PFBC Activity Report Highlights for Second Quarter 2009

Bureau of Administration

Fishing License Point-of-Sale (POS): As of June 15, 2009, we have successfully sold over 730,708 licenses and 558,062 permits, which is a 5% increase from 2008 levels. These season sales indicate that over 76 percent of our license buyer’s fish for trout. During the week of Opening Day, April 18, 2009, the Commission sold over 122,503 licenses and 111,196 permits with 61,753 licenses sold on the Friday preceding opening day alone.

Voucher Program: The PFBC has sold 9,537 (2009) vouchers resulting in 1,184 new customers to Automated Licensing Service (PALS) that redeemed a voucher during 2009. Also, fishing license customers have donated $5,126.71 already this year, through PALS, as additional support for our programs.

PALS: Bureau of Administration staff continue to work with the Pennsylvania Game (PGC) staff and Automated License Systems (ALS), headquartered in Nashville, TN. ALS is the PFBC’s selected vendor for developing, implementing, and managing the PALS. ALS is in the process of developing the system requirements for implementing the Outdoor Shop on PALS, which will include all internet fishing licenses, vouchers, boat registrations, launch permits and merchandising. This long term project is expected to take at least another year before the PALS system is completely implemented. Beginning June 15, hunting and furtaker licenses for the PGC 2009-10 license year were available for purchase through PALS.

AG Audit: Our Licensing and IT staff have also completed the final License Returns Audit for the Auditor General’s Office. This audit covered 2005, 2006, and 2007, the final 3 years of our paper licensing system. With the advent of the PALS system, this will be the last time this type of audit will need to be performed.

Special Permits: The 2009 Charter Boat/Fishing Guide Permit program currently has 312 resident and 48 non-resident active guides. Staff have completed automating the process for transferring Charter Boat/Fishing Guide data to the PFBC website. To date, there are 824 cast net permits and 139 regulated lakes permits. The PFBC has issued 3,012 One-Year Launch Permits and 7,665 Two-Year Launch Permits.

Boat Registration and Titling: Boat registration and titling transaction activity increased by 3.70% this quarter. Registration renewal transactions increased by 4 %, while new registrations increased by 1.29%, while new titles decreased by 10.56%.

Boat Registration & Titling Transactions Transactions - 2009 Transactions - 2008 Registration Renewal 130,644 124,786 Registration Transfer 4,102 3,851 Registration New 9,068 9,487 Title New 5,520 6,370 Title Transfer 4,291 3,847 Total Active Boat Registrations 153,625 148,341

Financial Summary & Budget: As of May 31, 2009, fiscal year 08-09 non-restricted Fish Fund revenues were roughly 10 percent, or $3,721,599, lower than fiscal 07-08 and Boat Fund revenues are down by 2 percent, or $234,828, over last year. Overall, Fish Fund expenditures were 9 percent more than fiscal year 07-08 and Boat Fund expenditures were down 8 percent over last year. Boat Fund expenditures

1

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

decreased due to a delay in the call for projects in the Boating Facility Grant Program. Fish Fund and Boat Fund revenues and expenditures are consistent with the approved levels in the 08-09 budget. Administration staff submitted the Commission’s 2009-10 re-budget request to the Governor’s Budget Office.

Federal Assistance: Staff monitored and managed 61 existing Federal grants, which includes the State Wildlife Grants, and applied for and received funding for five additional grant awards exceeding $12.59 million. Staff also worked with other key Commission staff on new grant opportunities and to facilitate the preparation and submission of new grant applications and required reports for existing grants. The PFBC receives roughly $12.5 million annually in federal assistance from a number of federal agencies

State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program: Staff is currently coordinating and managing 31 federal State Wildlife Grants (SWG) valued at a little over $9.8 million, and 24 third-party cooperative agreements issued to various program partners. During the quarter, the Commission received $243,997.50 in federal funding under this program. The PFBC received the 2009 Federal apportionment from the USFWS for the SWG program, which was $947,047.00. These funds will be used to fund the nine projects approved for funding by the Executive Director last July, and to fund the continuation of a number of current SWG projects.

IT Section: The network staff performed a key role at the recent NEAFWA Conference held in Lancaster. Staff was responsible for organizing, scheduling, and maintaining all computers and projectors used at the conference.

Network staff completed efforts to connect the Walnut Creek Marina to the Commonwealth network. Security cameras installed at the Marina were connected to the system and are viewable by Boating Access and Law Enforcement personnel in both live and recorded mode.

GIS Development Efforts: Web GIS and related projects have continued to be updated and refined over the past 3 months. There are currently 8 public interactive GIS-based maps running via the PFBC web site, as well as 2 others that serve more internal or interagency purposes. GIS staff also continue to maintain data behind the maps, as well as related stocking list web pages for trout and warmwater/coolwater species and the online PFBC Calendar, which are updated as close to real-time as possible. Starting on April 21st, the PFBC began tracking usage of the aforementioned web pages. From April 21 to June 15, the pages were viewed almost 750,000 times with visitors coming from all 50 states and 65 countries on 6 continents. During the height of the trout stocking schedule in April and May, the pages were receiving close to 40,000 hits per day.

GIS staff produced numerous maps and completed various analyses in support of various agency programs, as well as many external data requests. Some of the more notable projects included: mapping and analysis related to potential drawdowns at Pymatuning Sanctuary; GPS surveys and related mapping for the Erie Easement Acquisition Program; digitizing of property boundaries and generation of requested calculations to DGS; update of a timber rattlesnake database and related GIS layers to include the 147 assessments completed in 2008; and maps for inclusion in the final PA Fishing and Boating Access Plan.

GIS staff produced an online interactive map that provides for the review of Conservation Planning Polygons being developed through a State Wildlife Grant (SWG) project with the Game Commission and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Another grant project “Building Field-Based GIS Functionality and Data Sharing Capabilities for Assessing Pennsylvania’s Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles and other Aquatic Life” - was also completed. The main result of the latter project is publicly available PFBC GIS data is now available through the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (FAR) Node of the National Biological Information Infrastructure. The Node is heavily used by agencies and organizations similar to the PFBC across the country.

Harrisburg HQ Building Expansion: Construction was completed in early May. Office furniture was delivered and installed by May 15. Staff moves were staged to allow for minimum disruption of operations and were completed by May 29. The project was completed on time and within budget.

2

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Automotive: Applications Development staff have worked with the PFBC Automotive Liaison to combine several different automotive applications into a single, more comprehensive system to improve automobile and maintenance tracking and meet the Department of General Services revised reporting requirements.

Human Resource Division: Recruitment and placement activity continues to be minimal due to the state- wide hiring freeze. We have selected a new HR Director and we are in the process of obtaining final approvals from the Governor’s Office of Administration. In addition, we received an exception to the hiring freeze to fill our Information Technology Generalist Administrator II vacancy; the posting closed on June 10th. We received 43 applications and are in the process of reviewing the materials to determine candidate eligibility. On June 19th, staff will travel to Stackhouse to conduct DWCO Orientation and on July 20th for WCOT Orientation.

No additional activity has occurred with the negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); however, their legal representative contacted the Office of Administration, Bureau of Labor Relations via letter dated May 29 and advised that they are ready to resume negotiations. Contact was initiated by OA/BLR; however, no dates have been established at this point.

Procurement Section: The liquid oxygen contract expired May 31, 2009 and the Department of General Services has issued a new contract beginning June 1, 2009. The new contract will expire May 31, 2014. The selected new vendor is Air Products. Due to the selection of the new vendor, we are in the process of removing the prior vendor’s oxygen tanks and installing and connecting the new vendor oxygen tanks, which is approximately 80% complete. The transition for this process proved to be a challenge, but has gone smoothly and we are pleased with the new vendor so far.

Bureau of Boating and Access

Boating Fatalities: There have been four fatal recreational boating accidents with five fatalities to date in 2009.

Aids to Navigation: There have been six new floating structure permits reviewed and approved and 12 renewed.

Run of the River Dams: The Commission inspects run of the river dams throughout the Commonwealth for proper markings and signage. This year the NE region has 18 dams to inspect and the SE has 130 dams to inspect. The inspection forms were mailed in late April and are due back to the Bureau of Boating and Access by July 1, 2009.

