PA Environment Digest

Fish and Boat Commission voted at its quarterly meeting this week to add eight stream sections to the list of self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations, to award a grant to the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to construct a fishing pier on Lake Erie, and to approve several habitat grants.

Also, commissioners approved several land acquisitions and changed a boating regulation to clarify the correct use of docking lights while a vessel is underway.

In addition to the regular business meeting, the Commission hosted a special evening seminar on ice fishing, featuring three pro anglers from the North East Ice Tour, which drew a crowd of approximately 65.

The evening session also included the presentation of the Stanley Long Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, which honors the Commission’s most exemplary and inspiring volunteer, and an award from the American Fisheries Society recognizing a Commission research project on panfish.

Commissioner Glade Squires, Commission President William Worobec and Executive Director John Arway jointly presented the Stanley Long award to Michael Skurecki of Montgomery County.

“Volunteerism is absolutely vital to our success,” said Mr. Arway. “Volunteers help us with our stocking efforts, they help us with law enforcement and they help us with our education and outreach programs. Mike exemplifies the volunteer spirit and is well-deserving of this award. He has served for over 15 years as a volunteer Education and Information instructor, teaching Family Fishing and SMART Angler Programs. As a Commission volunteer, Mike conducts an average of 14 day-long programs per year while investing over 70 hours of volunteer time and driving between 400 and 500 miles.”

In addition, before the ice fishing seminar began, commissioners took part in a ceremonial signing of the Anglers’ Legacy pledge. By signing the pledge, commissioners agree to share their passion for fishing and the outdoors with at least one person each year.

“So far, more than 10,000 Pennsylvania anglers have taken the pledge,” said Mr. Arway. “And we would like 10,000 more to sign up. If you haven’t signed up yet, please go to our website, take the pledge and introduce someone to the joys of fishing and boating.”

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