CELEBRATING 76 YEARS OF ENHANCING THE CONSERVATION OF THE OUTDOOR RESOURCES OF PENNSYLVANIA
THE VOICE OF 200,000 LICENSED HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Website: www.acslpa.org
MEMBER: NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION
MARCH 8, 2007
The ACSL monthly meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Mike Maranche.
The Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
Agencies and Sportsmen’s Clubs in attendance:
BAKERSTOWN Beagle HOMESTEAD PHR&G
BETHEL Park Sportsmen LFSC PGH Sportsmen’s L.C.
BRADDOCK DIST. MCKEESPORT RICHLAND TWP.
CLAIRTON MCDONALD SAFE
COLLIER MT.NEBO SAFE (youth)
DORMONT-MT.LEBANON PMSC TCTC
FOREST GROVE PMSC (youth) TCWA
WEST Deer
WPA Taxidermy
PFBC – Larry Furlong PGC - Gary Fujak
Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Connors report was approved without question.
PGC Wildlife Conservation – WCO Gary Fujak reported news release about the mountain lion status. 1950 records show escapees of captive origin. The PGC is not planning to stock them. A paw print taken in N.Fayette, given to the PGC proved to be that of a great-dane pet.
Turkey management plan is in a two-year of a 4 year study - researching harvest and survival rates, habitat, society capacity etc. Turkey transfer to S.D. in exchange for pheasants has been discontinued. Turkey banding study is going on – to get harvest rates and biological info.
The PGC has proposed to expand archery hunting in WMA2B – antlerless deer only.
Gary’s report information can be seen at (www.pgc.state.pa.us)
PFBC – WCO Larry Furlong reported Pine and Deer Creeks delayed harvest were stocked
this past week; fish are huge. WCO’s are visiting clubs explaining the junior license.
Sheriff William Mullen was introduced to those present. Sheriff Mullen stated his appearance at this meeting was to establish a better relationship with the ACSL, and to answer complaints regarding firearms licensing. He requested all complaints be registered with him.
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Approximately 7800- licenses are given yearly. Chairman Kim Stolfer stating that the ACSL was responsible for PA’s Concealed Carry Law and wants to see this law enforced correctly. Renewal notices were not being sent out, even though $1.50 was paid every five years by those renewing their permits; denying individuals to renewing their permits early
impacted individuals of all walks; these instances justify complaints. A proposal was stated that one Saturday monthly be staffed to allow people who cannot get there during the week to get a permit. Sheriff Mullen stated his budget and lack of people necessary, does not permit this. The ACSL can request the sheriff’s attendance at further meetings.
Questions can be directed to Sheriff Mullen at 412.350.4719.
Representative Marc Gergely was introduced to those present. Rep. Gergely thanked those who attended the Committee of the Whole in Harrisburg, stating they did make a difference.
and helped educate Marc considerably on the gun issues.
Marc stated the Youth Fishing License is an important issue that he will be promoting.
Controversial hearing on hunting/deer management took place with Carl Roe. Point of sale, social security number (required once); these points were addressed. The Federal Government is an obstacle. It is necessary that the Commissioners(with groups such as the ACSL encouraging them) to address the Federal Government.
Question was asked if an independent commission is favored, the representative answered yes.
Resources of the Violence Policy Center to legally assist anyone who cares to bring suit against a club for led toxicity? (Environmental Stewardship Plan) No comment.
Update on Sunday Hunting – will go to Committee to give PGC authority to allow Sunday to be added to the season.
Legislative Committee – Chairman Stolfer announced the filing of a joint lawsuit against Allegheny County Council to put to the voters the proposed change to appointing the Allegheny County Sheriff. The ACSL and PA Sheriff’s Assoc. found this action necessary due to the unwillingness of council to address the concerns of unconstitutionality as well as the act of depriving the legal right of gun owners, sportsmen and women to choose their elected representatives.
Pro-gun News Conference to be held in Harrisburg April 24 – A lobbying and education day, focusing on freshmen legislators to connect them with our pro-gun agenda as was accomplished last year. The package of bills put together by anti-gun forces includes “a ban on assault weapons, limiting handgun purchases to one a month, and allow Philadelphia to establish its own gun rules. To achieve their intent, a series of so-called “informational hearings on Gun Violence”(a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion) are scheduled.
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Legislation continued . .
March 28 – Pittsburgh (Oakland neighborhood CMU) Kim will testify.
Please take this opportunity to provide us with your thoughts and suggestions so that we can make this effort as successful as possible. Contact Kim at 412.221.3346
Attorney General Tom Corbett continues to do a good job at pressing other states to enter into reciprocity with PA for Concealed Carry of Firearms. 14 states carry the agreement, last being Oklahoma.
Conservation – Jack Walters reported that Gov. Rendell announced a $1 million Growing Greener II investment for redevelopment project on Pittsburgh’s East Side. The Nabisco plant will be cleaned up for retail and office space(called Bakery Square), as well as a 120 room hotel. It will create 1,600 new jobs.
The 4th Annual Great PA Cleanup will run March 1 to May 31with emphasis on April 21 in conjunction with Earth Day. Last year more than 132,000 volunteers removed 6.7 million pounds of trash from roads, parks, schools, waterways, wildlife areas and communities.
Member companies of the PA Waste Industries Association are again offering free landfill space to dispose of nonrecyclable waste collected during the cleanup.
Biodiesel is becoming an increasingly important piece of the home heating oil market in PA.
Lake Erie Biofuels will employ 40 workers, it is the first Large-Scale Biodiesel Plant in PA.
Fishing in Canada in July will require a valid passport. To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities throughout the US with two photographs of yourself, proof of US citizenship. Many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and municipal offices are acceptance facilities.
Game – Mike Maranche reporting on HB110 greenhouse gas reduction act and HB333 would give grants to communities to inventory residential carbon. Environmentalists are using the endangered species act with global warming as the cause of reduction in polar bear numbers.
Presently, the polar bear population is 20,000-30,000, up from 8,000-10,000 in 1970.
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley calling attention to Poster Contest for children 9-15; clubs can distribute these to their members for entry to be chosen at YouthDay. Entries should be mailed to ACSL Poster Contest, 15 Bairdford Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044-7875.
ASTOS – We take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to Henry Hoffman for the many years of dedication to the sports show. You have done an excellent job; those who worked alongside you couldn’t have done it without you. You have given the responsibility to Joe Cersosimo
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and Jack Walters, who are more than capable of doing a good job, but we hope you will be around to put us in our place when necessary.
YouthDay – July 21, 2007 Millvale Sportsmen’s Club.
Banquet – 21 clubs will be attending, approximately 200 people. Dan will be taking photos.
Many gifts, prizes, no jokes!
Unfinished Business – Gary Fujak reported that Beth Fife is doing fine after a health problem.
New Business – Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School, sponsored by the DCNR and the PFBC, will be held in Huntingdon County. Students 14-17 must submit a written, one page essay explaining: “What fishing means to me; the importance of conservation; and why I want to attend the school.” Enrollment begins Feb. 1, School is July 15-19, 2007 – fee is $125.00, charged upon acceptance. The ACSL will reimburse one half of the fee upon receipt of a completion certificate. Applications can be obtained at the PFBC web site: www.fish.state.pa.us (view Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School page.)
Doorprize was won by Paul Fedorka. Paul donated his winnings to YouthDay. Thanks Paul.
Call for adjournment at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
Next meeting
April 12, 2007
6:30 p.m. Officers & Directors
7:30 p.m. open meeting
Gold Room (409) Allegheny County Courthouse