Walnut Creek Marina: There are currently four slips available for lease at Walnut Creek Marina. There are 20 individuals on the waiting list for slips, but all have turned down availability for this season. Most cited financial/economic concerns. They did request to remain on the list for next year. Nine potential slip holders were denied slips due to the size of their boats. There are also four slips available for transient dockage. The vacant slips are also available for transient dockage, when necessary. The new traffic pattern has been working well and facility users are responding with positive comments. The security cameras have been installed and although they are working, there are a few issues that need to be worked out. The new courtesy docks built by Commission staff were very well received and appreciated by users. Clerical staffing began April 16th (weekends only) to accommodate the heavy volume of anglers and the sale of fishing licenses along with other services. This season opened a little slower and with fewer sales then the previous year.

Northeast Marina: “E” dock rehabilitation is 100% complete with the hose reels and lights installed. The boating season at Northeast Marina opened uneventfully with the exception of a few issues related to the installation of “E” dock.

3

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Bridge Projects: Bureau staff responded to 43 bridge replacement/repair projects. Two on-site visits were conducted. One primitive, unpowered boat access area was secured via these projects.

Capacity Plates: 313 new capacity plates were issued.

Erie Access Improvement Program: 1. Staff continue to assist Legal Counsel and Fisheries staff with Fish Ladder and Easement Projects at the Lawrence Park Golf Course on Fourmile Creek. 2. Staff continue to work on additional easement projects on Walnut and Elk Creeks. Commission approved the Option Agreement for the Girard American Legion at the April meeting. Settlement has been scheduled for the Pifer property. Baseline documents are underway on several easement projects. 3. Staff is working with LERC on the acquisition of the Harf property along Elk Creek. LERC has submitted applications to DCNR and our Erie Access Improvement Program for the acquisition costs. LERC is requesting 50% of the acquisition costs from each agency. Staff plan to present this project to the Commission at the July meeting. 4. Staff continues to work with the Erie Port Authority on their application to construct a fishing pier at Liberty Park. Staff recommended the Port Authority re-submit a revised application requesting funding for engineering of the pier only. The revised application has been received and is currently going through the Program’s grant award process.

Boating Facilities Grant Program: 1. The Commission has forty-nine active projects under the Boating facility Grant Program. All forty- nine applicants have fully signed and executed contracts. Forty-six of the applicants with fully executed contracts have submitted their final engineering and bid specifications for their projects. Staff have reviewed and approved their designs and have issued them a notice to proceed with construction. Thirty-seven projects have been completed and inspected by staff and the applicants have submitted their final invoices for payment. In addition, five applicants have informed staff that they are nearing completion of their Boating Facility Grant projects. Staff is working with the applicants to submit their invoices for the projects and to schedule final inspection meetings on these facilities. 2. In the 2009-2010 round of grants, staff received a total of forty-four applications under the Boating Facility Grant Program. The total amount of grant funds requested for all forty-four projects exceeded 7.1 million dollars. Staff evaluated and reviewed all of the projects. Staff recommended that thirty of the projects not be funded. Of the remaining 14 projects, the executive director approved ten of the projects that were under $100,000 and the Commission approved four projects that were over $100,000 at the April Commission meeting.

Statewide Fishing and Boating Access: 1. Work continues on the public fishing easement program in the Upper Juniata Watershed. Appraisals on the first of two properties in the project area are being completed. A meeting was held in Tyrone with the Little Juniata River Association’s membership and a small number of landowners about the easement program. 2. As a result of an Intergovernmental Agreement with DCNR, PFBC staff from the Boating & Access and Construction Bureau assisted DCNR in evaluating Pine Creek in 2008 and sites in in April, 2009. DCNR recently completed the construction of their first geo- cell access site on Pine Creek in Tiadaghton State Forest. 3. Staff continue to work on the Clarion River access recommendations. A meeting with Domtar, LLC was held in early June to provide access on the Clarion at their plant in Johnsonburg. Domtar is reviewing a 25 year lease agreement that was presented at the meeting. Staff

4

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

participated in meetings regarding the purchase of two properties by WPC on the Clarion for fishing access outside of Ridgway. Talks continue between WPC and the landowners. 4. Work continues on the Statewide Access Plan. The draft external document has gone through several re-writes. Mapping and the draft of an internal companion document is underway. 5. Staff served on the application review committee for the Sinnemahoning Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Staff developed a lease agreement for public fishing access with assistance from Legal Counsel for the Sinnemahoning Watershed Restoration Grant Program grantees. 6. Staff continue to assist with LIP projects for the French Creek Watershed. 7. Staff prepared a grant application for the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy for submission to DCNR to fund the acquisition of a 24-acre parcel along Clarks Creek in Dauphin County. If the grant is awarded, the landowner will donate 50% of the purchase price to match the DCNR grant. CPC stated that they will sell the property to the Commission for its transaction costs.

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program 1. Staff worked with the sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to secure a grant in the amount of $985,991 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program to construct transient docks on the Allegheny River along the Convention Center Riverfront Park in Pittsburgh. The funds will be used to construct docking space for 26 large boats, of which 16 will be for transient boaters and day dockage uses. Staff plan to present this project to the Commission for their consideration at the July meeting. 2. Staff continue to work with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh to complete a 1.35 million dollar BIG grant project along the Monongahela River at the South Shore Riverfront Park and the Southside Works in Pittsburgh, PA. The funds are earmarked for the construction of a 525 foot tie up facility for transient boaters and day dockage uses for up to seventeen 26-foot or larger non-trailerable boats. This project is currently under construction and should be completed by December 31, 2012. 3. Staff have been working with the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to complete a grant project in the amount of $100,000 that was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program. These funds are to be used to construct docking space for six transient boats that are 26-foot or larger along the southern dock wall of West Dobbins Landing in Erie, PA. Construction of the project was completed in June. Staff is currently working with the Port Authority to submit all of the invoices for the project and to perform a final site inspection of the facility before final payment will be made.

Clean Vessel Act Program: Staff have been working with five applicants to complete projects that were approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Clean Vessel Act program. Below is a list of the five projects that have recently been completed. 1. Seven Points Marina, Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County - $1,335.12 The marina rebuilt the pump on the existing Edson pump out station. In addition, they purchased and installed a new Edson wash down station and upgraded the existing plumbing and connections. 2. RRP Recreation, Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County - $15,045.00 Lake Raystown Resort purchased and installed a new Waubaushene sewage pump out unit along with all of the supporting infrastructure including electrical, plumbing and materials. 3. RC’s Marina, Shenango Reservoir, Mercer County - $12,200.44 RC’s marina purchased and installed a new Edson portable pump out system including a new mobile holding tank on wheels, vacuum motor, hoses, etc. 4. Long Level Marina, Susquehanna River, York County - $11,767.50 Long Level Marina purchased and installed a new Keco portable pump out system along with all of the supporting infrastructure including electrical, plumbing and materials. 5

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

5. Baum’s Cove Marina, Delaware River, Bucks County - $4,320.00 Baum’s Cove Marina rebuilt the Waubaushene sewage pumpout unit and upgraded the existing plumbing and connections.

Office of Chief Counsel

Dredging Appeals (Hanson Aggregate PMA et al. v. DEP v. PFBC): On November 26, 2008, the Allegheny and Ohio River dredgers filed an appeal with the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) of a permit amendment issued by Department of Environmental Protection authorizing dredging in Pool 5 of the Allegheny River but providing protective buffers around the Salamander Mussel, a mussel species proposed to be listed as endangered. On May 8, 2009, the parties jointly requested an extension of all deadlines in the case in order to pursue settlement discussions. The EHB granted the extension. The deadline to complete discovery in this case is now September 2, 2009, and dispositive motions are now due on October 2, 2009.

Dutch Fork Lake: In two separate lawsuits (one in Washington County, Pennsylvania and the other in Brooke County, West Virginia), the Office of Chief Counsel continues to work with the Senior Deputy Attorney General assigned to these cases. The Commonwealth filed a motion to dismiss in the Brooke County case last spring, and on June 9, 2009, the court granted the motion. The court concluded, among other things, that the Commission did not have sufficient contacts with the State of West Virginia to confer jurisdiction on West Virginia’s courts. As of the date of report preparation, the plaintiffs had not appealed this decision to the Supreme Court of West Virginia. In the Washington County action, the court granted plaintiffs until July 17, 2009 to file a second amended complaint and an expert report. The second amended complaint must explain specifically how the dam failed.

