ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC.
MEETING MINUTES JUNE 12, 2003
Opening
	Allegheny Country Rifle Elizabeth Sportsmen North Boros Bakerstown Beagle Forest Grove Sportsmen Pitcairn-Monroeville, Bethel Park Sportsmen Homestead District Renton Rod & Gun Club Carrick Sportsmen Logans Ferry Sportsmen Turtle Creek Watershed Clairton Sportsmen Millvale Sportsmen W PA Taxidermy Dormont-Mt.Lebanon West Deer Sportsmen PGC-Gary Fujak President Lewellen called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison A motion was made and seconded (Slavonic/Liberto) to suspend the agenda to allow for discussion oof the upcoming Youth Day.
Treasurer's Report
	TREASURER'S REPORT - Joe Connors presented his monthly account of receipts, disbursements and the league's financial status. A consideration is being given to request the league's financial advisor attend a meeting in the near future. Motion was made and seconded (Hoffman/Slavonic) to accept the report as given. MOTION CARRIED
Communications/Correspondence
	The May meeting minutes were approved as mailed. Communications were given by the secretary.
Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission
	WCO Bob Wheeler stated the fishing license sales at 574,000 compared to 602,000 in 2001. In-7 season trout stocking is complete, with warm water/cool water species channel cat stocked in Canonsburg and North Park Lakes. 7 million walleye-fry in the three rivers and paddlefish restoration program of 3-4 thousand at the point. The access area on the Ohio River inKilbuck Twp. will soon be complete with double-ramp boat launch, parking for twenty-six cars and trailers and handicap ramp. This is the only public access on this stretch of the Ohio.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
	WCO Fujak stated that antlerless licenses available 8/4; 8/25; 9/8. A yellow envelope with preprinted labels for wildlife management units will be issued and can be obtained from the issuing agent. For more info. see the website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) or call (toll-free) 1-877-877-7137. 100 elk license available. Bobcat permits 570 available - Sept. 12 drawing in Harrisburg. Large turnover in PGC personnel. Exotic pets are out of control. Hedgehogs and prairie dogs are illegal in PA. SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2003 - SENATOR JANE ORIE SPORTSMEN'S EXPO.NORTH SIDE SPORTSMEN'S GROUNDS, 325 MT. PLEASANT ROAD, WEXFORD-PGC, County Treasurer's office selling licenses, speakers from PGC and other organizations. EVERYONE IS INVITED. Gary pointed out that for less than $100.00 you can purchase a buck tag, two doe tags, a muzzleloader, archery stand, fur-takers license, bear tag and migratory game bird license - you won't likely find a better deal anywhere else.
FISH AND CLEAN STREAMS
	Chair Frank Sparrow reporting on the hand-outs about Pete Colangelo's forced retirement - through SR Smith's personal campaign of disdain against the PFBC. This is a severe loss for the ACSL and the sportsmen of PA. Henry Hoffman proposed the issue of a proclamation to Mr. Colangelo, to be awarded at the YouthDay event, July 26, 2003. Deer Creek Crossing - quoting a Texas developer "the valley will be shopping in the Deer Creek Crossing development by fall 2004 or the spring of 2005". Within 90 to 120 days, the developer plans to begin grading the property. Groundbreaking will not be delayed by the series of legal appeals. A stream walk with DEP, Armstrong County Sportsmen's League, Tri County Trout Club, will take place Wednesday, the 18th on Deer Creek. 9 .m. Rose Ridge parking lot. DEP, DCNR, and the PFBC filed suit to clarify the public's right to fish, boat and recreate on a 1.3 mile section of the Little Juniata River. Donald Beaver, defendant, has been operating various exclusive fly fishing services and posting "no trespassing" signs across the waterway.
C O M M I T T E E S

Sporting Arms and Information & Legislation
	ike stated that the PRPA reported erroneous information about the lawsuit saying, hearings on appeal will be heard later this year. Mike clarified this with the editor stating that the courtcase has been heard and we are awaiting the decision. The editor acknowledges they were in error. ACSL is going it alone on the reciprocity in PA. A bill drafted by the ACSL and a coalition of individuals was supposed to be introduced, but there has been no progress. The verbal agreement between the ACSL and AG Mike Fisher that he would intervene in the illegal Goods for Guns operations has been overruled. The AG will not become involved. He has already admitted this is illegal under federal and state laws.
