PFBC - Furlong PGC - Fife, Dunkerley

The regular monthly meeting of the ACSL was called to order by 1st Vice President Henry Hoffman.

The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation were given in unison.

GUESTS - Kim Stolfer introduced Jacqueline Shogan, Republican candidate for Superior Court. FOAC has endorsed Ms Shogan. An opportunity was given to distribute hand-outs and explain her position for wanting to serve; a brief question and answer period followed.

A report was given of the ACSL budget meeting of April 24 at the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen's Club. Budgets for 2003 were based on 2002 figures, with each committee giving an account of their expenses for 2002. Questions and comments were taken. Millvale Delegate John Fitzgerald spoke of his concern with the Legislative Committee's proposed amount, stating that it is insufficient for the work this committee must do; John suggested an increase in ACSL membership dues be considered, to help with expenses; member clubs need to be aware of the league efforts in maintaining gun rights, land rights, sporting rights - rights that are being threatened constantly. YouthDay is one opportunity to teach the future sportsmen/women safety in all sports; more than youth are being reached, parents take part also.

WCO Beth Fife reported that falcons are hatching - an injured mature bald eagle was found near Delmont and is being restored. This is good news for this area.

Safest hunting season achieved. Elk applications - 100 - available by sending for them by mail or over the internet(credit card necessary) $10 non-refundable fee. Apply for the elk license with your hunting license after you have found out you have been chosen. Cannot re-apply for five years if you have been chosen. The first 20 will be awarded antlered licenses, the next 80 will be awarded antlerless. Fees are $25 resident and $250 nonresident.

500 deer head tested and none contained chronic waste disease. Bear feeding ban began March 22.

THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to the National Wild Turkey Federation for surpassing their $3,000,000 mark for donating money to habitat for wildlife. 144 bird species effected by the West Nile Virus this year.

Mike Slavonic reported that two women who are victims of prior criminal assaults and a representative of a pro-gun women's organization (Second Amendment Sisters) claimed they were set up by the John Walsh show; which was supposed to focus on women arming themselves for self-defense but instead became a debate on gun ownership.

Neal Knox Report - NRA membership voted to oppose any extension of the assault weapons ban - the purpose of the1994 hearings in PA was to oppose the state police and Gov. Casey's support of the ban - the ACSL took part in convincing the general assembly to study this - five hearings across the state were held - this data will be used to prove that there is absolutely no disproportionate amount of use of these firearms in crime.

The gun manufacturer lawsuit prohibiting suit against the manufacturers has passed the house of representatives; is now in the senate. Anti-gun groups are spending millions of dollars suing the gun manufacturers; the majority are thrown out of court. The gun manufacturers are going to be driven out of business if these lawsuits continue. Contact your U.S. Senators (202)224-3121 switchboard, asking for assistance, requesting that they support S659.

The University of PA has increased its previous commitment to wind power to 10 percent of its electrical use, the largest non-governmental purchase of wind power in the U.S. A first attempt to tap methane hydrates has been reported; a potentially immense source of future energy, using a new type of onshore drilling platform will dramatically reduce impact on fragile ecosystems.

Drilling of the hydrate well began on March 31, (Deadhorse, Alaska) reaching to a depth of about 3,000 feet.

The Ohio River Sweep cleanup will be Saturday, June 21, 2003. Volunteers from public organizations, civic groups, recreational clubs, the general public in six states bordering the river, will come together to pick up debris. Sweep coordinator is Jeanne Ison- contact her at 1-800-359-3977 or jison@orsanco.org.

Motion was made and seconded to donate $100.00 to TCWA BY Pond Fishing Derby. Motion carried.

Motion was made and seconded to donate $200.00 to Special Day for Special Kids/psftd. Motion carried

Voter guides were distributed by the FOAC.

Motion to adjourn 9:35 Sara Barnett, Executive Secretary

PA TRAPPERS RENDEZVOUS-JUNE 19-22.PORT ROYAL, JUNIATA COUNTY all welcome!

REMINDERS! ! !

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. or Sara Barnett at  salbarnett@nb.net 

GOLD ROOM-ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

ACSL NEXT MEETING - JUNE 12, 2003 7:30 P.M.

Everyone is welcome! ! !

ACSL on the Internet  http://www/acslpa.org