ACSL MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 8, 2005

 

The monthly meeting was held at the Pitcairn/Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club. President Maranche called for order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison. Clubs and agencies present:

 

Bakerstown Beagle – Bucek      EMSC – Satterfield                   PSLC – Brown

Bethel Park Sptsmn.- Walters    Forest Grove – Cersosimo        Renton – Gerdich

Braddock – Mazik                    LFSC – Barnett                        TCWA – Connors

Bull Creek – Wilczynski            McDonald – Stolfer                  W Deer – Bagaley

Carrick – Slavonic                    McKeesport – Christeson          WPA Tax. – Fundy

Clairton – Maranche                  Millvale – Sparrow                    PGCA – Savage

Collier – Ragaller                      PMSC – Hoffman                     PFBC – Wheeler             PGC – Fujak

 

GUESTS  - Denis Krivansky, John Hohenwarter

NRA State Liason John Hohenwarter addressed those present; discussing legislation, communication, and endorsements. In answer to Legislative Chair Kim Stolfer’s question regarding lack of mechanism between the grass roots and the NRA, Mr. Hohenwarter expressed his desire to work with the ACSL, establishing lines of communication.  Lee Brown, representing the Pittsburgh Sportsmen’s Luncheon Club, suggested a PA Sportsmen’s Caucus, creating the awareness of issues.  Discussions followed on several issues.

 

PGC – WCO Gary Fujak stated that the Unified/PGC lawsuit involving the radical reduction of the deer herd will hopefully be resolved soon; Fifteen WMU’s sold out of antlerless deer licenses – 1A,B, 2C,D,E, F,G, 3A,B,C,D; 4A,B,C,D. Beginning Monday, Sept. 12, the PGC will accept, only through the mail, applications for the second round of unsold antlerless licenses.  Sept. 19 over-the-counter at county treasurer’s offices in WMU’s 2B,5C, 5D. More fawn have been seen in Elk County, next years season and 2007 producing better antlers and larger deer than in previous years, due to deer management.

 

PFBC – WCO Bob Wheeler announced the fall stockings; Deer and Pine Creeks  October 5, North Park Lake October 14, stocking schedules continually change – check www.fish.state.pa.us (statewide listing). “TAKE ME FISHING” PFBC offering fall family programs – Sunday, Sept. 18,  9-noon at McDanel’s Pier in Moraine State Park.

Six wco’s graduated from the 17th Class on Sept. 7. Boating facilities grants are available – funds are to be used for major site improvements so clubs with lake and

river-front properties can apply. More info. – visit the PFBC web site mentioned above for application forms.

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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE – Chairman Kim Stolfer stated that hearings will be held Sept. 22 on Rep. Tom Yewcic’ legislation (HB1835 & HB1836) to address the concerns of taking of private property by local governments using eminent domain. The ACSL will testify at these hearings to be held in Pittsburgh in the City County building.

 

Sean Logan’s bill (SB861)addresses removing social security numbers from recreational licenses. Suggestion to purchase license on last day of month; the agent pulls carbons and mails in applications at this time.

 

The ACSL sent a letter to Sheriff DeFazio outlining 3 main concerns with current procedures in his office when issuing and renewing CCW permits: (1) no CCW renewal notices are sent to current license holders; (2) early renewals are prohibited;(3) requiring

references as part of the process of issuance.  These points were part of SB282 in 1995 and became law 11/23/1995. Compliance with the law is not happening. The LC will follow up and report on future developments as they occur.

 

CONSERVATION – Chairman Jack Walters reported Gov. Rendell has suspended enforcement of summertime fuel requirements for gasoline refiners, distributors etc. in an effort to ensure adequate fuel supplies in the wake from Hurricane Katrina. This gives refiners refiners another tool to keep fuel supplies moving. A $367,419 contract to control erosion problems in Jordan Run, an abandoned mine site.

 

Clean efficient energy will be made in Indianola, Allegheny County, by a five-kilowatt solar facility at the Indiana Township Municipal Plaza.

 

Three new cases of West Nile pushes PA to ten in 2005. More info. can be read at DEP.state.pa.us.

 

GAME – Chairman Mike Maranche reporting on URBAN/SUBURBAN DEER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES – comments taken until Sept. 16 on ideas of how to reduce deer collisions, garden-raiding in suburban neighborhoods. The PGC’s effort to develop deer management strategy includes input from all sources; write PGC, ATTN:Draft Urban Deer Management Strategy, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797 or (urbandeer@pgc.state.pa.us)

Game continued – environmentalists victorious as a federal judge on Friday ordered the Bush administration to step up efforts to restore the gray wolf in Maine, NH.Vermont and NY; while Fish and Wildlife signaled that it soon would move to “delist” the wolf in the east. Scientific argument say that it was a red wolf originally here, not a gray. Environmental groups such as NWF, Audubon joined in the lawsuit.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS – Dave Bagaley offered safety locks to those present; as reported a while back, the PAWS LEGISLATION is very poorly written.

 

SPORTSHOW FEBRUARY 15-19, 2006 – Henry Hoffman reporting it is 78% full.

 

BANQUET – Chairman Joe Cersosimo has gotten some information to be discussed at the meeting Sept. 13, 7 p.m. at Sally Barnetts. If you have some suggestions on location, menu, programs, please attend the meeting.

 

YOUTHDAY – Chairman Frank Sparrow was unable to give his full report but will have it for the October meeting. Frank gave thanks to those present and to all who worked so faithfully – it was a good time. The ACSL sends their “thanks” to the Millvale Sportsmen’s Club for their hospitality in letting us use their facilities.  NEXT YEAR JULY 22, 2006.

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Chairman Mike Christeson presented the slate of nominees for 2005/06 election -  -                          

President – Mike Maranche; 1st VP Henry Hoffman; 2nd VP Jack Walters;

Treasurer Joe Connors, Directors: Dave Bagaley, Joe Cersosimo, Mike Christeson, Harry Lewellen, Jim Liberto, Buddy Savage, Frank Sparrow, Jr., Kim Stolfer. Nominations from the floor for Director: Audrey Pritchard, Dan Ragaller. Motion moved and seconded (Regaller/Christeson) to accept the slate of nominees. Motion carried unanimously.

 

BY-LAW COMMITTEE - Chairman Dave Bagaley stated a meeting of the committee will be held to discuss any changes to Articles 2,3,4,5.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – F. Sparrow will write a letter concerning Bassmasters tournament and the ACSL involvement.

 

NEW BUSINESS – Joe Markosek will sponsor a “Sportsmen’s Night” at the Pitcairn/Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club on Thursday, Sept. 15 – everyone is invited to attend.  Refreshments will be served.

 

Motion was made and seconded (Stolfer/Cersosimo) to write a letter endorsing Stan Caldwell, delegate of Homestead Sportsmen’s Club, who is applying for nomination to the vacant 2nd District Commissioner seat of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

The PA’s First Friends of the NRA will meet Wednesday, September 14, 2005, 7 p.m. at the White Oak Rod and Gun Club. Interested people should contact Sally (412-793-4437)

 

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CLUB NEWS

 

Pitcairn/Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club – all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner Wednesday

Sept. 14 5-7 p.m.

 

 

FOAC MEETINGS: Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 11; Time 10 a.m.

                             Whitehall Borough Bldg (off Rt. 51)

 

 

 

ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.

 

next meeting

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2005

7:30 P.M.

 

GOLD ROOM

COURTHOUSE

SEE YOU THERE! ! !