JUNE 8, 2006
The Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc. met in the Gold Room of the Courthouse at 7:30 p.m. The following clubs and agencies were present:
Bakerstown Beagle – Bucek Forest Grove – Cersosimo PMSC - Hoffman
Bethel Park S. – Walters LFSC – Barnett Police - Felice
Braddock Dist. – Mazik McDonald – Stolfer Renton - Girdich
Clairton – Maranche Mt. Nebo – Fischer Richland - Zang
Collier – Ragaller Millvale – Sparrow SAFE - Fedorka
Dormont-Mt. Lebanon – Yanchak PHRG – Pritchard TCWA - Connors
McKeesport – Christeson
PFBC – Larry Furlong PGC – Beth Fife
The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
The May meeting minutes were accepted as mailed.
TREASURER’S REPORT - Joe Connors presented his report, which was approved without question. (Fischer/Stolfer) Joe gave the reminder of the clubs whose dues are in
arrears: Allegheny Country Rifle, Culmerville District Sportsmen, National Wild Turkey Fed/AV Chapter, Pgh. Sportsmen’s Luncheon Club, Sewickley Shoot & Fishing Club and Tri Community Anglers.
COMMUNICATIONS - Thank you letter from Stan Caldwell, Deputy WCO/PFBC and member of Homestead Sportsmen, for the ACSL support for his nomination to the PFBC board seat. Stan is confident that Tom Shetterly, who received the position, will serve the Commission well; GOA offer of long distance provider at 4.9 cents of which 20% of your bill would be donated to GOA.
PGC – BETH FIFE reporting the banding of 8 peregrine falcon babies. A Citizens Advisory Committee for Deer Mgmt. has been developed to discuss different issues.
The Youth Mentor Program has been approved.
Discussion was opened on a Pilot Baiting Program in the Southeast.
Newletter #71, available on the PGC website, discusses the hunting license increase. Clubs need to voice their opinion. (www.pgc.state.pa,us) It is not a deer issue – it is an all-animal issue.
PFBC – LARRY FURLONG stated that the Commonwealth Foundation and the Citizens against Government Waste came out in defense of the PFBC and state tax dollars.
Education Grants have been awarded. Seneca Valley Sr. Hi received $4000.00 to educate their student on fishing sports.
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Youth license discussions with clubs is possible Larry will be glad to attend club meetings. Clubs are asked to take a census and report to their league delegate and bring their result to the meeting.
COMMITTEES
LEGISLATIVE – Kim Stolfer and Mike Christeson reporting that leading up to the primary, there were 30 retirements in the PA House. Of these, 23 were pro-gun supporters. In the primary, 15 incumbents lost, 13 of which were pro-gun supporters. These are devastating losses, the single greatest loss was Teresa Forcier, and Tom Stevenson a very close second. 54 more pro-gunners are on the chopping block. Obviously sportsmen dropped the ball. Kim is willing to talk the PA Clean Sweep issue with any club.
A number of pro-gun bills in the PA House and Senate that need your support are:
HB2563 Hunters & CCW; HB2231 Castle Doctrine; HB2536 End Gun Registration
SB1156 End Gun Registration; HB1181 PA Employees & CCW; HB544 Election Code Changes Please call your Representatives and PA Senators urging them to support these and move them to the floor for a vote.
CONSERVATION – Jack Walters high-lighted his report stating PA state-specific proposal to control mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants passes the key test for determining whether a measure violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The proposal is even-handed by requiring all plants, whether bituminous or sub-bituminous coal, to meet their specified mercury emission cap.
Gov. Rendell said PA is powering a revolution in the way America produces fuel by using homegrown biofuels and ethanol, reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
Although it usually recognizes one river, the DCNR elected to honor the three rivers, Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio as the “2006 Rivers of the Year” award. They were chosen because of their role in spurring economic growth, shaping the city’s urban renewal, providing more water-based recreation and given their interrelationship and confluence at Pittsburgh.
Wear insect repellent, eliminate standing water to keep mosquitoes away and protection from West Nile Virus.
GAME – Chairman Mike Maranche HR5287 Federal Legislation, identical to S1522. It provides a “no net loss” of Federal land area for hunting opportunities, requiring the opening of hunting land to compensate for any land closed to hunting. It was introduced 5-6-06 into the House Committee on Resources. It is supported by 70 state and national organizations.
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GAME continued - PGC has posted its final deer management plan. Posted on the agency website, and can be viewed on “Deer Program /Urban/Suburban Deer Management Plan”. The ACSL Game Committee submitted commentary which is posted on the acslpa.org website.
The Citizens Advisory Committee on Deer Management is appointed by the governor’s office, which also directs the meetings.
The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association, testifying at a House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee hearing, claims that nursery businesses losses are in the range of 5-8 million a year, and that PGC deer management programs are ineffective.
President Mike Maranche announced that PGC Executive Director Carl Roe will be a guest at the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League July 13, 2006 meeting at the Courthouse. Clubs are asked to publicize this to their members. Sportsmen interested in discussing game issues can give input and ask questions. Meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
YouthDay – Saturday, July 22, 2006, Millvale Sportsmen’s Club. Frank Sparrow reporting approximately 130 have been returned.
Fish and Clean Streams - Frank Sparrow stated a third developer has backed out of the Deer Creek Crossing Project. McCrady was asked to be an investor in the project but declined.
By-Law Committee – Chairman Jack Walters read VI through XIII to those present.
This concludes changes.
New Business – Submission of Social Security numbers for license applications is now voluntary. It is the law of the land. Gun Dealers will be notified that it is illegal to request Social Security numbers.
Good of the Organization – The ACSL will be setting up a Website Bulletin Board to publish club events and information. Clubs can give information to Jack at jack.walters@verizon.net.
Drawing – Meeting Doorprize was won by Sally Barnett.
Adjournment was called for at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Sara Barnett
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Club news: Collier Sportsmen’s Assn. 77 Walkers Mill Rd, Oakdale –
June 18 – Parent/child .22 rimfire shoot 1 p.m.
Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen: 1st Sunday of month All-You-Can-Eat-Breakfast
8 a.m. $3.00 CMP and IPSC (Practical Pistol) 9 a.m.
For information call: John McArdle at 412-673-1028 or Club at 412-829-2386
PGC WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS
CHECK THE WEBSITE (www.pgc.state.pa.us)
Remember! !
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006
ACSL DIRECTOR MEETING 6:30 P.M. COURTHOUSE, 4TH FLOOR
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING 7:30 P.M. COURTHOUSE, 4TH FLOOR
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Executive Director Carl G. Roe
Will be present!
YOUTHDAY
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2006
MILLVALE SPORTSMEN’S CLUB GROUNDS
8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
CONTACT FRANK SPARROW @ 724-444-6569
birdhse@connecttime.net