CONSERVATION
	Chairman Jack Walters reported PA Tansportation Secretary and EPA acting Secretary announced an agreement to settle several pending lawsuits over PA programs for auto emissions testing. Changes called for in the agreement will bring the state's emissions testing program into compliance with federal air quality standards while having a minimal effect on most state drivers. This is a most reasonable plan that will benefit the motorists and the environment, stated State Sen. Roger Madigan, Majority Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty awarded more than $3.1 million in recycling and composting grants for 49 projects to bolster recycling and reduce waste in PA. For information about recycling and funding opportunities for recycling programs, visit the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us. keyword "recycling". Saturday, June 21, 2003 volunteers will come together to pick up debris littering the riverbanks of the Ohio River.
GAME COMMITTEE
	Chairman Mike Maranche reported Rob Miller, Democratic staff member of the Game and Fisheries Committee is now head of the Governor's Sportsmen' s Advisory Council. HB1469, introduced by Godshall, demanding that the Game and Fisheries Committee permit SGL182 be used by non-profit youth organizations. The PGC originally said no, likely due to liability situations. HR115-If you have any input on the PFBC/PGC merger, see Mike, as he will be testifying when the meetings are held this side of the Alleghenies. HR222 merging WCO's PGC and PFBC, park and forest rangers under DCNR - there are several opinions. State Senator Stayback "consolidation would greatly enhance funding for habitat improvement and for maintenance in upkeeping the agency hatcheries, boat ramps etc. Only hunters and anglers would benefit and we would see morale improved among the employees, all working towards the same goal - resource management. Advantage to consider; law enforcement is a large portion out of the commission budgets, and with law enforcement under the general fund, all that extra money would be going to wildlife management. Jerry Feaser, PGC, stated a massive re-training would be required for complete merger. WCO's handle research surveys, special programs with you etc. BIO-DIVERSITY UPDATE - the Environmental faction of PFSC (Allegheny Defense Project) states "Allegheny Wild" wants to put acreage under federal wilderness, wanting to stop timbering, gas and oil drilling. DCNR wants to integrate the gamelands with state forests. All this in the name of bio-sphere. HB1512 - right to hunt and fish in Pennsylvania, introduced by Baker, will be discussed at the July ACSL meeting.
ADDITIONS AND/OR CORRECTIONS TO THE GAME COMMITTEE REPORT
	AS REPORTED UNDER GAME IN JUNE 12, 2003 MINUTES HR115 CORRECTION HR15 AS REPORTED: Advantage to consider; law enforcement is a large portion of the commission budgets, and with law enforcement under the general fund, all that extra money would be going to wildlife management. Jerry Feaser, PGC, stated a massive re-training would be required for complete merger. WCO's handle research surveys, special programs with you, etc. (correction-special program with youth, etc.) AS REPORTED: BIO-DIVERSITY UPDATE - the Environmental faction of PFSC (Allegheny Defense Project) states "Allegheny Wild" wants to put acreage under federal wilderness, wanting to stop timbering, gas and oil drilling. DCNR wants to integrate the gamelands with state forests. All this in the name of bio-sphere. CORRECTION BIO-DIVERSITY UPDATE - the Environmental faction of PFSC states "Allegheny Wild" (Allegheny Defense Project) wants to put acreage under federal wilderness, wanting to stop timbering, gas and oil drilling. DCNR wants to take an eco-systems approach to forest management. All this in the name of bio-sphere.
BANQUET
	MARCH 20, 2004 - confirmation sent to Chair Joe Cersosimo for Radisson, Greentree.
ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR SHOW
	FEBRUARY 18-24, 2004 - co-ordinator Henry Hoffman stated suggestions are needed for tackle shops. Suggestion was given by Dave Bageley about Renosky's Lures, Rt. 422, W. Indiana Firearm sales will be available at the show.
