ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
APRIL 13, 2006 MINUTES
President Maranche called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were recited in unison.
CLUBS AND AGENCIES ATTENDING:
Bakerstown Beagle Logans Ferry – Barnett PMSC – Hoffman/Bachy
Bethel Park S. – Walters McDonald – Stolfer Police R & G – Felice
Clairton – Maranche McKeesport – Christeson Renton – Girdich
Collier – Ragaller Mt. Nebo – Fischer SAFE – Fedorka
Dormont-Mt.Leb. – Yanchak PGH Downriggers – Coutu TCWA – Connors
Forest Grove – Cersosimo PHR&G – Pritchard W PA Taxi. – Fundy
PFBC –WCO Bob Wheeler PGC – none in attendance
Introduction of guest – Mike Isaac, candidate for U.S. Congress, 14th District, spoke to those present.
The March meeting minutes were approved as mailed.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Joe Connors. Motion made and seconded to approve (Hoffman/Stolfer). MOTION CARRIED.
Communications – GOA newsletter, CCRKBA newsletter & survey, Sportsmen’s EXPO
April 29 flyers.
President Maranche introduced Ron Bachy, Alternate Delegate of P/M Sportsmen and Howard Coutu, Delegate of Pittsburgh Downriggers.
Report of District Waterways Protector - WCO Bob Wheeler reported on the movement of stocked trout – survey began March 1 – fish are electronically monitored from where they are stocked; the stream is surveyed periodically. A smaller survey last year in the North East, one fish traveled 125 miles in three days. Results of the latest study will be on the website soon. www.fish.state.pa.us
Biologists will be out surveying anglers. Smaller streams that are stocked of less than 1000 fish may be reallocated. One million less (but larger) trout will be stocked next year.
New charter boat guidelines: operators or fishing guides on the waters of this Commonwealth must apply for a permit, possess a boating safety education certificate
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PFBC - know basic first aid, maintain general liability insurance minimum of $250,000 for each occurrence and $500,000 in the aggregate; valid fishing licenses and stamps and permits required for the waters in which they fish.
Consumption advisory – all sport fishing – eat no more than one meal per week. Waters with specific problems include Allegheny River from Lock & Dam 3 to the Point, carp and channel catfish (1 meal a month); Chartiers and Little Chartiers Creeks (Allegheny & Washington Co) largemouth bass (1 meal a month); Monongahela River (Allegheny Co) Lock & Dam 3 carp (1 meal a month); Monongahela River (Allegheny Co.) Lock & Dam 2 freshwater drum, (6 meals a year) carp, channel catfish (DO NOT EAT); Ohio River from the point to Montgomery Lock walleye, sauger, white bass, (1 meal a month) carp, channel fish (DO NOT EAT). Be sure to remove all skin, fat, lateral line; bake or broil.
Special Activity Permits, Fishing Tournament , where 10 or more individuals fish – requirement (special permit, no cost).
Next commissioners meeting will be May 1 and 2.
C O M M I T T E E S
Legislative – Chairman Kim Stolfer/Mike Christeson reporting on the March 14 Harrisburg Conference where three major bills of legislation were introduced:
HB2536/SB1156 Registration of Guns Prohibition
HB2563 Extending CCW Rights to Hunters
HB1181 Extending CCW Rights to State Employees
You can now carry a firearm or transport a firearm in county parks. Thanks to Executive Director Dan Onorato and Pete Havern of his office, working with Kim Stolfer.
HB2563 provides hunters permission to carry their self-defense firearm while hunting. This bill was introduced at the ACSL, PFSC and PSA request. This bill has 42 co-sponsors and is set to be heard by the legislature shortly.
The conclusion is it helps to talk with the legislators. There are now lock boxes at the state capitol.
.When purchasing a gun, a question asked on the 4473 form is: Item 5 states you are certifying that you know and understand all the gun laws. Be careful when signing this as this could become a federal and state felony. You can lose your right to own a firearm the rest of your life.
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Conservation – Chairman Jack Walters reported on the highlighting of Gov. Rendell’s energy initiatives. PA’s leadership in alternative energy led to discussions of biofuels, clean and efficient energy generation and infrastructure and workforce development in the energy sector. The plant in Middletown, Dauphin County, provides a biofuels storage and blending system, replacing 3.2 million gallons of foreign oil with domestically produced biodiesel, keeping about $6 million worth of energy dollars in the commonwealth.
