ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC.
MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 10, 2002
Opening
	President Harry T. Lewellen called the monthly 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 Dormont-Mt.Leb.- Lewellen ,Pit/Mnrvl-Hoffman Bethel Park Sportsmen - Walters Elizabeth Twp. - Collura Renton-Girdich Braddock - Mazik E.Monongahela-Bragano Sewickley-Fluharty Carrick Sportsmen-Slavonic Forest Grove - Cersosimo Tri County - Sparrow Central Beagle-Emanuelson McKeesport - McWilliams TCWA - Connors Clairton - Maranche Mt. Nebo - Fischer W Deer - Bagaley Collier Twp. - John Micklo North Boros - Baker WPATaxider.-Fundy PA Game Commission - Fujak PF&BC - Wheeler Guest Tammy Berkoben, Lyme Disease Foundation Support Group, was introduced by the president. An interesting, informative talk was given by Tammy, who has experienced Lyme Disease severely. From hospital, to wheel chair, to cane, and now able to inform others of the preventive steps that can be taken to avoid lyme or how to recognize its'symptoms; Tammy stated that next to the HIV, Lyme is the 2nd fastest spreading infectious disease. Most blood tests remain unreliable in detection. Literature was available and aquestion/answer period took place. For more information, call(412-751-4497)email:lymefind@aol.com Repellant containing deet is most effective in preventing tick bites. The September meeting minutes were approved as mailed. New Clubs - President Lewellen stated that he and Mike Slavonic visited Collier Twp. Sportsmen. Their representative, John Micklo, was present at the ACSL meeting this month.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE

Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission
	PF&BC - WCO BOB WHEELER reported that SB1213 authorizes the PFBC's projects to be funded from the state's General Fund in the amount of $49.46 million, improving six hatcheries and seven other projects. The PFBC voted to extend the existing "slow to wake" boating zone on a portion of the Allegheny River to the Conrail Bridge, effective May 1, 2003. In addition, extension of the slow, no wake zone on the Monongahela River from the Fort Pitt Bridge to the Smithfield Bridge; proposed time change to 7 days a week, 24 hours a day between May 1 and October 1. 2003-04 budget $28 million Fish Fund and projected expenditures of $32 million. Some $10.5 million in revenue is anticipated in the Boat Fund, with an estimated $10.7 million in expenditures. New access area in Kilbuck Twp. - Dixmont Hospital property, accommodating30 boats and trailers. Butler County will be getting an additional WCO. Trout stocking - Allegheny County-Bull Creek 9/30; Deer Lakes, Pine Creek, Deer Creek 10/7; Beaver County- Hereford Manor Lake, Raccoon Lake,Traverse Creek 9/30 Washington County- Canonsburg Lake, Little Chartiers Creek, Dutch Cr.&Lk, Millers Run, Pike Run10/7 Trout Summit 9/27, 28/02-Harrisburg. President Lewellen was invited to attend and reported that there were 19 representatives of other states; U.S. Fish and Wildlife, EPA and fisheries managers as well as some 90 invited PA anglers from fishing-related organizations. Brainstorming on stocking programs, habitat improvement and management/hatchery concepts was among the items discussed. In Pennsylvania, about three-quarters of all license buyers go fishing for trout each year. Results of this summit will be available in 2004.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
	PGC-WCO GARY FUJAK stated that newspapers are not publishing the hunter education classes as he requests. The league will notify the proper editors of this problem. A road-kill buck, thought to be a poachers quest, in S.Fayette Twp., was an eleven point with 21-1/2" spread and weighing 260 lb. Seven counties with available antlerless licenses - Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Phila. and Washington. See www.pgc.state.pa.us. New season for 7-day muzzleloader antlerless deer season, (10/19) and 3-day special firearms antlerless deer season (10/24) Scopes, peep-sights, other lawful sighting devices are permitted during Oct. muzzleloader season. Let safety be your guide! Of the 36 antlered elk licenses awarded, 34 went to Pennsylvanians; one to a hunter in Michigan and one to a hunter in New York. The temporary ban on importation of all live deer and elk into PA remains in effect. This is in conjunction with CWD (chronic wasting disease) However, out of state hunters can bring their harvested game into the Commonwealth. SUGGESTIONS:report to state agency sightings of sick animals; wear rubber gloves when field dressing carcasses; bone-out meat from your animal; process your own meat if possible Wildlife videos are available through the PGC website - they are very interesting and informative. PGC meetings - January 5,6,7 in Harrisburg.
