ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
Minutes February 14 , 2008
President Maranche called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
A moment of silence was observed for our troops.
The following agencies and clubs were present:
Bakerstown Beagle High Flyers Pitcairn Monroeville
Bethel Park Sportsmen Logans Ferry “ “ Youth
Clairton Sportsmen Mt. Nebo Renton R & G
Dormont Mt. Lebanon NSSA Turtle Creek
Forest Grove Penn Hills W PA Taxidermy
West Deer
The January minutes were approved as mailed.
Guests: Gil Aubele, ILA Rep. of LFSC; Eileen P. Sieger, Pres. High Flyers;
and two members of High Flyers; Judy Brown, State Coordinator of Second Amendment Sisters, Mt. Lebanon.
Retiring Treasurer Joe Connors was given a hand of appreciation for 17 years of service to the league and Joe Mallino was introduced as Joe’s successor.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Joe Mallino stated his format of presenting the financial status of the league at the monthly meetings. Expenses incurred should be sent to ACSL P.O. Box 14338, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 for reimbursement.
PFBC – WCO Mike Walsh offered a list of fish out of the Lake Erie watershed that are susceptible to Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) effective January 1, 2008. Clubs, this information is available on the PFBC website under VHS where the list is available.
Recreationally caught sport fish Advisory of 1 meal a week (1/2#) for 150 lb person – 1 meal per month for walleye for PCB’s contamination; 2 meal per month large mouth bass for mercury contamination; French Creek 1 meal per month has been modified to two meal per month for smallmouth bass for mercury contamination. Consult the website for changes that may occur.
65 boating accidents of all types. Majority did not wear pfd’s.
Mike will bring fishing license applications downloaded from the website.
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Conservation – Jack Walters written report – U.S. Department of Energy has issued a comprehensive report examining the potential for Arctic Alaska to remain a major contributor to the Nation’s domestic energy supply. The 1002 Area of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is opened for exploration and development.
Municipal recycling programs that boost Pennsylvania’s economy and protect its environment are invited to apply for the latest round of recycling development and implementation grants. The environmental benefits of recycling saves energy, reduces air and water pollution and conserves natural resources. www.depweb.state.pa.us.
Gov. Rendell announced more of PA’s native plants, fish and animals will be conserved with the investment of $1.2 million in the Wild Resource Conservation Program.
Radon-resistant construction practices are being used more frequently in new homes built throughout the country. EPA encourages you to test for radon in your home, new or old. Cost is less than $25.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has sold 207 acres in Venango County to Fisherman’s Cove Preservation Foundation. Conditions of the sales agreement ensure the permanent protection of this property. The land will be open for public recreation use. Jack’s full report is on the acslpa.org site.
Game – HB2205 broadly expands the definition of poaching and provides no relief for self defense from dangerous game. There is concern among WCO’s about potential personal security issues when encountering a three time loser, who would be facing a felony conviction under the penalty increase.
The Department of Agriculture wants us to believe that it has backed off from its animal rights agenda approach to revise by regulation the state Dog Law. It has come back with two draft bills and a separate regulatory action. YOUR HELP LAST YEAR WITH LETTERS AND ATTENDING MEETINGS HAS CAUSED THE DEPARTMENT TO SEEK LEGISLATIVE PATHWAYS. THIS IS A BATTLE THAT WE HAVE WON! THE WAR IS NOT OVER. In the two bills they are proposing the department wants to increase their authority to regulate UNLICENSED kennels the same as licensed kennels.
Before these bills get to the State House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs, we need to alert the state representatives on these committees (who can kill these bills and never let them get to a vote) that we are not happy.
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Find your legislator at www.legis.state.pa.us, type in your zipcode and it will tell you’re your legislator. They need to hear: 1. we want a public Committee
hearing on these bills; 2. we vehemently oppose these bills as they are proposed in draft; 3. we do not support expanding the authority of the Dept. of Agriculture; we do not support transferring responsibility for coyote and wild dog damages to livestock to the Game Commission; refer to acslpa.org
where more info is posted. Suggestion was made to inform the news media of this information.
Sports Show –Joe Cersosimo and Jack Walters reporting the show will be held at the Pittsburgh Convention Center for 2009. The exhibitors etc. have been informed. The ACSL will discuss this at their meeting Saturday with Expositions.
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley announced that The Safety Poster Contest information is being passed out at the league booth; it needs to be distributed to art teachers, parent/teacher organizations and parochial schools.
Banquet –contact Mike Maranche (412.714.0395) Ticket deadline is Feb. 29.
The Banquet Committee is meeting Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
Youthday – July 19, 2008 ACSL Youthday will be held at Pitcairn Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club.
Frank Sparrow has resigned as Chair – Thank you Frank and Kristen for all
the work you have done in the past.
Ron Bachy will be Interim YouthDay Chairman. Ron requested an advance of $200.00 for expenses such as printing, mailing etc. Treasurer Joe Mallino gave Ron the amount requested. This is a very big event and much help is needed. Some of the events will be different than in previous years. Information is available at the league booth; take some flyers and pass them on.
Unfinished Business – Mike reported on Fox 53’s vignette (30 seconds) offer to the league. We will consider it.
New Business – Judy Brown reporting the CA has coded ammunition under
microscoping’ New Jersey has it and now it is intended to become a national
Issue. We must fight! An April 7 Rally is being planned – more to follow!
Call for adjournment 9:00 p.m. The door prize was won by Mike Maranche.
Newsletter – please get your articles to Paul Fedorka by March 15.
Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett
Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc. next meeting:
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Directors meeting
7:30 p.m. General meeting Allegheny County Courthouse Gold Room