| ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC. | |
|
MEETING MINUTES May 9, 2002 |
|
| Opening | |
| In absence of President Harry
T. Lewellen, Vice President Henry Hoffman called the monthly meeting to
order. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in
unison. The following agencies and clubs were represented: Bakerstown Beagle Dormont/Mt. Lebanon North Boros Bethel Park Sportsmen Elizabeth Sportsmen Pitcairn/Monroeville Braddock District E.Mon. Sports Club Renton Rod & Gun Bull Creek Forest Grove Sewickley S & F Carrick Sportsmen, Millvale Sportsmen TCWA Clairton Sportsmen Mt.Nebo Tri County Trout Coraopolis Sportsmen Nat.W.Turkey/Alle.Valley W PA Taxidermists PGC-Beth Fife, Gary Fujak PFBC - Bob WheelerGuest Dave Landis of the National Wild Turkey Federation/Allegheny Valley Chapter, was introduced by Bob Schick. At this time, the NWTF was sworn in to the ACSL membership by Henry Hoffman. The April minutes were approved as mailed with correction. That being: PGC Commissioners voting for antler restrictions-Palone, Riley, Schleden and Spock; against antler restrictions-Dunkle, Moore, Gilford. |
|
| COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE | |
| Thank you letter from Democratic Candidate for Governor Bob Casey for affording his representative, Steve Crawford, time at the ACSL April meeting. | |
| Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission | |
| WCO Bob Wheeler reported
information on HB2500-Tipping Fee Legislation. Under current law, a
tipping fee of $2 per ton is charged for waste dumped in PA landfills. The
proposal would increase the fee by $5 per ton and devote the additional
revenue to conservation and related purposes. The concept of investing
$.50 per ton of increased tipping fees for fish andwildlife related
purposes; because of the impacts that landfills have on waterways,
watersheds, wildlife and aquatic life has won bipartisan support. The
Commission voted to NOT consolidate two categories of special trout
fishing regs - delayed harvest artificial lures (including flies) and
delayed harvest fly fishing only - into a single category; also, TO
proceed with seeking public comment on the expansion of the existing slow,
no-wake zone in the "point" area of Pittsburgh's three rivers. Publication
of meeting dates and times is forthcoming. The first Gerald L.Greiner Environmental Protection Award was presented to WCO Martha Mackey, selected as the first recipient of the award in recognition of her hard work and dedicated service in protecting Pennsylvania's aquatic resources. www.fish.state.pa.us |
|
| Pennsylvania Game Commission | |
| WCO Gary Fujak introduced Beth
Fife, WCO for Eastern Allegheny County, Peters, Union and Nottingham Twps.
Beth shared that she was a deputy for four (4) years before becoming a
full-time WCO Website for PGC (www.pgc.state.pa.us) is constantly being
updated by Jerry Feaser.Click on "newsroom" Fife continued - "2001
News Releases". The elk license $10 no refund fee on-line application cut
off date is Sept. 13 with public drawing 9/28/02. Monies generated from
the first 10,000 applications received will be used for habitat
improvements to direct and hold elk to specific corridors and public areas
within the 835-square-mile elk range; reduce impacts to private property
and elk-related conflicts; and enhance regional viability of elk watching
and related outdoor tourism. Third consecutive bobcat trapping season (10/20-2/22) hunting ( 10/19-2/22). Commission meeting June 10 & 11 - proposed items at last meeting will be voted on. Questions - ask the Commissioners. Youth pheasant hunting season will be Oct. 12 and 14. 3500 pheasants will be released prior to the season SGL maps are available and can be downloaded from the PGC website. Turkey hunters are reluctant to wear orange. |
FISH AND CLEAN STREAMS |
|
Frank Sparrow reported April 25 Deer Creek Watershed Assn. mtg.