Lehmier v. PFBC: In an action filed by Ted Lehmier in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Executive Director Austen and Waterways Conservation Officers Corey Britcher and Terrance Kane, the Office of Chief Counsel continues to work with the Senior Deputy Attorney General assigned to the case. The complaint asserts, among other things, that the Commission’s employees violated Mr. Lehmier’s first amendment rights. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. The defendants filed responses to interrogatories and a request for production of documents that were due on July 1, 2009.

Quaker Lake: The parties currently are engaged in discovery in an action before the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County. By agreement of the parties, the access area remains open to the public while the litigation is pending. There is nothing new to report since the last quarterly report.

Boll (North East Marina Litigation): Currently before the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County is Petitioners’ claim for consequential damages for the alleged injury to or loss of surface support to their properties. Petitioners claim that the interruption in the littoral drift caused by the marina resulted in the accelerated erosion of the bluffs along their properties. The case has been certified as being ready for trial, and the case will be scheduled for a term of court no earlier than this summer. There is nothing new to report since the last quarterly report.

Alessandrini: The Office of Chief Counsel successfully argued before the State Civil Service Commission that Mr. Alessandrini’s name should be removed from the civil service list of eligibles for Waterways Conservation Officer trainee. This removal was requested by the Bureau of Law Enforcement because the applicant failed to disclose pertinent information in his pre-appointment questionnaire.

Clymer: The Office of Chief Counsel is representing the Bureau of Law Enforcement in an appeal filed by Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Barry Clymer regarding the revocation of his deputy commission. The hearing in this matter will be held on July 16, 2009.

Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund Site: The Office of Chief Counsel continues to work with Bureau of Fisheries staff and the other state and federal natural resource trustees (PA Department of Environmental

6

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Protection, PA Game Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Parks Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to address their respective natural resource damage and restoration concerns arising from the release of hazardous substances at this site. The natural resource trustees continue to discuss these issues with the responsible party and expect resolution in the next few weeks.

Athos Oil Pollution: The Office of Chief Counsel continues to work with Bureau of Fisheries staff and other Commonwealth, state and federal natural resource trustees (PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA Game Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the states of New Jersey and Delaware, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) to address their respective natural resource damage and restoration concerns stemming from the discharge of crude oil from the ship, M/T ATHOS I (Athos), into the Delaware River on November 26, 2004. The natural resource trustees intend to submit a claim in accordance with Oil Pollution Act to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center, which manages the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

PPL/Holtwood Dam: The Office of Chief Counsel assisted Bureau of Fisheries staff in finalizing negotiations with PPL Generation LLC (PPL) regarding PPL’s plans for amending its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit to expand its hydroelectric facility on the lower Susquehanna River. PPL has agreed to design its project to improve fish passage (especially for American shad) at its facility as well as other improvements to benefit resident fish passage, angler access and boating improvements. On June 15, 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, after consultation with the PFBC, issued the 401 certification for PPL’s project containing all the above mentioned fish passage and other improvements. This action is a necessary precursor to FERC’s issuance of an amended license for expansion of the hydroelectric facility.

Exelon/ Conowingo Dam and Muddy Run Pumping Station: The Office of Chief Counsel is currently assisting Bureau of Fisheries staff in negotiations with Exelon regarding the scoping and study requests that will be required prior to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) relicensing of Exelon’s hydroelectric facilities on the lower Susquehanna River. Comments and study requests are due to FERC on July 10, 2009.

Grant Programs: The Office of Chief Counsel continues to provide support and guidance to the following grant programs – Erie Access Improvement, Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education, Cooperative Nursery, Boating Facility, Boating Infrastructure, Fish Passage and Habitat Restoration, Landowner Incentive and State Wildlife Grant Programs and the new Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Restoration Grant Program.

Bureau of Engineering and Property Services (BEPS)

FISH CULTURE STATIONS

• Bellefonte SFH • Award Date: August 21, 2008 • Total Construction Amount: $3,167,600 • Scheduled Completion Date: August 2, 2009; Actual projected completion date: 9/18/2009 • Status of Construction: 80% complete

• Benner Springs SFH • Award Date: April 1, 2009 • Estimated Amount: $3,143,000 • Estimated Completion: February 28, 2010 • Status of Construction: 3% complete

• Big Springs SFH Closure Plan –

7

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• The demolition at Big Springs is expected to be completed in July 2009. • The manager’s house is anticipated to be demolished by the end of 2009.

• Corry SFH • New water line from Foster Well to the Hatchery complex. Permits have been applied for. Temporary easements will need to be acquired on nine properties and permanent easements are need on four properties. Pending Commission approval, a meeting will be scheduled with the impacted property owners to discuss easement acquisitions.

• Huntsdale SFH • Award Date: December 3, 2008 • Total Construction Amount: $4,342,655 • Scheduled Completion Date: January 15, 2010 • Status of Construction: 36% complete

• Linesville SFH • Writing new lease agreement with DCNR for hatchery complex and reviewing DCNR and Game Land Transfer Agreement.

• Pleasant Gap SFH • Working with SEDA-COG for the acquisition of permanent easements for operational utility crossings of the railroad.

• Reynoldsdale SFH • Engineering and Fisheries continue to coordinate with HDR/FishPro on the recycle and effluent design. • HDR is approximately one month behind schedule. • According to HDR, DGS and the PFBC should receive the pre-final design drawings for review by July 3, 2009. • At present, it is anticipated that the project could be bid in November 2009 with bids received in December 2009 or January 2010. • Real Estate is researching mineral, gas and oil rights for the Hatchery property, as requested by Fisheries.

DAMS and RESERVOIRS

• Children's Lake • DEP is still reviewing the permit application. Construction is scheduled for the end of September.

• Leaser Lake • Consultant is completing the rehabilitation plans and DEP permitting is under review. Construction is scheduled to begin February 2010. • Field survey was completed for the proposed handicapped fishing pier.

• Opossum Lake • DEP continues to review the permit application. • PFBC intends to purchase flowage easements on eight tracts of property.

• Lake Oneida and Thorn Run Reservoir • Agreements have been executed with the PA American Water Company to open up these two reservoirs in Butler County to public fishing. A formal public opening ceremony was performed on June 5, 2009.

• Virgin Run Lake

8

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Option agreement executed and agenda item approved for acquisition of property in dam break inundation area to allow for dam reclassification. Awaiting title report and environmental assessment, which will control exercise of option.

• H2O PA High Hazard Dam & Flood Control Grants • On May 14, 2009 the Governor announced that $10.7 million in grants to the PFBC. o Upper Hereford Manor Lake Dam (Beaver Co.) $1.0 M o Lower Hereford Manor Lake Dam (Beaver Co.) $2.2 M o Canonsburg Lake Dam (Washington Co.) $2.0 M o Dutch Fork Lake Dam (Washington Co.) $4.5 M o Lake Nessmuk Dam – Flood Control (Tioga Co.) $980 K • The Department of General Services has retained design professionals who have initiated work on several of these dams.

ACCESSES

• SFY 2008-2009 Budgeted Access Projects • Washington Canonsburg Access Completed • Clinton Hyner Access Completed • Fayette Greenlick Access Completed • Potter Kettle Creek Access Completed • Juniata Mifflintown Access Area Completed • York Muddy Creek Access Completed • Chester Phoenixville Access Project 90% complete (High Water) • Sullivan Hunters Lake Access Completed • Butler Harmony Borough Completed • Bedford Gordon/Koon Lakes Completed

• SFY 2009-2010 Budgeted Access Projects • Clinton Memorial Park Access Furnish materials under Tech Guidance • Clarion Mill Creek No work initiated • Clarion Portland Mills No work initiated • Wayne Wallenpaupack Access No work initiated • Bradford Terrytown Access No work initiated • Juniata Greenwood Access Completed last year, will add ramp work this year. • Washington Monongahela Access No work initiated • Carbon Mauch Chunk No work initiated • Crawford Canadohta Access No work initiated • Mifflin Granville Access No work initiated • Centre Paddlers Park Access Property transfer underway (refer below) • Clinton Bakers Run Access DCNR Project - DCNR is to hire a consultant to o design and permit. PFBC is to draft an Agreement limiting us to a $25,000 total commitment (materials and construction services).