FISH AND CLEAN STREAMS
	Frank Sparrow reporting the Deer Creek Mall Project is on hold. SAFE BOATING - life jackets essential - archery hunters, tree stand use, full-body type harness is the safest. A video on tree stand safety is available.
C O M M I T T E E S

Sporting Arms and Information & Legislation
	Mike Slavonic distributed the FOAC voter guides, suggesting they be passed among club members, neighbors etc. In addition, comparison sheets on Rendell/Fisher were available. The General Assembly is as important in this election; Tom Stevenson, 44th Dist. has been a loyal friend of sportsmen and the ACSL. Issue of PSP Registry of Firearm Ownership - Atty. Gen. Fisher stated the PSP registry will be destroyed when he becomes governor. Politics, PA, Pennsylvania's leading political reporting service, named ACSL Legis. Chair Mike Slavonic and Vice Chair Kim Stolfer, and Chairman FOAC Kim Stolfer leading Political Activists. Reciprocity Reform - the PSP wants to database everything and are objecting to the language in HB2386. The PA Supreme Court upheld a Commonwealth Court decision that ruled former Gov.Tom Ridge was within his authority when he fired George Venesky from his position as a Game Commissioner two years ago. The Senate had confirmed Venesky's appointment by Ridge. It is obvious the PGC is no longer an independent agency, free from politics, and the sportsmen and women will pay the price, said Venesky. District Attorney Zappala has not responded to the ACSL complaint on the illegality of the guns buy back program. Keep watching FOAC's website www.foac-pac.org. for further info. on this year's election.
CONSERVATION
	Chairman Jack Walters stated DCNR's secretary John C. Oliver presented $200,000 to the City of Pgh. for development of its Station Square Riverfront Trail. Upper Allegheny Watershed Team cleared nearly 3 tons of trash in its 2-day cleanup; 60 volunteers used canoes and boats to retrieve the trash. The Allegheny River has become a depository for debris from past flooding and in some cases, improperly disposed trash. The PGC, PFBC, Alle. National Forest, United Refining were among those who supported the cleanup project. Environmental Improvement-On behalf of Gov. Mark Schweiker, DEP secretary Hess recommended to the US EPA that the Presque Isle Bay Area of Concern be designated in the Recovery Stage as a result of continued significant environmental improvement in the bay over the past decade. In addition, the DEP and the U.S. EPA signed a performance partnership agreement, the first such agreement for Pennsylvania, "giving greater flexibility to meet our citizens' needs and truly makes DEP and EPA partners in this effort" Secretary Hess stated.
GAME COMMITTEE
	Chair Mike Maranche commented on the removal of George Venesky by the Supreme and Commonwealth Courts, without written opinion or cause. Commonwealth Court's decision: Legislature in 1986 rewrote the game code, eliminating staggered terms for Commissioners, thereby permitting the governor to remove Game Commissioners at will. The ACSL's position is that since 2/3 of the Senate is required to appoint; also should be needed to remove at will. ACSL's position also: this action and decision infuses politics into the Game Commission and puts the PGC under complete control of the Governor. Legislature needs to revisit the Game Code to reinstate staggered terms and to clearly define procedure and circumstance for removing Game Commissioners.
