ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC.
MEETING MINUTES MARCH 14, 2002
Opening
	The regular monthly meeting of the ACSL took place in the Gold Room of the Courthouse. President Harry Lewellen called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.The Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison. The following clubs and agencies were in attendance. Bakerstown Beagle-Bucek/Helch Coraopolis Dist.-Vennero Penn Hills-Pritchard Bethel Park Outdrsmn-Lijewski Dormont-Mt.Leb.-Lewellen Pgh.Downrig-Feeney Bethel Park Sportsmn-Walters E.Monongahela-Bragano Pit/Mnrvl.-Hoffman Braddock Dist.-Mazik Elizabeth-Collura Renton -Girdich Bull Creek-Stanislaw Forest Grove-Cersosimo Sewickley-FluhartyCarrick-Slavonic Millvale-Fitzgerald TCWA-Connors Clairton-Passarell N.Boros-Baker WPA Taxi.-Fundy PA GAME COMMISSION-FUJAK PA FISH/BOAT-MORDER/JACOBS The officers, directors and members of the The minutes of the January meeting were approved as mailed.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
	Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman flyer, PGC news release, PFBC Keel & Creel. ACSL extend their sympathy in the loss of Director Frank Sparrow's mother.
Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission
	WCO Rich Morder, Southern Allegheny County, introduced Assistant Regional Supervisor, Greg Jacobs. Greg is replacing Jay Redman. In-season stocking is taking place. Streams are exceptionally low at present. Handouts on "Keep PA Fishing", presenting information on infrastructure, etc. were available to the delegates present. Rich reported record catches of a 4# sauger and 8#14.8 oz. pickerel. PCB's - trace levels of this group of chemicals remain in the environment, including wild and hatchery-raised fish. All recreationally-caught sportfish in PA are subject to a statewide one-meal-per-week con-sumption advisory. "Keep PA Fishing" public input will be welcomed at the Chartiers meeting 4/3, 7:30-9:30 and Elizabeth 4/24. Check the PFBC website for details-www.fish.state.pa.us Boating registration-717-657-4540 Boating Education 814-443-9841. There were 13 recreational boating accidents in 2001, with 14 fatalities.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
	WCO Gary Fujak stated that Beth Fife, WCO for the Southwest Region, will be introduced at the April meeting of the league. Dr. Alt's presentation on antlered deer restrictions has been well attended. Bobcat harvest-145 total. Comments can be registered to www.pgc.state.pa.us. PGC Exec. Director Vernon Ross stated in news release #13-02 "a scientifically and statistically-valid survey of a random sampling of licensed hunters is being conducted about the proposals on deer harvest management." Quoting Dr. Alt-"the proposals are not set in stone, and, based on input and public feedback, adjustments may be made". The PGC Regional Office has moved to the Fairfield Elementary School, Rt. 711, P.O. Box A, Ligonier 15658-Phone 724-238-9523 or 1-877-877-7137 toll free. Additional space provides an auditorium and cafeteria, facilities to hold more events both for agency training and public education and outreach programs.
FISH AND CLEAN STREAMS
	LTV bankruptcy deal endangers Deer Creek. DEP officials are concerned over a court-approved change that would allow LTV Steel to discontinue underwater pumping at the Russellton Mine. Failure to clean the waste coal piles means rain falls onto the old coal and the acid it contains seeps into the soil and nearby waterways. Pollution from mine pools would eventually hit the Allegheny River, where the Valley gets much of its drinking water. SAFE BOATING-Henry Hoffman reminds to wear the PFD's .
C O M M I T T E E S

Sporting Arms and Information & Legislation
	Mike Slavonic's written reported was given to those present. Some highlights-Firearms Background Check Advisory Committee of the PA General Assembly met officially since it was re-established in November of 2000. Purpose of the meeting was to receive a preliminary report on the Administration of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act by the Pennsylvania State Police. There are problems with the report beyond the politics. It does not effectively cover all of the problem with the State Police's administration of the PICS. ACSL obtained a copy of the report and at a meeting with both Rep. Ed Staback and Phillips, a request was made that the ACSL be invited to testify on the report. At present, the ACSL Legislative Committee is studying the report and a copy will be given to our attorney. Democratic Candidates for Governor will be holding meetings with the ACSL and FOAC. Watch for coverage on Elections 2002 on the FOAC web site-www.foac.pac.org. HB2386-the product of months of work by the legislative committee and several legislators to draft changes to the law so as to accelerate the interstate agreements for Concealed Carry license recognition. Atty.General Fisher has expressed his frustrations regarding his in-ability to enter into additional agreements because of the differences in other state laws. The inability of PA to provide for a 24 hour a day/7days a week phone number that out-of-state law enforcement can call to verify the validity of a PA license is one glaring problem. A review of the bill is available on the ACSL web site.