• North Bend Access and Hyner Access (Clinton County) • Lease agreements sent to Chapman Township for the 5.3 acre North Bend tract and the 1.3 acre Hyner tract.

• Epler Access (Berks County)

9

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Assist DEP with the subdivision of the PFBC’s existing 5.4 acre tract from DEP’s 95 acre residual tract. Additionally, Real Estate is working to acquire an easement along the river frontage on DEP’s residual tract.

• Spring Creek Access (West Penn Power Tract) “Paddlers Park” (Centre County) • Proposed property donation of +/- 3 acres from Graymont PA Inc. to the PFBC. Field survey is complete. Subdivision calculations and mapping at 75% completion. Currently waiting on Graymont’s input before subdivision process can proceed.

• Utica Access (Venango County) • Legal documents were prepared and forwarded to the Western PA Conservancy for review in the conveyance (donation) to the PFBC of the +/- 1.3 acre tract on French Creek. Deed sent and is currently being reviewed.

• Gravel Lick Access (Clarion County) • Completed upgrades to canoe access.

• Tiadaghton Elm Access (Clinton County) • DCNR Project - The presence of Cultural Resources has resulted in project termination.

• Tomb Flats Access (Lycoming County) • DCNR Project – BEPS completed the design and permit application for DCNR to execute and mail.

• PA Boating Facilities Technical Guidance • BEPS staff continues to review and edit this document as time permits.

MARINAS

• North East Marina • Topographic survey and site plan completed for proposed electric upgrade from Admin. Building to the marina. • Installation of “E” Dock water and electrical service are complete • Crews completed dredging and sand movement operations.

• Walnut Creek Marina • Parking lot and traffic improvement project are complete. • West Wall & Bin Wall – Evaluating plan and costs for design and construction of wall repairs.

MISC. PROJECTS & ITEMS

• Survey Service Contracts • Six PFBC properties budgeted for 2008-2009 have been contracted out for boundary survey services. The sites are as follows: • Coburn Access, Centre Co. – field survey and mapping in progress • Lake Winola Access, Wyoming Co. – field survey and mapping in progress • Monongahela Access, Washington Co. – contract let and survey in progress • Piney Creek Spring, Blair Co. – complete • President Access, Venango Co. - complete • Yardley Access, Bucks Co. – complete

• Six PFBC properties are budgeted for 2009-2010 for boundary survey services. The sites are as follows: • Corry SFH, Erie Co.

10

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Dutch Fork Lake, Washington Co. • Fishing Creek Access, Columbia Co. • Letterkenny Access, Franklin Co. • Struble Lake, Chester Co. • Wysox Access, Bradford Co.

Bureau of Fisheries Administration

Administration

• AFS 2010 – Planning meetings on May 28 at David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh and June 25 in Harrisburg. Draft budget has been submitted to AFS headquarters; logo development to be contracted in early July; all Committee and Subcommittee Chairs are to develop refined budgets and timelines for their respective committees by July 10.

• Met with NYDEC to coordinate development of joint agency white paper on Upper Delaware flow needs assessment.

• In-house meeting to discuss finalization of white paper and develop future strategies for anadromous fish restoration.

• Reviewed position description for new assistant unit leader position for Pa. Coop F&W Research Unit.

• Negotiated with PGC and DCNR regarding planned land transfer of portion of Pymatuning Lake Sanctuary for land along Clarion River.

Budgeting and Financials

• The preparations have begun for the development of the 10/11 Budget. 10/11 Budget instructions will be given in July with the 10/11 Budget due in August.

• Financial review of the 08/09 Expenses is currently being conducted to check year-end balances.

• Liz Ebeling attended training for the new Financial Transformation Project that was phased in over May, June and July.

• The computer inventory is now reviewed and evaluated bureau-wide. The year-end 2009 orders have been placed and all future orders will be placed through the bureau administration’s budget for control and simplicity of ordering and coding. A rotation list of old computers is being generated with Bob Shafer’s assistance.

Human Resources

• The Bureau of Fisheries completed the following E-PARs in the last three months: Request to Fill (1), Fill a Vacant Position (2), Retirement (1), Beginning Leave Without Pay/Return from Leave Without Pay (11), Temporary Work Out of Class(1), Reassignment (2), Probation (9), Change in Work Code (1), Change in Time Code (1), and Work Schedule Change (2)

• The Governor’s freeze on hiring continues to be in effect through June of 2009 with the strong possibility of it continuing into the 09/10 Fiscal year. Mission critical positions and a

11

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

few other positions that can be absorbed in-house, such as fish culturists’ positions, have been posted.

Safety

• Fisheries staff are working to schedule USFWS to conduct electrofishing training course sometime later this fall. Staff are coordinating with BEPS to assure that staff are adequately trained in use of various types of power equipment they typically utilize.

3 Rivers Ecological Research Center

Administer and develop 3RERC • Interviewed, selected, and trained four students for volunteer River Intern positions. • Finalized garage rental for boats and field equipment. • Completed wiring and outfitting electrofishing boat as well as acquiring needed field equipment and supplies. • Revised 3RERC Three-Year Plan (2009-2011). • Organized and scheduled meeting of 3RERC Advisory Committee.

Ohio Basin large-river activities • Conducted electrofishing surveys of the Monongahela River. • Participated in meeting to discuss alternatives for connection of the pond at Murphy’s Bottom to the main Allegheny River and restoration of Knapp Run connection to the river. • Paddlefish captured during nighttime electrofishing on the Monongahela River, near the tailwaters of Maxwell Lock & Dam.

Grant activities (including SWG) • Worked with SWG grantees on reports and amendments to projects. • Provided proposal and other information on Monongahela River Monitoring Study and received $15,000 funding from Greene Co. Conservation District for benthic macroinvertebrate portion of the study. • Arranged for Reliant Energy funding to assist with Ohio Basin River Management Plans ($6,000) to be through Carnegie Museum of Natural History as Reliant only funds 501(c)(3) organizations.

Coordination, planning, and communication • Worked on various arrangements and schedule for the F.L. Wood Tournament in late July-August.

Represent PFBC in Ohio Basin and Mississippi initiatives • Gave two presentations at the Monongahela River Summit IV, Morgantown, WV. • Participated in WebEx/conference calls of Ohio River Basin Fish Habitat Partnership (ORBFHP) on the Ohio Basin Strategic Plan and preparation of ORBFHP application to NFHAP. • Participated in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Upper Ohio River Study Interagency Work Group. • Worked with Mississippi River Basin Panel on AIS Coordinator to organize fall MRBP meeting in Pittsburgh. • Attended the National Fish Habitat Action Plan One Year Out Workshop as a representative of ORBFHP.

AFS 2010 • Prepared draft blurb for AFS 2010 booth for AFS 2009 Trade Show Program. • Organized AFS 2010 Planning Meeting in Pittsburgh and arranged for tours of hotel and convention center and participated in both the tours and meeting as well as hosted Don Jackson and Pat Mazik during their 2-day visit to Pittsburgh.

Training

12

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Mussel Database training, Harrisburg (Thompson and Ventorini).

