President Mike Maranche called the monthly meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The

Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were recited in unison.

The following clubs and agencies were in attendance:

BAKERSTOWN BEAGLE EAST MONONGAHELA NORTH SIDE SPORTSMEN

BETHEL PARK SPORTSMEN FOREST GROVE SPORTSMEN NAT. WILDTURKEY FED.

BRADDOCK DIST.SPORTSMEN GREATER PGH.GUN CLUB POLICE ROD & GUN CLUB

CARRICK SPORTSMEN HOMESTEAD DISTRICT PITCAIRN/MONROEVILLE

CLAIRTON SPORTSMEN LOGANS FERRY SPORTSMEN RENTON ROD & GUN CLUB

DORMONT-MT. LEBANON MILLVALE SPORTSMEN ROSEDALE SPORTSMEN

ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP MT. NEBO SPORTSMEN TCWA

NORTH BOROS SPORTSMEN WEST DEER SPORTSMEN

PFBC-MARTHA MACKEY PGC-GARY FUJAK

Approval was given to accept the October minutes as mailed.

The Northside Sportsmen's Association was welcomed into the League.

Joe Connors presented his monthly report which was accepted without question.

Director Joe Cersosimo stated that the Audit Committee ( Frank Girdich and Joe Cersosimo) met and audited the treasurer's books 10/22/03; finding everything in order. Treasurer Connors was commended by all present

No Communications

Allegheny County Southwest Region BUI total was 26. More information is

WCO GARY FUJAK - reporting that HB 2142 was introduced into committee by Reps. Smith and Levdansky. This bill would provide funding for infrastructure projects for the agency.

Bear season should be exceptionally good. Final elk hunt figures were not available. Some violations with archery hunters not wearing the required fluorescent orange. The "hunters sharing the harvest" program is going well

again. 2002 provided 83 thousand pounds of venison across the state. More information is on the PGC Website (www.pgc.state.pa.us)

PGC will go with GLOCK MODEL 31's in 2004.

The PGC SW Regional office has moved to 4820 Rt. 7ll, Bolivar, PA

15923-2420. Telephone numbers remain the same: 724-238-9523, 724-238-9524,

Mike Slavonic presented his written report; emphasizing the importance of support for HB234. (will provide gun owners a tax credit if you can show proof that you have attended a firearms training course)

Contact your PA House member to vote yes on this bill.

The ACSL Legislative Committee will send a letter stating: "we support HB234 tentatively, provided that the ACSL amendments are incorporated into the bill". Some of the wording needs to be changed. A copy of this letter is

available from Kim Stolfer.

The committee met with Senator Arlen Specter, discussing various pro and anti-gun legislation currently in the U.S. Senate, beginning with the so-called "assault weapons" ban sun-set, to take place in September, 2004.

The Tiahrt Amendment to appropriations bill HR2799 that prohibits the Justice Department from retaining records on information received during an instant background check was also discussed.

Senator Jane Orie has informed the ACSL that she has introduced SB941 to reform PA's reciprocity statute.

Chairman Jack Walters announced that Pennsylvania has joined a coalition of states and cities to sue the US EPA to block changes to the New Source Review program established under the federal Clean Air Act; stating the changes will weaken national air pollution regulations, damage the environment, threaten public health and hinder economic growth. PA will pay the price.

Abandoned mine drainage threatens our watersheds. The AMD fund used to clean up abandoned mine-related problems expires 9/30/04. Senators Santorum and Specter need to hear from you. phone: 202-224-6324 (Santorum); phone 202-224-4254 (Specter).

Fuel cell powered by coal mine methane produces electricity in a new 21st century. Since the fuel is not burned, there is none of the pollution commonly associated with the combustion of fossil fuels.

Mike Maranche stated that his testimony regarding the merger of the agencies will be published in the January Game News.

Publication in the Morning Call, Allentown, called "Antlerless Anxieties" states Dr. Ault's new proposal to extend antlerless hunting to the week before Thanksgiving will be discussed at the PGC January meeting.

Public Liason Jamie Fleet's patronage memo to Governor Rendell advised him should he elect to replace all of the PGC Commissioners, he would control 76 jobs in the PGC. Apparently this is an outgrowth of the Supreme Court's

decision that the governor can fire at will because staggered terms were eliminated when re-codification took place in 1987. The ACSL will research this memo and strive to get staggered appointments back into the code.

Robert McKinstry, PSU, recommended the merger of the PGC, PFBC into the DCNR to the Rendell Administration. Jim Slinsky wrote that McKinstry is not a scientist but an environmental attorney formerly employed by a firm in

Frank Sparrow was absent and there was no report

Henry Hoffman reporting the show is just about filled up. As reported in October, Henry checked prices of ticket cages. A motion was made and seconded (Hoffman/Fischer) to purchase this piece of equipment at a cost of $125.00

to be used at all ACSL events. MOTION CARRIED

3/20/2004 Hotel Radisson, Greentree - Radisson/Pgh-Greentree;

Chairman Joe Cersosimo briefed those present on the flyer that is included with these minutes.

No Report

David Bageley, delegate of Frazer Township Sportsmen and newly-elected ACSL director, offered suggestions to improve communications among clubs within the ACSL. They are as follows:

(1) a portable bulletin board for the monthly meeting to provide all clubs

space to publicize their events etc.

(2) binders to hold league minutes, hand-outs, flyers that can be used to

inform clubs

(3) the opportunity for delegates to promote their club via personal

presentation and the ACSL website

The strength of the ACSL depends on the involvement of all the member clubs. Your input is needed. More about these suggestions are forthcoming.

Frank Girdich, delegate of Renton Rod & Gun Club, informed those present of his club's involvement with the mine drainage, fires etc. There are contracts available at no cost to clubs, to work with the Office of Surface

Renton Rod & Gun Club.

Call for adjournment was 9:30 p.m.

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 

DECEMBER 11, 2003

7:30 P.M.

GOLD ROOM-4TH FLOOR COURTHOUSE

FOAC NEXT MEETING 12/21/03 www.foac-pac.org.

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

PETERS CREEK WATERSHED

DEER SURVEY 9-20-03 9 A.M.

MEET AT PETERS CREEK & WATERMAN RD. JEFFERSON

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT DAVE COLLURA:412-384-0823