Mosquito Surveillance Programs could benefit from a $5.4 million proposal by the Governor. Ridding property of standing water and use of insect repellant containing DEET are highly recommended.
The River Sweeps are coming up – Saturday, June 17 (2006 sweep) and the Ohio Riverbank cleanup. More information is forthcoming.
Recognition of “Watershed Awareness Month” in May can be used to educate decision-makers on how important watershed groups are to improving water quality all over the state. Over 11,000 volunteers, including the PA Senior Environment Corps, are actively involved in water quality sampling across the state. Much has been accomplished, but lots is left to do. Over 10,762 miles of PA streams are still so polluted they don’t meet water quality standards.
Game – Chairman Mike Maranche reported 3 pieces of legislation introduced by Bruce Smith
HB2600: Amends Title 34 to increase the Adult Resident License $10, with a $10 pheasant stamp and a $5 turkey stamp. Revenues from the Pheasant and Turkey stamps are to be used solely for operation of the two programs; this legislation is expected to generate an additional $18 million annually. (The legislature should not earmark any revenues. It is the job of the PGC to internally budget the Pheasant and Turkey programs.)
HB2601 Amends Title 34 to increase the Adult Resident License from $19 to $34. All other provisions are the same as HB2600. (This legislation was introduced in the event that a license increase is not enacted in a timely manner, and the Game Commission’s financial condition worsens. It is anticipated that some legislators will stonewall the license increase, under pressure from constituent sportsmen over the PGC’s deer management plan.
HB2602 Amends Title 34 to provide for a Conservation stamp and fee. Requires a hunting license holder, as well as any individual who goes upon the Gamelands, to purchase a $20 Conservation stamp. The stamp would apply to anyone, including hunters, horseback riders, and bird watchers.
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Game continued:
HB904 Commentary: HB 904 does not in itself institute Sunday Hunting. It simply removes the prohibition from the Game Code. This would then give control to the Game Commission to determine the if, what, when and where of Sunday Hunting.
A motion was made and seconded (Ragaller/Christeson) that the ACSL support HB904
and that the poll taken of the clubs on Sunday hunting, dictate the action of the ACSL. Motion carried.
PGC website www.pgc.state.pa.us “Urban Suburban Deer Plan” icon is asking public comment on deer management – deadline for submitting comments is May 12; or mail your comments to PGC, Attn: Draft Urban Deer Management Strategy, 2001 Elmerton Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. An ACSL Public Comment Committee composed of Mike Christeson, Kim Stolfer, Joe Bucek and Dan Ragaller will read the plan and submit comments before May 12, 2006.
S P E C I A L C O M M I T T E E S
Banquet Committee – Chairman Joe Cersosimo gave the final banquet report, stating that
the success was evident; comments were very favorable. Kudos to Audrey for her successful program booklet advertising; the work of the entire committee; Dan’s photo presentation for the awardees; the sincere efforts of the officers and directors working together. Jenny Girdich made a lovely wildlife wall-hanging for speaker Karen Gainey.
The league came out in the black; March 10, 2007 Futule’s Harmar House next year.
By-Law Committee – Jack Walters reporting changes are still being considered and will likely be presented at the May meeting.
New Business – President Maranche announced the appointment of Paul Fedorka to the Board of Directors.
Update forms for club information is available – if your club has had a change of officers or activities that you would like added to the website or directory, please forward the information to Jack Walters, 302 Alries St, Pgh. 15210 or Sally Barnett at 1028 Hulton Road, Verona, PA 15147.
Drawing was won by Frank Girdich, delegate of Renton Rod & Gun Club.
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Congratulations to Mike Christeson and his wife on the arrival of their son
Michael.
Call for adjournment at 9:40 p.m
Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Secretary
FYI
Sunday, April 30 8:30 to 5:30
Nemacolin Shooting Academy
Hunters Sharing the Harvest – mail in the registration form
Directions or more info. call 724-743-3000
CLUB NEWS
COLLIER SPORTSMEN
April 29 special youth trap tournament 10-2:30
Call Clark Crabbe 412-921-7319
PITCAIRN/MONROEVILLE
SPORTSMEN’S INDOOR FLEA MARKET
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 9– 5 P.M.
and
1st Sunday of each month all you can eat breakfast - $3.00
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
OFFICER/DIRECTOR MEETING
6:30 p.m. prior to
ACSL MEETING MAY 11, 7:30 P.M.
GOLD ROOM, COURTHOUSE