Division of Fisheries Management

Biological Sampling:

• Staff conducted stocked trout residency monitoring on a total of 14 stream sections. • Opening day angler counts were conducted on a total of 21 stream sections examined as part of the 2009 stocked trout residency study. Opening day angler counts were also conducted on an additional five stream sections and two trout stocked lakes. • Opening day angler counts and angler interviews were conducted on seven trout stocked lakes that support multi-species fisheries and are currently managed under the Early Season Trout- Stocked Waters program. Based on interview information received to date, it appears that anglers are generally supportive of a year-round season with a March 1 to opening day catch- and-release period for trout; however, analysis of the results of these data is ongoing. • The CWU and Area 2 staff completed spring water quality and bioassay monitoring in the North Fork Redbank Creek drainage. Subsequent weekly examinations showed no severe pH depressions within the treatment or control sites. The loss of fingerling brook trout was minimal and primarily attributed to attrition rather than episodic water quality depressions. In comparison to previous seasons water quality was enhanced in 2009 through limestone treatment efforts within the drainage. • Staff fin clipped fingerling brown and rainbow trout at Huntsdale for an evaluation of fingerling trout stocking efforts in the Lehigh River, Sections 06 & 07. • Staff fin clipped lake trout fingerlings at Pleasant Mount for the evaluation of stocking success in Lake Erie. • Staff fin clipped brown trout fingerlings at Pleasant Gap for evaluation of stocking success in the Little Juniata River and temperature data loggers were deployed to monitor water temperature in the Little Juniata River. • The CWU fin clipped and assisted with tagging adult brown and rainbow trout at the Pleasant Gap Hatchery as part of a joint Penn State and PFBC trout residency and tagging study on Sinking Creek. • The Area 1 staff completed trap netting efforts on Pymatuning Reservoir. Walleye catch was good with over 1,100 captured. The majority of the catch (98%) was composed of legal length fish. Crappie catch was reported as being excellent. • Trap netting operations on Twomile Run Reservoir resulted in a low catch due to cold weather during the week of April 20th. The catch was highlighted by three muskellunge, numerous stocked trout, and some nice sized panfish. • Trap netting operations on Glendale Lake by the Area 3 staff resulted in good trap net catch rates of muskellunge, while walleye catch rates were lower than the previous survey in 2001. Panfish catch rates were good, including good numbers of 9-10 inch crappies. • The Area 4 staff completed trap netting efforts on Merli-Sarnoski Park Lake. Results revealed that the catch of yellow perch was very low, which may indicate that the problem of abundant and stunted yellow perch on this lake may be resolved. • Trap netting efforts on Harris Pond resulted in a very good catch of bluegill and low catch of crappies. • Gill net sampling was completed in Allegheny Reservoir by Area 1 and Area 2. Numerous walleye of all sizes up to 18 inches were captured along with and good numbers of smallmouth bass and northern pike. • Area 1 staff assisted the USACOE and Allegheny National Forest staff in gill netting operations on Allegheny Reservoir. Results captured good numbers of northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass. The abundance of walleye had declined slightly from previous surveys. • Spring water chemistry monitoring at Lake Jean indicated that conditions were suitable for brook trout stocking without the need of liming. Water chemistry was marginal at Aylesworth Creek Lake, so arrangements were made for additional liming.

13

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Area 6 completed glass eel sampling on Poquessing Creek. Results of this effort captured one glass eel in seven weeks of trapping with a modified minnow trap, and two glass eels were captured over 200 meters of electrofishing on April 20th. • Area 6 assisted the habitat biologist with IBI sampling prior to the implementation of a habitat improvement project on Willow Creek, Section 03. Large numbers of killifish, dace, creek chubs, and bluntnose minnows were captured along with a few wild brook trout. • Night electrofishing surveys were conducted on Brady's Run Lake and Glade Run Lake and resulted in high density largemouth bass populations that supported a good size structure. • Night electrofishing efforts on Lower Hereford Manor Lake indicated that the LMB population had declined some in comparison with previous surveys but continued to exhibit a good population structure. • Night electrofishing surveys were conducted on Keystone Lake, Straight Run Lake, and LeBoeuf Lake. Keystone Lake supported an excellent population of SMB and LMB with some sub legal walleye. Both Straight Run Lake and LeBoeuf Lake supported good LMB populations. • Night electrofishing and trap net sampling efforts on Curwensville Lake resulted in good catch rates for panfish including crappie in the 12 -14 inch size range, black bass catch rates improved substantially from previous surveys, and good numbers of sub legal walleye were captured along with some American eels. • A general lake inventory was completed on Sunfish Pond. Black bass and chain pickerel populations were fair, pumpkinseed and yellow perch populations supported moderate densities with some large individuals. • Night electrofishing and trap net sampling was conducted on Upper Twin Lake and Donegal Lake. • IBI sampling efforts were completed on the Monongahela River at two sites (Dunkard Creek and Gray's Landing) in relation to the Mon Mine Pool/Marcellus Shale Study. • American shad egg taking operations on the Delaware River yielded 58.5 liters of eggs over 15 nights of gill netting. Preliminary estimates indicated a 34% viability rate. • Day boat electrofishing effort was completed on the Raystown Branch Juniata River to determine the feasibility of using the river as a source for collecting striped bass brood stock for propagation purposes. A total of six striped bass ranging from 396 to 953 mm were captured over four days of electrofishing. During these electrofishing passes approximately 20 striped bass were observed but not captured. Numbers of striped bass captured and observed were low, suggesting that the Raystown Branch may not be a good source for collecting brood stock; however, improved gear would increase capture efficiency. • The ASMFC required striped bass spawning stock assessment electrofishing and tagging work on the Delaware Estuary was completed. Twenty-one index sites were each sampled twice, with an additional day’s work conducted at Trenton Falls. In all, 259 striped bass were collected. One hundred thirty-four received USFWS tags. Fifty-two striped bass were 28 inches long and longer while twenty of these fish were 36 inches long or longer. The largest fish was 48.8 inches. Catch per hour data have not yet been tallied. Five striped bass were collected for fish flesh contamination analysis by PaDEP. These fish all fell within the 20-26 inch length range (slot limit) from which April and May harvest are now permitted. • A sample of adult SMB was collected from the West Branch Susquehanna River. These fish were collected in cooperation with the USGS and the USFWS as part of an evaluation of diseased SMB in the Susquehanna River drainage. Catch rates of adult SMB were excellent with many fish exceeding 15 inches. As part of the disease study, a total of 20 adult pre-spawn SMB were collected from the Susquehanna River and staff assisted USGS personnel in the installation of a water quality sonde in the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg. • A reinventory of Three Springs Run confirmed that the stream continues to support a Class B wild brown trout population. • A reinventory of Trindle Spring Run indicated that the wild rainbow trout population had declined in comparison with previous surveys. • Electrofishing surveys were conducted within two Refuge Areas on Medix Run and two Refuge Areas on Kinzua Creek. Results indicated that poor to fair numbers of stocked trout (ranging

14

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

from 15 to 51%) remained within the wired areas on these streams six to seven days after stocking. • Field reviews of trout stocked sections on Killbuck Run, Slate Lick Run, and Clearfield Creek were completed to update assessments of landowner posting and access. • A field review of , Section 02, was conducted to confirm the section limits for stocking purposes.

Fisheries Management Meeting Highlights:

• Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference where staff members provided Poster Sessions, participated as session moderators, and were co-authors on a variety of presentations. • Area 1 staff tended the Fisheries Management display at the annual Linesville Open House. • Area 7 AFM attended a meeting with DCNR, DEP, and a consultant to discuss a draft Shawnee Lake restoration plan. Muskellunge stocking was recommended to be reinstated in 2010 along with a watershed based stream habitat restoration plan. • Area 3 AFM and CWU Leader attended a staff meeting to discuss issues on Pine Creek. • The Delaware River FB and Area 5 staff met with USFWS staff for a review of the fish ways on the Lehigh River and . The suggested adjustments were made to move the white water closer to the attraction flow.

Presentations:

• The Lake Erie Unit Leader provided a presentation on Lake Erie Trout Management at the Penns Woods West TU meeting in Pittsburgh. • Lake Erie Unit Leader provided a presentation to the Erie Sportsman's Coalition covering the status and trends of Lake Erie fisheries and a forecast of the upcoming season. • Lake Erie Unit Leader presented an overview of the proposed shared vessel program at the spring Tom Ridge Environmental Center Regional Science Consortium Board of Directors meeting. • Area 3 AFM provided a presentation at the Commission Meeting concerning smallmouth bass management on the West Branch Susquehanna River. • Area 3, CWU, Division Chief, Commissioner Sabatose presented a public presentation regarding future management plans for Cross Fork Creek and Kettle Creek. • The Area 1 FB1 provided a presentation to the Fredonia Lion's Club on the status of fisheries in local lakes. • The Area 3 staff provided an overview of fisheries management on Spring Creek and conducted an electrofishing demonstration for the Pennsylvania Land and Water Conference held at Fisherman's Paradise. • The Area 8 staff conducted a public demonstration on sampling methods and fish management at Upper Twin Lake.