CONSERVATION
	Jack Walters, Conservation Chair, ACSL, called attention to several articles. "Watershed", a new buzzword floating around the State and Nation today. A Watershed is the land area that drains water to a stream, river, lake or ocean. Groups like the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy have received Growing Greener Grant money to form Watershed groups and councils. The Department of Environmental Protection has reformed again, but this time into Watershed teams! The watershed management concept seems to be logical, but may become a nightmare to rural landowners. Rules on how a property owner uses their private property will not be generated locally but from where the political power is wielded. The rural forested land owner that has counted on timber harvest from their private property can be prohibited from selling their timber. A huge amount of taxpayer money is currently pumped into this radical green movement. New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations will encourage more re-mining operations in PA. Re-mining operations is the most cost-effective way to reclaim abandoned mine sites; reduced acid load to receiving streams is apparent in recent studies. For more info. on "Reclaim PA" visit DEP through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "Reclaim PA" Mine subsidence insurance - Anyone in the North Versailles area and throughout southwestern PA is encouraged to contact DEP about past mining operations near their homes. The MSI Program costs less than $1 for every $1,000 of coverage. For more info., contact the District Mining Office at 1-800-922-1678. OHIO RIVER SWEEP - SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2002. More information forthcoming.
BANQUET
	om Vennero, Chairman, reported there were positive comments and the banquet was very successful. The speaker was well-received, the attendance great, the food exceptional. Many thanks to all who had a part in making the evening so enjoyable. Discussion followed as to possible changes in menu selection and banquet program. It was unanimous that we reserve the Fox Chapel Yacht Club again and the banquet date will be March 1, 2003. The banquet committee appreciates any comments you may have; club delegates have the opportunity at the monthly meeting to give suggestions and opinions. This banquet is geared to honoring league clubs and their members. We are requesting all clubs to get involved-give us photos of your club grounds and events-we would like to view them through a digital camera the night of the banquet. A speaker is already being considered but any suggestions are important.
ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR SHOW
	Henry Hoffman stated approximately 800,000 attended the show this year. Clubs members are encouraged to help at the league booth; they can represent their clubs and assist sales and give information as requested. The Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen's Club gave many hours as did some of the league directors and former directors. The new fishpond worked well. There is need for more help dismantling the league booth when the show closes. Several important items were misplaced, if you helped close the booth, please see Henry. 2003 Show dates will be 2/12-16. Jack Walters was commended for his exceptional handling of the beef jerky supplies and booths.
Youth Day
	Chairman Frank Sparrow was unable to attend this meeting but requested volunteers for the committee and for help the day of the program. With approximately 200 youth attending, the time given in ordering supplies and equipment for the program, planning for group assembling, lunch preparation, awards, prizes, and clean-up, requires many hands and much dedication. If you are willing to give just a few hours, you will be much appreciated. Call Frank Sparrow at 724-444-6569 or sign the volunteer book made available at every league meeting.
New Business
	Forest Grove Sportsmen's Club delegate Joe Cersosimo announced the 13th annual trout tournament on April 20. Joint efforts of the Forest Grove members and the ACSL in stream improvements and the annual tournament, have resulted in Montour Creek being assigned "approved trout water status". The PFBC will begin stocking this newly improved stream in 2003. It was moved and seconded (Cersosimo/Hoffman) to give $500.00 to stocking trout in Montour Creek. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion was made and seconded (Hoffman/Collura) to give $50.00 to the upgrading of software for the ACSL website; giving additional space for publicity of all league events. The FOAC will jointly share the total cost. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion was made and seconded (Bakers/Walters) to finance in the amount of $200.00, the Legislative Committee's trip to Harrisburg. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Motion was made and seconded (Hoffman/Pritchard) to donate $500.00 to the Allegheny County Conservation District to supply lunch for participants in their annual Envirathon at the Family Resource Center in Gibsonia. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Members of the Quality Deer Management Committee were invited to attend an ACSL meeting to help with the understanding as to what they are all about. We are awaiting a response. State Senator Tim Murphy has appointed Keith Henderson, a Whitehall police officer, to the Governor's Sportsmen's Advisory Council, reporting to the governor on sportsmen's issues. The monthly door prize was won by Dave Collura, delegate of Elizabeth Twp. Sportsmen.
Treasurer's Report
	Joe Connors, ACSL Treasurer, presented his report, including club beef jerkey sales at the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show. In completing his report, Joe gave a list of clubs who have not paid their dues and as of March 31, 2002 will be delinquent. Motion was made and seconded (Walters/Hoffman) to accept the report as presented. Motion carried.
Adjournment
	Adjournment was called for at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Exec. 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 meeting Thursday, April 11, 2002 GOLD ROOM - COURTHOUSE 7:30 P.M. SEE YOU THERE!
CLUB NEWS
	TRI-COUNTY TROUT CLUB AND THE DEER CREEK WATERSHED ASSN. WILL BE HOLDING THE ANNUAL DEER CREEK STREAM CLEANUP ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2002-8 A.M.-1 P.M. Meeting place - Emmerling Park, Cove Road (off Rt.910) Coffee & donuts, lunch after cleanup. Trash bags for trash pickup provided - dress accordingly, bring gloves, waders and hip boots recommended SECOND CLEANUP APRIL 20, 8-12 P.M. SAME MEETING PLACE, SAME CONTACTS MORE INFO - CALL FRANK SPARROW 724-444-6569 OR WES BIERY 412-767-0459 FOREST GROVE SPORTSMEN'S ASSN. - 13TH ANNUAL TROUT TOURNAMENT SATURDAY, APRIL 20 - PHONE 412-269-0942 FOR MORE INFORMATION ATTENTION CLUBS - REMEMBER TO TAKE PHOTOS OF CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES! TURN THEM IN TO TOM VENNERO OR SARA BARNETT