Indiana Twp.Bldg. 7:30 p.m. 2002 Venture Outdoors on May 18 at Washington's
Landing sponsored by River Life Taskforce and other organizations. Also, free
fishing on Wednesdays at noontime and evening. June 1 - Bull Creek Sportsmen's Club - Women in the Outdoors, sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Senator Jane Orie is planning a meeting to discuss the Deer Creek Mall project and the impact from the LTV closing and their deep mines, refuse deposit area and manufacturing facilities. Henry Hoffman has been in contact with Betsy Mallison of DEP regarding LTV. Envirathon at the Family Retreat Center, 1100 Freeport Rd. scheduled 4/26. Growing Greener program will be discussed at the MAY MEETING. |
C O M M I T T E E S |
| Sporting Arms and Information & Legislation | |
|
Mike Slavonic's report http://www.acslpa.org
Mike Slavonic, in his written report, stated the Legislative Committee put together a petition to the NRA Firearms Civil Right Legal Defense Fund for financial support for the ACSL appeal to the Supreme Court on the lawsuit against the PSP registry of firearm ownership. The committee will next make a request to the GOA and the Second Amendment Foundation. The Robert Casey for Governor Rally at Pitcairn/Monroeville Sportsmen's Club informed 50-60 people his campaign agenda. An interesting quote from Casey was shared by Mike Maranche, delegate of Clairton Sportsmen's Club. "The governor should not be injecting politics into the PGC/PFBC." Firearm Owner's Against Crime voter guides were distributed with support going to Robert Casey. AG Mike Fisher did not return the questionnaire, therefore, "no suitable candidate" was recommended on the Republican slate. Included in last month's Legislative Committee Report, Rep. Ed Staback of the Firearms Background Check Advisory Committee had expressed his interest in having the ACSL attend the PICS meetings. The FBCAC yearly meeting has not been scheduled and Rep. Staback is disturbed. HB2386 (Reciprocity Bill) With over 30 co-sponsors, the ACSL request of the AG's office for a letter of support was rejected, even though Fisher had previously agreed that he had no problem with the draft of the amendment the ACSL prepared. This is just one of the many reasons why Fisher is considered by FOAC not suitable to be governor of PA. State Senator Jane Orie has agreed to become involved in the ACSL request on the PGC's clarification on the motion on the dissolving of the Habitat Improvement Advisory Committee. In the meantime, a new coalition of environmental and sportsmen's groups has been established, called the Habitat Alliance; headed by former Audubon Society Board member Ron Freed, who currently serves as an independent policy consultant for Audubon PA. A letter received from D.A. Stephen Zappala, has requested the identity of a particular criminal incident with supporting evidence pointing to the illegality of the Goods for Guns Buyback Program. In their complaint to Zappala's office, the Legislative Committee gave evidence that the program is in violation of Federal and State Law. Pointing out that you cannot transport firearms from your home to anywhere else but a shooting range, gun dealer or gunsmith. If you stop anywhere in between, you are in violation of state law. You cannot transfer a firearm between individuals, you must do it on the premise of a dealer. The people representing the program know they are violating state law and are allowed to go on. doing so. A recent case of a citizen arrested when admitting he had a gun in his glovebox and stopping to see his invalid sister, was prosecuted by D.A. Zappala. The citizen did not know the law and has lost his right to own a firearm the rest of his life. Obviously the district attorney doesn't know the law either. This issue is not going away! |
CONSERVATION |
|
Twenty-four (24) PA counties are currently under a drought
emergency. Drought regulations require a person to get approval from the public
water supplier to top-off their swimming pool. A good way to conserve water in
the garden during a drought is to spread mulch, compost or other organic
material like shredded leaves around plants.Watering between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.