Administrative:

• The WWU Leader assisted the Lake Erie Research Unit in a second round of interviews to fill the vacant Fisheries Biologist 2 position. The selection process in ongoing.

Division of Fish Production

Many activities and projects took place within the Division of Fish Production during the last quarter. Hatchery renovations are taking place at Bellefonte and Huntsdale and recently started at Benner Spring. Trout stocking went very well this spring and the average adult size was 0.56 pounds per trout. Warm/cool water production goals were also met thus far and a record number of over 1.5 million phase I walleye fingerlings were produced and stocked.

15

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Effluent is being closely monitored at Tylersville and Pleasant Gap SFHs while the microscreen filters continue to be analyzed. Once again, Pleasant Gap was able to stay within the strict permit levels for annual total suspended solids. The hatchery staff have done an excellent job in accomplishing this task.

The Division is short staffed due to the hiring freeze and significant overtime was necessary to accomplish trout stocking efforts. Fish production schedules are somewhat behind due to the staff shortage as fish culturist try to catch up. More overtime is expected until the freeze is lifted. Lower priority tasks are being delayed or put aside in order to accomplish the primary objectives.

Data base improvements continue with the addition of Cooperative Nursery Unit fish requests and more fish pathology information and records. The Sport Fish Restoration proposal for FY 09/10 hatchery projects was submitted and work continues on last fiscal years report.

Northern Hatcheries:

WarmCool Water Stockings for the following date range: 1/1/2009 thru 6/19/2009 Summary Information of Species Stocked

Weight (lbs.) Number SPECIES LIFESTAGE SHIPPED STOCKED AMERICAN SHAD FRY 0.00 771,133 HICKORY SHAD FRY 0.00 7,096,753 LAKE TROUT FING 55.00 30,000 LAKE TROUT YRLN 4,529.00 71,492 MUSKELLUNGE YRLN 271.04 3,505 RAINBOW TROUT - STEELHEAD YRLN 83,241.50 1,095,000 STRIPED BASS FRY 0.00 5,950,000 STRIPED BASS PH1 50.90 76,627 TIGER MUSKELLUNGE SFNG 9.00 78,400 WALLEYE FRY 0.00 27,885,000 WALLEYE PH1 858.47 1,372,212 YELLOW PERCH FRY 0.00 410,000

• Personnel

o We are attempting to hire a full time Fish Culturist 1 at Pleasant Mount SFH. We have a full time Culturist position at Oswayo, a permanent part time Clerk Typist at Oswayo and non-permanent Culturist positions at Oswayo, Linesville and Fairview to be filled.

• Projects

o Trout stocking, walleye and esocid spawning and stocking and manpower shortages have slowed down many hatchery projects but with new fiscal year starting July 1st we are looking forward to having funding for several major projects.

Southern Hatcheries:

• Fish Distributions:

16

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

SPECIES NUMBER STOCKED LIFESTAGE Brook Trout 449,617 Adult Brown Trout 611,979 Rainbow Trout 944,785 Golden Rainbow Trout 3,450 TOTAL ADULT 2,009,831 Brook Trout 94,600 Fingerling Brown Trout 731,340 Rainbow Trout 478,163 TOTAL FINGERLING 1,304,103

• Personnel:

o Matt Thomas (Pleasant Gap), Joe Burkardt (Benner Spring), and Doug Quarry (Reynoldsdale) all completed their FC1 training plans and probationary periods and were promoted to FC2. o Doug Hess was hired to fill the full-time FC2 position at Pleasant Gap. Doug was formally a full-time FC at Pleasant Mount. o Due to hiring freeze, the following vacancies exist: • Non-permanent FC1 at Benner Spring • Non-permanent FC1 at Pleasant Gap • Clerk Typist at Tylersville

• Projects:

o Construction of effluent treatment system at Bellefonte 80% complete o Construction of effluent treatment system at Huntsdale 36% complete o Construction of effluent treatment system at Benner Spring began in June o Design of Reynoldsdale recirculation rearing system on-going o Big Spring demolition project 90% complete

Fish Production Services:

• Worked with state and federal agencies to submit a $20 million federal stimulus grant application to NOAA to fund construction of four fishways on the Susquehanna River and remove 10 dams • Completed bid processes for a consultant to conduct a hydrologic studies of Bellefonte, Benner Spring and Upper Spring Creek SFHs • Met with all lower Susquehanna River hydro dam owners to discuss ongoing fish passage operations and continued discussions with Holtwood, Conowingo and Muddy Run on FERC license renewal issues • Completed data collection for trout feed study, report writing in progress • Initiated data collection for Pleasant Gap SFH flow study • Met with DEP to discuss Florfenicol study results and planned a follow-up study towards gaining DEP approval for use • Provided technical guidance and consultation on minor wild fish kills events across the state • Assisted with development of a Lehigh River Fish passage strategy • Staff attended and presented papers on microscreen filters and fish passage at the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Agencies meeting • Participated in ASMFC Shad and River Herring technical committee meetings

17

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Attended several SRAFRC migratory fishes plan writing meetings • Over 7.6 million hickory shad released into Octoraro, Pennypack and Ridley creeks • Over 15 million American shad eggs received from Potomac, Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers; approximately 2 million fry stocked thus far into multiple waters • Preliminary 2009 Susquehanna River Fish Passage Results: Conowingo (East = 29,272; West = 6,534); Holtwood (10,896); Safe Harbor (7,996); York Haven (400) • Provided tours of Van Dyke including Matthew Gordos, Migratory Fish Researcher from Australia • Completed warmwater/coolwater feral brood fish disease (VHS) sampling at 10 waters in conjunction with brood collection for spawning • Convened internal discussion group on issues related to Delaware River shad egg collection • Entered all cooperative nursery fingerling requests into the production database • Cooperative nursery staff assisted with several high profile stockings and conducted 113 nursery inspections

Division of Habitat Management

• Completed 2009-2011 DHM Work Plan • Coordinated Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Restoration Grant Program – 25 projects recommended for funding equaling approximately $1.0 million. • Continued work on the ATHOS Resource Damage Settlement for Darby Ck. • Continued to advance fish passage development at First Quality Tissue’s dam on Bald Eagle Ck. • Obtained $400,000 from PA Turnpike Commission to advance removal of Howell Dam located on an unnamed tributary to Sewickley Creek, Westmoreland County. • Providing technical assistance to NRCS to advance five dam removals funded under the Federal Recovery Act. • Completed performance reports for SWG projects administered by the DHM. • Participated in planning for coordinated Bog Turtle recovery effort. • Reviewed LIP proposals. • Continued participation on fish habitat partnerships (FHP) including EBTJV, Atlantic Coastal FHP, Ohio River Basin FHP, Great Lakes Basin FHP, and Reservoir FHP. • Continued coordinating with DEP and county conservation districts to address permitting issues with GP-1.

Fish Passage Section:

• Section vacant due to hiring freeze – minimal activities to report. • Completed removal of Green Lane Farm Dam on , Cumberland County. • Completed post removal stabilization work at Spangler’s Mill Dam site, Yellow Breeched Creek. • Completed removal of Ax Factory Dam on Fishing Creek, Clinton County.

Stream Section:

• Reviewed over 50 GP-1 applications for fish habitat improvement projects. • Completed over 35 site reviews for potential habitat enhancement/mitigation projects. • Continued coordination of North Central Pennsylvania Stream Improvement Pilot Project with DEP, NPC. Advancing approximately 25 projects (sites) for habitat enhancement work in 2009 under the pilot. • Completed design and permitting and held a pre-bid meeting for follow-up in-stream habitat work at the former McCoy Dam site on Spring Creek, Centre County. • Completed 15 CHIP construction projects. • Completed numerous CHIP and TAP plan developments. • Conducted safety training for staff to operate various equipment and CPR/First Aid.

