On July 16 at 2 p.m., a ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Archives will be held honoring former  Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Ralph W. Abele (1921-1990).  The ceremony highlights the recent transfer of important archival records from the Fish and Boat Commission.

Throughout his life, Abele inspired and commanded the fight to save the natural environment. He believed strongly in the right of everyone to "clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment."

As PFBC executive director from January 1972 through May 1987, Abele’s accomplishments garnered him the title of “Lord of the Fish” for his tireless and relentless efforts in protecting water quality against pollution and working to restore American shad to their native Susquehanna River.

Abele’s voice and action, as a leader during the beginnings of ecology awareness, called industry to task and empowered individuals with an understanding that they, too, had the power to affect change and protect our natural environment.

While the Commission’s direct constituents have been mostly anglers and boaters, it was clear that Abele’s commentary on the nation’s obligation to protect natural resources struck a chord with the greater, general public.

Following his death in 1990, two important legacies for conservation were established in his name: the Ralph W. Abele Conservation Heritage Award and the Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarship Fund.

The award has been presented to such notables in conservation as Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, and the scholarship fund has provided a seed of continued growth for many students with the same aspiration in the field of conservation. Some of this year’s scholarship recipients will be in attendance for the ceremony.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarship Fund and the Fish and Boat Commission invite the public to attend the July 16 ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Archives, located at the corner of Forster and 3rd streets in Harrisburg.

7/15/2013