using a hand-held container or hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle
is an exception. West Nile Virus - Pennsylvanians need to do their part to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their homes. Anyone can get the virus, but older adults and people with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of developing severe illness because their bodies have a harder time fighting off disease. Pennsylvanians should report dead birds by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. Applications are available for Penn State Conservation School and McKeever Environmental Learning Center. The ACSL will reimburse half of the cost when a certificate of completion is presented. For more info., contact the ACSL secretary or your sportsmen's club. |
|
| Game Committee | |
|
Mike Maranche spoke on the U.N. blueprint of what the world
should look like in the future. "We strongly endorse community initiatives to
protect individual life to encourage the disarming of civilians and to foster an
atmosphere of security in the neighborhoods." Non-governmental organizations are
operating throughout the world to establish bio-diversity and Mike presented
maps showing areas being considered. Several agencies such as the National Park
Service, EPA, U.S.Fish and Wildlife, National Audubon Society are among the
NGO's. Green Certification is guiding deer management in PA. Audubon claims they are hunting-neutral but all for deer management. In 1999 a Conference on Impact of Deer and Bio-diversity and Economy in the State of PA was held; Bryan Shishler among those present who wrote the Green Certification for PA to be able to sell hardwoods in Europe and now hired by DCNR to do deer mgmt in PA. John Oliver, Gary Alt were also among those present. PA Habitat Alliance, Ron Freed, former Audubon Society Board member, currently an independent policy consultant for Audubon PA.heads this organization of environmental groups that is recognized by the PGC as a legitimate group to work along side to study ways to restore habitat from damage caused by deer. Their mission statement does not say they intend to improve the habitat for deer propagation and hunting. The Alliance is attempting to help fund the PGC deer management by accepting funds from anonymous donors and allowing the alliance to administer the funding process. An article appearing in a Lancaster newspaper quoted Freed as saying five foundations, as well as DCNR and the PGC provided $1.1 million for deer studies. Mike questions who really controls deer mangement. HB2500-the ACSL has been asked to support this bill by Joe Neville. A motion was made and seconded (Slavonic/Sparrow) to draw up a letter to Rep. Smith with concerns and questions to be answered about this bill. MOTION CARRIED Motion was made and seconded (Slavonic/Fitzgerald) that the ACSL go on record in support of increase in fishing and hunting license fees. MOTION CARRIED. |
BANQUET |
| MARCH 1, 2003 - clubs are reminded to be taking current photos of facilities and events that can be used at the banquet. Suggestions are always accepted and appreciated. | |
| Public Relations | |
| Dave Collura, delegate of Elizabeth Sportsmen, stated his club is expanding their facilities with indoor ranges and the purchase of 2 additional acres of ground. Would a grant be possible from the ACSL? Loans are available but not grants, stated by the ACSL Treasurer and Loan Committee member. | |
| 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 |
|
JULY 27, 2002-Frank Sparrow, Chairman, stated letters requesting
equipment and donations have been sent, with a few responses received at this
date. Raffle tickets will be available at the June league meeting. Applications are being received at the P.O. Box 112 and information will appear on the league website http://www.acslpa.org-Email acsl@nauticom.net. Discussion about days activities and schedule will take place at meeting Wednesday, May 15. DEER CREEK update - Frank Sparrow stated the DEP decision will be given in 4 to 6 weeks. The developer, Orix-Woodmont continues to change their proposals. |
New Business |
|
a motion was made and seconded (Connors/Hoffman) to give $100 to
the TCWA for their BY Pond Fishing Derby set for June 1. MOTION CARRIED.
Stocking will take place three days before the event. If you have a suggestion
as to where bass can be purchased, contact Ed Fischer at 412-829-2817. A motion was made and seconded (Connors/Bloss) to donate $200 to the PA Sportsmen for the Disabled. MOTION CARRIED Their "Special Day for Special Kids) will be held June 29 at Keystone State Park , New Alexandria. The event is open to all "special needs" children and their families. Registration is at 9 a.m., activities are over at 3 p.m. If you would like to volunteer or have questions, call Harry Miller at 724-539-3095. |
Treasurer's Report |
|
Joe Connors presented his report; which was accepted without
question. (Hoffman/Slavonic) The monthly door prize was won by Jim Susick, delegate of the Allegheny Country Rifle Club. Jim donated his winnings to the ACSL. |
Adjournment |
|
Monthly door prize was won by Tressel Fundy, delegate of W PA
Taxidermists. Call for adjournment at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Exec. Secy. |
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 |
|
ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC. next meeting Thursday, June 13, 2002 7:30 p.m. Courthouse Come join us! ! |
CLUB NEWS |
|
CLUB EVENTS: Logans Ferry Sportsmen's Club/2nd Amendment Sisters Event Saturday May 18, 2002 - Field Club Road, Plum Boro Call 877-212-4170 or http://www.2asisters.org Pennsylvania Trappers Association - 65th State Rendezvous June 27, 28, 29, 30, 2002-Dayton Fairgrounds Armstrong County-Dayton, PA Contact Paul Murray @ 724-545-6638 or Chad Kijowski @ 814-9846
|
|
|
|
|