18

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Lake Section:

• Continued design layout for multiple lakes. • Continued coordinating PFBC/DCNR collaborative lake habitat project including field activities at Sayers, Nockamixon, Pymatuning lakes and design work at Glendale Lake. • Conducted a meeting with cooperators of large-scale lake habitat enhancement projects. • Completed 25 CHIP/Large Scale construction projects. • Worked with AFM and RHB to conduct fish surveys at 5 lakes to evaluate impact of habitat enhancement activities. • Conducted safety training for staff to operate various equipment and CPR/First Aid.

Regional Habitat Section:

• Continued work on major habitat/fish passage projects on the following waters: Big Spring Ck, Conococheague Ck, Lake Erie tributaries, S. Br. Kinzua Ck, Dark Shade Ck, S. Fork Lt. Conemaugh R., Quemahoning, Hinckston, and Wilmore lakes, Saucon Ck, Willow Ck, and Spring Ck (Centre Co.) • Continued development of monitoring protocol to evaluate changes in physical habitat following project completion. • Conducted fish and habitat surveys to evaluate impacts of habitat improvement projects or collect baseline data for future evaluations.

Division of Environmental Services

• Completed responses to public inquiries about fish contaminants, water quality, pollution issues and non-game species issues. • Participated in a number of meetings involving the listing of 5 spp. of mussels as T or E, the Valley Creek Trustee Council, and the Monongahela River TDS pollution, the DEP/ACOE Adaptive Management Workgroup for Sand and Gravel Dredging, orientation for the new PSU Director of the School of Forest Resources and in a 3 day USGS Structured Decision-making Workshop on the Northern Riffleshell Mussel. • Presented a talk at the NE Fish and Wildlife Association’s meeting titled “Human Impacts to Stream and River Resources in Pennsylvania: How are the Decisions Made and Does Science Really Matter?”

Watershed Analysis Section • Conducted a water obstruction and encroachment field view of the proposed Bell Bend Project, Columbia County. The proposed project involves the addition of another nuclear power plant adjacent to the existing facility at Berwick, PA. Walker Run is being proposed to be relocated and/or culverted and direct wetland impacts may exceed 10 acres. Staff surveyed Walker Run and documented a viable wild brown trout population, which may create additional environmental permitting constraints to the applicant. • Participated in the following major development projects: I-99 (Centre County), Route 15 (Tioga County), SR 0322 (Mifflin County), Philadelphia International Airport, and the Marshalls Creek Bypass (Monroe County). • Attended a compliance field view in Potter County. PennDOT District 2-0 Maintenance Forces excavated approximately 2000’ of an unnamed tributary to Ludington Run (wild trout, T&E species) and deposited material into Exceptional Value wetlands. Enforcement actions/restoration activities are pending. • Participated in the PFBC’s Strategic Planning Sessions and the Lionsville Open House. • Conducted biomonitoring studies at three sites in Fishing Creek, Clinton County, as part of the annual NPDES permit at our Tylersville State Fish Hatchery.

19

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Attended a mitigation meeting concerning the proposed waterway connection between an existing impoundment in “Murphy’s Bottom” to the Allegheny River, Armstrong County. The mitigation work is in response to the sand & gravel dredging activities within the three river system of Pittsburgh. • Participated in Q&A panel discussions at PennDOT T&E training sessions. Staff also attended PennDOT’s Bog Turtle (Phase 1 Surveys) and T&E Guidance training.

Aquatic Resources Section

• State Fish Hatchery biomonitoring – o Huntsdale SFH aquatic invertebrate monitoring samples taken by Hartle and Kepler o Section staff sampled sediment and invertebrates from Logan Branch in the vicinity of the Pleasant Gap SFH. Results will show if residual lead from the defunct Corning plant is an environmental concern. • Public information and technical presentations o PFBC Linesville SFH open house – Smiles and Spotts provided an aquatic invertebrate display at this annual event. o Kepler met with Field and Stream magazine reporters and Trout Unlimited concerning Marcellus Shale issues. Summer 2009 article planned. o Kepler presented information regarding Marcellus shale gas development infrastructure and ecological risks to Central Pennsylvania University Biologists at Lock Haven University. • Flexible Flow Management Program o Hartle represented DES in a meeting with New York DEC Bur. of Fisheries. Agreement was reached on optimal Delaware River releases from NYC reservoirs for joint position on coldwater community protection. Commissioner Bachman, Bur. Dir. Young and Fisheries Management also attended. o Hartle drafted letter outlining a 10-point short term strategy for improving the Delaware River Flexible Flow Management Program in for Executive Director signature. o Finalized analysis with NY DEC Fisheries staff for joint position and reservoir release schedule to optimize upper Delaware River coldwater fishery. o Coordinated USFWS Part I dwarf wedgemussel study comments with Natural Diversity Section – Hartle and Welte • Valley Creek Restoration from Paoli Superfund Settlement o Valley Creek Trustee Council Meeting help in April with with Valley Forge National Historical Park staff and tour of Crabby Creek stabilization project by Valley Creek Restoration Partnership – Marshall, Arway and Hartle. o Discussion of large project potential and activities by Marshall to increase grant program activity • Pollution events o Kepler and Smiles calculated stream length impacted by unpermitted mining activity at the Amfire Bell Run #3 site, Clearfield Co. o Conducted follow-up on Nov 2008 Turtle Ck, Westmoreland Co., gasoline spill and inadequate clean-up – Kepler and Smiles o Snyder Bros. vandalism and oil spill, McKean Co. – Smiles determined agency response expenses for federal Oil Pollution Act claim. o Calculated civil damage from 2008 dewatering of Bushkill Ck, Northampton Co. – Hartle and WCO Sabo. • Conducted technical reviews and developed PFBC technical guidance o 1200+ aquatic herbicide permits - Smiles o 156 triploid grass carp permits - Smiles o 17 drawdown permits - Kepler o 75 mining permit reviews - Kepler o 48 water withdrawal reviews - Hartle o PFBC technical guidance on water intake intake design criteria and water intake habitat criteria to avoid rare species impacts – Hartle, Welte and Fischer

20

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

Natural Diversity Section:

• Priority projects include the development of threatened and endangered species listing a fish listing/delisting package, mussel listing package, herpetofauna listing package. • The recent mussel listings required meetings with the dredgers and development of a salamander mussel protocol. • Staff continues to be inundated with T&E/PNDI species impact reviews (369, 1295 to date). • Significant time was spent on project consultations on a number of controversial development projects (e.g., MAIDA solar farm). • Permit season began in January, so staff was also busy with reviewing and issuing Scientific Collector Permits (302), Organized Snake Hunts (6), Threatened and Endangered Species Permits (30). • The application issuance portion of the Venomous Snake and Commercial Snapping Turtle Permits were given to Law Enforcement. NDS staff continue to receive and process hunt reports, and will compile annual reports for these programs. • Lost two employees in April, the contract herpetologist and seasonal Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Aide. The contract herpetologist position was filled by Kathy Gipe. The seasonal WFBA can not be replaced at this time due to the hiring freeze. • Staff spent time in the field regarding environmental review field views and some targeted surveys for a number species of concern: red-bellied turtle, bog turtle, timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga spadefoot toad, and eastern pearlshell. • Staff were engaged with different levels of managing (20) federal grants (SWG, Section 6), and coordinated invasive species issues with the various committees of the Governor’s Invasive Species Council. • Other important projects/initiatives staff worked on during this reporting period included the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge study, rattlesnake radio-telemetry in the Allegheny National Forest and South Mountain (Micheaux State Forest), development of a bog turtle habitat restoration initiative (NFWF grant), development of biosecurity protocols to stop the spread of invasive species when sampling for aquatic species, multi-state and agency meeting on northern riffleshell recovery which included propagation and re-introduction ecology.

Bureau of Law Enforcement

Brian Burger, our Northcentral region manager retired in May of 2009. He had served the agency in various law enforcement capacities during her 25 year career. The region WCOs have been assigned to the five adjacent regions for supervision and operations until further notice. The Northcentral office continues to provide administrative support to the officers.

Bureau Director has served as the agency chair for the planning and implementation of the 2009 Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference. The conference held in late April was a success with nearly 300 participants. We received many positive comments regarding the conference and the hospitality that the staff provided.

