAGLE EAST MONONGAHELA NORTHSIDE SPORTSMEN

BETHEL PARK SPORTSMEN HOMESTEAD DISTRICT PGH SPTS LUNCHEON CL

BRADDOCK DISTRICT SPTS LOGANS FERRY SPORTSMEN PITCAIRN-MNRVL SPTS

CARRICK SPORTSMEN MCKEESPORT SPORTSMEN POLICE ROD & GUN CLUB

CLAIRTON SPORTSMEN MILLVALE SPTS. CLUB RENTON ROD & GUN CL

DORMONT-MT. LEBANON MT NEBO SPORTSMEN TCWA

ELIZABETH SPORTSMEN NORTH BOROS W PA TAXIDERMY

PFBC - WCO BOB WHEELER PGC - WCO JUSTIN KLUGH

GUESTS: Republican Candidate for PA Attorney General, Tom Corbett was

introduced. Tom served under Governor Tom Ridge in a Special Legislative

Session on Crime; as PA Attorney General he helped to overhaul the state's

Drug Task Force. He is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and

reciprocity. A question and answer period followed. Mr. Corbett can be

contacted at www.TomCorbett2004.com or phone 712-238-4009.

Lee Brown, delegate of the Pittsburgh Sportsmen's Luncheon Club, was

introduced and sworn into membership of the ACSL.

Mike Christeson, delegate of the McKeesport Sportsmen's Association was

introduced and welcomed.

Joe Malino, ACSL financial and tax advisor spoke to the delegates and

officers.

WCO Bob Wheeler announced the spring quarterly meeting 4-19, 20.

Opening day of trout is the 19th. Will be looking at a slow no-wake zone on

the Ohio River back channel of Neville Island from the Coraopolis Bridge

upstream to the Interstate 79 bridge. Nothing on the delayed harvest issue.

The merger of the two agencies - DCNR Legislative Budget Committee was to

have their report on merging into the DCNR - meeting rescheduled April 14.

Mike Maranche reported that a draft copy appeared, stating it is feasible to

merge and DCNR is the most suitable agency to oversee the new bureau.

Eliminating 765 deputy volunteer conservation officers, more people must be

hired, making the general fund budget $2.6 million more. Report suggests the

new bureau will get money from all fines and penalties collected and from

any new tax on hunting, fishing and outdoor gear that may be developed.

Harry Lewellen was informed that the governor's office will give $25 million

to PGC and $25 million to PFBC if his budget is passed; no matching funds.

(Growing Greener II bond issue).

Mike Maranche stated that Westmoreland County Sportsmen's League reported

that Joe Petrarka is going to introduce legislation to merger the PFBC and

WCO Justin Klugh stated that Beth Fife was undergoing therapy for some

problems.

The April 19, 20 Commission Meeting will discuss seasons bag limits. June

meeting 28, 29.

2003 brought the 4th highest deer harvest with Allegheny County showing 1700

antlered and 4790 antlerless. The elk herd survey has been changed to fall

for a better count. Bluebird program is now in progress - nesting box

dimensions are on the PGC website. Many youth groups are taking part in the

program. Spring gobbler season coming up - Jr. hunt youth hunter with

Mike Slavonic stated he had heard from Atty. John

Pushinsky, the ACSL lawyer in the PSP lawsuit; saying we hadn't heard about

the lawsuit and this indicates the judges may be struggling with the issues

in the case. With only 5 justices deciding the case, this will eliminate the

possibility of a tie vote and the decision may be a 3-2 decision. Two of the

judges were elected with NRA support so there is a good chance they will be

Jack Walters stated that the Rendell administration's Deputy

Secretary for Mineral Resources Management J. Scott Roberts testified before

a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee in support of a bill calling

for the reauthorization of the Federal Abandoned Mine Land Fund to help PA

and other states fund their mine reclamation efforts. EPA Secretary Kathleen

McGinty announced that PA has become partner in a federal certification

program, ENERGY STAR, that helps businesses and individuals save money and

protect the environment through greater energy efficiency. The U.S. senate

has been urged too reinstate the Superfund tax, expired in 1995, to clean up

Mike Maranche read a letter of thanks from Brian Berger, COPA, in

Frank Sparrow reporting on ESPN and the Bassmasters

Classic fishing tournament. Bob Imperata of the Greater PGH Convention and

Visitors Bureay said he can't help feel good about how things went the ESPN

visited Pittsburgh in March. ESPN is expected to choose between Pittsburgh

and Hartford, Conn. to host the 2005 Bassmasters Classic. Pittsburgh is the

middle of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest sportsmen's market, which would help

to grow the Bassmasters Classic. This is a three-day tournament and ESPN

Mike Maranche reported in Henry's absence that 80,000 people

attended the show.

FamilyTies virtual fishing machine will be with the 2005 show. Joe Connors

No Report

July 24, 2004 - Millvale Sportsmen's Club, hours are from 8 a.m.

to 5:30 p.m. If you need directions and an application, please contact Frank Sparrow at

724-444-6569, address 3522 Huntertown Rd, Allison Park, 15101-5014 (birdhse@connecttime.net

Volunteers are needed.

None.

"Shooting Range Survival Seminar" for everyone who wants to

protect their club or range from those who are trying to shut them down.

Sunday, April 24, to register by phone call Lisa Diehl at 717-232-3480. Cost

is $35.00. Thanks to the NSSF, FEDERATION and the NORTHSIDE SPORTSMEN'S

ASSOCIATION for sponsoring this event.

ACSL SHIRTS CAN BE ORDERED AT MONTHLY MEETINGS OF THE ACSL.

Doorprize was won by Dennis Felice, delegate of the Police Rod & Gun Club.

Adjournment was called for at 10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Secretary

Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc.

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. or Sara Barnett at  salbarnett@nb.net 

next meeting

THURSDAY, May 13, 2004

7:30 P.M.

COURTHOUSE

SEE YOU THERE!

GOLD ROOM-4TH FLOOR COURTHOUSE

ACSL on the Internet  http://www/acslpa.org

May 29 and June 5 "Fish for free" days

Monroeville/Pitcairn Sportsmen's Assn. - MAY 12, 2004 - 5-8 PM all you can

eat spaghetti dinner PUBLIC WELCOME