BANQUET
	BANQUET March 8, 2003 - volunteers for the banquet committee are asked to meet Monday, Oct. 21, 7:30p.m. at Sally Barnett's home,1028 Hulton Road,(ON THE YELLOW BELT) phone (412)793-4437. PARKING ON THE LAWN
Unfinished Business
	Frank Sparrow spoke of the Gerry Greiner Memorial which will be dedicated in November at the Harmarville Access Area. Several clubs have donated to this memorial in honor of Gerry. His dedication to conserving and improving streams and developing access areas for the handicapped gives pleasure to many. The bronze plaque, inscription and landscaping will be approximately $750. If you would like to make a donation, you can send it to Joe Connors, Treasurer. 1032 Hulton Road, Verona, PA 15147. A motion was made and seconded (Baker/Hoffman) to give $300.00 from the ACSL to the Gerry Greiner memorial.
For the Good of the Organization
	Jim Liberto advised those present of a Constitution Seminar given by Brett Johnson on 9/21 in Butler. Cost is $65.00 per person, time 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone 1-888-385-3733 for more information.
ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR SHOW
	ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL and OUTDOOR SHOW February 12-16, 2003 - clubs interested in a booth should see Henry Hoffman. Cost at discount is $556.00 - it is suggested that clubs share a booth and the cost. Ticket takers are needed, 10 per day. If you can help, call Henry at (412-829-2386). T-shirts and hats will be purchased as the supply is depleted. A motion was made and seconded (Hoffman/Baker) to allocate $2000.00 to cover costs of show items. Motion carried unanimously. A beef jerkey sign-up sheet will be available at the November meeting.
Youth Day Saturday July 26, 2003
	YOUTHDAY July 26, 2003, Millvale Sportsmen's Club- tickets for the turkey federation print are available from Frank; this is a fund-raiser effort for Youthday. Clubs - if you haven't gotten your packet of tickets, call Frankat (724-444-6569)-he will mail them to you. Also, a volunteer sheet will be available at the November meeting - please consider helping to plan and work at this event.
New Business
	Leon Fischer, delegate of Mt. Nebo Sportsmen, asked a question regarding oil and gas rights on club property. Discussion followed and information given from clubs who have experience with the mineral rights of property.
Treasurer's Report
	Joe Connors presented his report. Motion was made and seconded (Slavonic/Hoffman) to accept the treasurer's report without question. MOTION CARRIED. Treasurer Joe Connors requested an amendment to the by-laws under dues: stating: dues may be paid upon receipt of membership cards, but no later than the 31st of March. They by-law committee (Mike Slavonic, Doug Baker, Leon Fischer) will see to this action.
Adjournment
	DOOR PRIZE - was won by Harry T. Lewellen and returned to the league as a gift to YouthDay. Adjournment was called for at 9:40 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Barnett, 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
	Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc. Next meeting Thursday, November 14, 2002 7:30 p.m. Gold Room - Courthouse
* ANNOUNCEMENTS*
	UPCOMING EVENTS ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL and OUTDOOR SHOW MONROEVILLE EXPOMART FEBRUARY 12-16, 2003 ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC. SPORTSMEN OF THE YEAR BANQUET SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2003 FOX CHAPEL YACHT CLUB SPEAKER - JACK BOGUT REMINDERS: ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL, OUTDOOR SHOW-FEB.12-16, 2003 SPORTSMEN OF THE YEAR BANQUET - MARCH 8, 2003 (SUBMIT PHOTOS OF CLUB YOUTHDAYS, ACTIVITIES AND CLUB HOUSE, ETC. TO BE USED AT THE BANQUET) YOUTHDAY-JULY 26, 2003 MILLVALE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB, INC. We need your involvement at all these events!
Nominating Committee
	Frank Girdich asked for nominations from the floor, none presented. The slate of officers was presented and voting took place. Election results are: OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2002/2003 President - Harry T. Lewellen 1st Vice President - Henry Hoffman 2nd Vice President - Jack Walters Exec. Secretary - Sara Barnett Treasurer - Joe Connors Directors: Doug Baker - North Boros Sportsmen Joe Cersosimo - Forest Grove Sportsmen Leon Fischer - Mt. Nebo Sportsmen Charlie McWilliams - McKeesport Sportsmen Mike Maranche - Clairton Sportsmen Buddy Savage - PA Gun Collectors Mike Slavonic - Carrick Sportsmen Frank Sparrow - Tri County Trout Kim Stolfer - Greater Pgh. Gun Club