ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
FEBRUARY 9, 2006
MINUTES
Meeting was held in the Courthouse Gold Room. President Maranche called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge recited in unison.
CLUBS AND AGENCIES ATTENDING:
Bakerstown Beagle Forest Grove Pitcairn/Monroeville
Bethel Park Sportsmen Homestead Police Rod & Gun
Braddock District LFSC Renton Rod & Gun
Bull Creek McDonald Sportsmen SAFE
Clairton McKeesport Sewickley S & F
Dormont Mt. Lebanon MSCI TCWA
E Monongahela Mt. Nebo West Deer
Penn Hills Rod & Gun W PA Taxidermists
PFBC – Larry Furlong PGC – Beth Fife, Doug Dunkerley
The January meeting minutes were approved as mailed.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Joe Connors. Question as to why an increase in ExPo’s charges for the sports show. Referred to Henry Hoffman. Motion made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report (Fischer/Stolfer). Motion carried unanimously.
Communications – letter addressed to Mike Stollenwerk in support of his lawsuit; letter from Jane Clare Orie requesting participation in annual Sportsmen’s Expo April 29, 2006.
The ACSL will reserve a table.
Report of District Game Protector – WCO Beth Fife showed a Forward Twp. roadkill which will be at the sports show; seedlings are offered by the Howard Nursery at .15 cents a tree, access the PGC website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) for more information; bear harvest at 3354; the fisher project has been approved; final bag limits will be decided when all info. is gathered; chronic waste not found in elk; 1st year doe study has come to close; pheasant/chick program – order 100 chicks at $60.00 or 300 eggs at $180.00, form is available on the website. The website has started a scrap book and hunters and trappers are encouraged to submit photos. National Turkey Federation selected two outstanding officers Barry Seth and Doug Dunkerely for the year. Turkey trapping and banding is in progress. Pine Twp. incident has no merit as far as complaint of lack of safety zones.
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Report of District Waterways Protector - WCO Larry Furlong reporting new license structure for juniors 12-15 of $5.00. Clubs can purchase a quantity at $3.00. Sportsmen need to give feedback to Larry or PFBC at www.pfbc.state.pa.us
C O M M I T T E E S
Legislative – Chairman Kim Stolfer reporting the PA Legislature is considering ACSL language to remove the prohibition on carrying a concealed firearm while involved in any activity governed by Title 34. Hunters have been attacked and even killed for lack of protection.
Gun owners will rally in Harrisburg on March 14 in support of landmark legislation presented by Rep. Metcalf and Senator Pippy to end the illegal registration of Firearm Owners. A good turnout of gun owners and sportsmen will be of immeasurable benefit for year to come. Buses are being arranged @$30 that will leave Pittsburgh(Parkway Center Mall) at 4 a.m., returning at 7:30 p.m. Contact Kim FOAC/ACSL, phone 412-221-3346 or e-mail activist@fyi.net. PLEASE MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE.
Senator Santorum introduced S2249, the Sportsmen’s Privacy Protection Act, that would repeal the federal mandate that requires states to collect Social Security numbers for recreational licenses.
Lynn Swann’s questionnaire was answered extremely well.
A summary of questions that will be presented on a flyer for the rally on March 14 is available. Sportsmen are encouraged to add their thoughts – copies available from Kim or Mike Christeson ( 724-873-0605)
Conservation – Chairman Jack Walters stating that mercury exposure is being combated through collection strategies. 1,451 pounds were collected in 2005. Mercury is commonly found in home thermometers, thermostats, barometers and coal-fired power plants emissions. www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword “Mercury” New Federal Arsenic Standards take effect today. DEP has worked with community water suppliers to help bring their operations into compliance. Interstate 99 acid rock drainage problem in Centre County will be addressed March 7 at the Pine Twp. Fire Hall and March 9 at Park Forest Middle School, Centre County. Conservation School information is available from Jack
(412-884-2148), jwalters@acslpa.org.
Game – Mike Maranche reported Rep. Tim Murphy is signing on to HR4144 (S2249) joining Phil English, Melissa Hart, Tim Holden and Todd Platts as sponsors.
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Game continued – HB2435 (introduced 2//7/06)establishes the dates of the regular antlered deer season It is bad precedent for the legislature to do so. It is the job of the PGC to set “seasons and bag limits”. Must keep track of this. The Commissioners adopted regulatory language banning recreational spotlighting during regular firearms deer seasons and including late firearms deer season in Unit 2B. Commissioners gave final approval to permit hunters use of crossbows for turkey seasons in 2006 spring gobbler season; and preliminary approval for use of atlatls to harvest deer. PGC approved use of electronic dog collars for dog control, not hunting.
Fish and Clean Streams – Frank Sparrow stated he and Mike Christeson will attend the Keystone Water Conference at Penn State on February 24, 25.
Safe Boating – Henry Hoffman reminded that the auxiliary coastguard will hold safe boating classes at the Rainbow Fire Hall (Rt. 48, White Oak) in February. This is a must for waverunners. If born after Jan. 1, 1982 you must produce proof of this safety class.
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley reported his meeting with Mark Harley of Melissa Hart’s office to discuss safety posters. More discussions to follow; Dave will keep the league advised.
S P E C I A L C O M M I T T E E S
ASTOS 2/15-19 Henry Hoffman reminded those present that help is needed to set up on Monday the 13th at 8 a.m., and the kid’s program Thursday at 9 a.m.the 16th. Club members are encouraged to help at the ACSL booth at least a couple of hours. Beth Fife will conduct a seminar on “gutting deer” on Friday at the Radisson 2 p.m. (closed t.v.)
Henry answered the question of ExPo cost increase in that it is due to labor costs.
Banquet – March 11, 4 p.m. Harmar House, Rt. 28 COME ON CLUBS! SUPPORT US – THIS IS YOUR EVENT. Contact Joe Cersosimo before March 3 (412-331-3412)
for tickets.
Youth Day – July 22 – the league booth at the ExPo will have information.
By-Law Committee – Jack Walters provided Article VI through Article IX for delegates and officers to digest. Please do so and return to the March 9 league meeting with your suggestions.
New Business – Meeting held discussing eminent domain. 5 billion acres of land have been bought up by conservancy groups. EPA can fine up to $50,000 per day for disturbance of either natural or artificial wetland (highway with drainage pipes in low area with standing water). Blighted properties can be confiscated.
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New business continued
ACSL buttons (black and gold) are available at $1 and will be sold at the league booth at the show. Proceeds will help with Youth Day.
Thank you to the West View Sportsmen’s Assn. for their donation of $50.00 to help offset the $750.00 the league donated to the Mike Stollenwerk lawsuit.
Drawing was won by Joe Cersosimo, delegate of Forest Grove Sportsmen. Joe donated his winnings to YouthDay.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Secretary
F Y I
OFFICER/DIRECTOR MEETING
SATURDAY, FEB. 18 EXPO
2 P.M.
BUDGET MEETING TO FOLLOW
* * * *
ACSL MEETING
MARCH 9, 7:30 P.M.
GOLD ROOM, COURTHOUSE
SPORTSMEN OF THE YEAR BANQUET
SATURDAY, MARCH 11 5 p.m. dinner
FUTULES HARMAR HOUSE
Rt. 28 in Cheswick
CLUB NEWS
PITCAIRN/MONROEVILLE CRAFT SHOW
MARCH 25 – 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Free admission – handmade crafts
Chinese auction/50/50 FOOD
1st Sunday of each month all you can eat breakfast - $3.00 8 a.m.