Youth Day Saturday July 26, 2003
	Chairman Frank Sparrow was given the floor. Frank stated he had given copies of the YouthDay budget to several present, and pointed out some items that had not been included in the total expenses. These items will be included when all figures are in. There is need of prizes. Applications will be available on the ACSL website (http://www.acslpa.org) and information has been made available on the PGC website. A limit of 150 youth with allowance for walk-ins is considered. The new applications were given out; Chairman Sparrow prefers they be mailed to his home: 3522 Huntertown Rd., Allison Park, PA 15101, phone: 724-444-6569. Harry Lewellen will take care of advertising and brochures will be mailed with the June minutes .
Unfinished Business
	Question as to merger of PGC/PFBC (HR15) - the ACSL has taken a stand to come out against this. Merger to combine law-enforcement officers (HR222) - the ACSL has not taken a stand until all facts have been presented
New Business
	Treasurer Joe Connors questioned membership cards issued to clubs. The same amount of cards will be ordered for clubs unless Joe is notified differently before the JULY 10, 2003 meeting. Dave Collura, delegate of Elizabeth Sportsmen, and ACCD Board Member, briefed those present on the re-activation of the Peters Creek Watershed. Members are needed to help organize this watershed. A motion was made and seconded (Collura/Susick) to donate $100.00 to this project. MOTION CARRIED The Watershed association will meet at the Elizabeth Twp. Sportsmen's Club the fourth Thursday of June. Call Dave Collura for more information at 4122-751-4402. Joe Cersosimo, Forest Grove Sportsmen, announced the Leetsdale launch had been under the PFSC; now Leetsdale Boro has this area and is charging $50.00 per year to launch a boat.
Policy and Budget
	Question as to ACSL membership dues increase. The BOARD OF DIRECTORS will meet prior to the July 10 meeting at 7 p.m. in the Gold Room of the Courthouse.
Adjournment
	DOOR PRIZE - was won by Jim Susick, delegate from the Allegheny Country Rifle Club. The prize was donated to YouthDay. Call for adjournment was given 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
	Next ACSL meeting JULY 10, 2003 7:30 P.M. COURTHOUSE JULY 10 - PRIOR TO REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 7 P.M. COURTHOUSE
* ANNOUNCEMENTS*
	Saturday, June 28, 2003 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. SPORTSMEN'S EXPO North Side Sportsmen's Club more info. 412-630-9466 ACSL YOUTHDAY SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2003 MILLVALE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB WEXFORD, PA 8 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. PHONE: 724-444-6569 CLUB NEWS! PITCAIRN MONROEVILLE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB 505 MOSSIDE BLVD. (RT.48) JUNE 18, JULY 16, 2003 5-8 P.M. $5.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, lemonade, iced tea + dessert PGC-becoming an OUTDOORS WOMAN coming in September for info: Lori Richardson, Outreach Coordinator PGC 717-705-9350-lorichards@state.pa.us
ADDITIONS AND/OR CORRECTIONS TO THE GAME COMMITTEE REPORT
	AS REPORTED UNDER GAME IN JUNE 12, 2003 MINUTES HR115 CORRECTION HR15 AS REPORTED: Advantage to consider; law enforcement is a large portion of the commission budges, and with law enforcement under the general fund, all that extra money would be going to wildlife management. Jerry Feaser, PGC, stated a massive re-training would be required for complete merger. WCO's handle research surveys, special programs with you, etc. (correction-special program with youth, etc.) AS REPORTED: BIO-DIVERSITY UPDATE - the Environmental faction of PFSC (Allegheny Defense Project) states "Allegheny Wild" wants to put acreage under federal wilderness, wanting to stop timbering, gas and oil drilling. DCNR wants to integrate the gamelands with state forests. All this in the name of bio-sphere. correction: BIO-DIVERSITY UPDATE - the Environmental faction of PFSC states "Allegheny Wild" (Allegheny Defense Project) wants to put acreage under federal wilderness, wanting to stop timbering, gas and oil drilling. DCNR wants to take an eco-systems approach to forest management. All this in the name of bio-sphere.