The selection of the 19th WCO class is well underway. We have completed the physical, psychological and background investigations on the top 12 candidates. We will have eight candidates that have met all the minimum standards for entrance into the Act 120 training program. The class is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2009. Plans are being made to recruit an additional class of officers with Civil Service testing late this fall.

We have convened a basic DWCO training class in late April. Twenty-two individuals have completed the first two weekends of training. The training will conclude in September. Currently we have 165 DWCOs statewide.

21

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

The officers and assistant supervisors continue to work without a labor contract in place. A bargaining session has been scheduled for late July to resume negotiations.

Currently the Bureau has ten vacant positions. The vacancies occur in regional manager positions, assistant supervisor positions and officer positions.

Five of our six seasonal clerk typists have returned to the regional offices to support the operations of the office during our peak workload.

A new 19 foot aluminum patrol boat has been placed in service. The boat will be used on several Army COE lakes in the Northcentral region. A new 16 foot aluminum patrol boat has been placed in service for use on lake. A new 16 foot aluminum jet patrol boat has been placed in service for use on the upper Allegheny River.

The Bureau continues to struggle to keep high mileage patrol vehicles operational and safe. We have not been allowed to purchase any new patrol vehicles to replace high mileage and well worn vehicles. We have had to replace an engine in a pick up truck where the repairs costs exceeded six thousand dollars.

The Bureau completed its suggested Title 30 changes and has forwarded them to the Executive office for consideration.

Officer Matt Visosky, from Western Crawford County, has been selected as the 2009 Top Gun BUI enforcement officer of the year.

Officer Scott Opfer, from Fayette County, has been activated for military duty.

Regional secretary training has been scheduled for September at Stackhouse.

Policy, Planning, and Communications

Strategic Planning

Coordinated and conducted the third work session of the Strategic Planning Steering Team and the first session of the Executive Team to develop high-level, over-arching goals and draft a series of sub-goals for the PFBC’s 2010-2014 Strategic Plan.

Participated in the development of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) coordinated by DCNR. Represented PFBC on both the Technical and Recreation Advisory Committees in an effort to ensure that fishing, boating and related recreation are represented in the planning effort and to benefit from any outdoor recreation research being conducted as part of the planning effort. Identified areas of overlap and potential collaboration in the draft SCORP recommendations and the draft PFBC goals.

Participated in the PFBC’s Leadership Development Work Group and developed a draft outline of a Leadership Development Plan to engage all levels of the agency.

Legislative Affairs

• Dr. Austen presented first annual report to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. • Finalized and presented a Title 30 amendment package to the Pennsylvania House and Senate, including proposed technical and substantive amendments.

22

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• Finalized and presented license package proposal to the Pennsylvania House and Senate, including annual increases to fishing licenses and permits and boat registrations, a dedicated fee for access and habitat, marketing flexibility, and a youth license. • Advocated for dedicating a portion of the proposed Marcellus Shale severance tax to environmental review, access, and habitat. • In cooperation with Pennsylvania American Water Company, announced the re-opening of Oneida and Thorn Run Reservoirs in Butler County that had been closed to public fishing since September 11, 2001.

Conservation/Habitat

Bog Turtle Recovery Proposal:

Working the Scott Carney (DHM) and Chris Urban (DES), a proposal was submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to provide support for recovery of the federally listed bog turtle. If approved, this proposal would greatly advance coordination and implementation of activities directed at habitat restoration and outreach to landowners in southeastern PA. Evaluation and an announcement regarding acceptance of the proposal is due in late Fall, 2009.

Climate Change:

The U.S. Geological Survey convened a workshop in Patuxent, MD to coordinate with partners (e.g., other federal agencies, state agencies, academic and non-governmental organizations) in the development of regional hubs and the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center (NCCWSC). The workshop was designed to gather information on approaches USGS could use to link climate science to wildlife and natural resource management in the US. The USGS is developing a national Climate Center in Boulder, CO and is structuring regional hubs for collecting and analyzing data. For information on the NCCWSC: http://nccw.usgs.gov/ For information on the Eastern Regional Workshop: http://nccw.usgs.gov/documents/NCCWSC_Eastern_Workshop_Summary.pdf

National Fish Habitat One-Year Out Workshop: The NFHAP is providing coordination and direction for the restoration, recovery and protection of fisheries across the U.S. A focus of this workshop was to review the current status of activities and to determine how to proceed with completing its tasks including the 2010 “Status of Fish Habitats in the ” report. The Conservation Coordinator provided support to this workshop by assisting with several break- out groups designed to elicit guidance for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) Board. Based upon locally-driven partnerships as the mechanism for local participation and funding, Pennsylvania is part of either five (5) approved or requested partnerships including the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture- A Fish Habitat Partnership, Ohio River Fish Habitat Partnership, Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership, Reservoirs Fish Habitat Partnership and Southern Great Lakes Fish Habitat Partnership. Dr. Austen, leader of the critical “core workgroup” during the development of the National Fish Habitat Initiative, serves as Vice-Chair of the NFHAP Board.

See also: National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (SB 1214: HB:2565) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR02565:|/bss/111search.html

Education and Outreach Activities

Twelve organizations received Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants from the Fish and Boat Commission. Cooperative agreements are pending for most of these programs. Those organizations with fully executed agreements should be receiving their funding by the end of July. Thirty-

23

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

six applications were received in this grant cycle from sportsman's clubs, school districts, community groups and county agencies, with funding requests exceeding $160,000.

Section staff coordinated a number of public events during this period, including promotional activities for National Fishing and Boating Week and National Safe Boating Week. A few of the other events include; grand opening/dedication of Wilkes-Barre River Commons Opening, Wyoming Valley Riverfest, Penn’s Landing River Day Fest, Safe Boating Night at PNC park.

Below is a sample of program numbers for the section, through the end of June 2009: • 33 Family Fishing Programs were held, reaching more than 1400 participants.

• 18 instructor workshops were held

• 565 youth certified through BWSA course

• 7,253 boating safety education certificates were issued

• 788 public requests for programs were processed by regional staff

• More than 10,000 packets were distributed to Youth Field Days

Staff from the section has been part of a consortium of natural resource and recreation organizations. The consortium is developing cooperative opportunities to promote outdoor recreation as part of a healthy lifestyle. The consortium includes DCNR Bureau of State Parks, PA Dept of Health, Education & Transportation, PSU School of Public Health, PA Recreation and Parks Society. A large portion of the draft Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan (SCORP) focuses on making the connection between outdoor recreation and healthy living.

Amendments are now in place to continue our relationship with the two internet-based boating safety education courses. Boat Ed and Boaterexam.com as approved providers of internet courses in Pennsylvania through June 30, 2010. Information on these providers is available on our website at http://www.fish.state.pa.us/98boatco.htm. Agreements with the 3 classroom course providers expired on June 20, 2009. Amendments were sent to these providers, however they failed to return signed amendments before the agreement expired.

Marketing/Publicity

• Staff has outlined the direct mail marketing program for the second year of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Lapsed Angler Campaign. This year we will use two postcards aimed at capturing lapsed anglers who purchased a fishing license in 2007 but had not purchased a license in 2008 or as of April 30, 2009. The first postcard was mailed on June 24 to approximately 65,000 lapsed anglers. The second postcard is scheduled to be mailed on July 29. RBFF runs a statewide radio campaign in the weeks before and after the marketing pieces are mailed. • Local media relations/publicity responsibilities have been successfully assigned to local outreach and education personnel in each of the six outreach regions. The five individuals are now responsible for answering general media questions and are responsible for promoting outreach activities in their areas through the local media and through our website. Miscellaneous • Staff is spending considerable time preparing for the annual AFS conference we are hosting in Pittsburgh in 2010. Staff has been tasked with developing various timelines and budgets associated with graphic design work, sign and poster production, program printing and media relations.

24

PFBC Activity Report – Second Quarter 2009

• The director of communications has been regularly attending staff meetings held by the various bureaus, divisions and sections within the commission. These meetings are an essential tool for sharing key information with field staff and soliciting feedback from employees on various communications issues. The meetings have been very well received by field staff. • The bureau is now preparing the budget for FY 2010-11.

Y:\Commission Meetings\0709 PFBC Activity Report.doc

25