www.adamscountytu.org Fall 2020 FROMA OURd PRESIDENTams AnWELCOME  NEW Hello fellow members of ACTU, MEMBERS Joe Hurtack In spite of the pandemic and it’s restrictions I am proud to be associated Robert Warehime with the “BEST” small TU Chapter in PA!!! ACTU was recognized by the Quinn Jones PATU Council of Trout Unlimited as the best small Chapter out of 49 Chapters in PA. This recognition is based on our fundraising, stream work, Thanks for RENEWING community involvement, the Knouse Conewago project, the use of ZOOM Bob Ainsley with guest speakers to keep in touch, and our increase in membership. Richard Barvainis None of this would be possible without the dedication of our active Wayne Belt members. Please take the time to assist the Chapter in any way you can. Charles Dutrow We function as a team so the more active members we have, the more we Robert Elicker can do. Clifford Frost Besides the Chapter recognition, I am very pleased to announce that Jason Haines Richard Lewis, an ACTU member was recognized as the Doc Fritchey Donald Loudon Outstanding Coldwater Conservationist, TU Member. This award evaluates George Lower all TU members in PA for their contribution to coldwater conservation. Gary Perry Please join with me in congratulating Richard for a well deserved Thomas Plovock recognition. John Reed Robert Sharrah Where do we go from here? We will soon start planning our 2020-2021 Richard Shrader events. The pandemic and the guidelines that we are currently operating Carl Swinn under have changed our lives, but we are still active and must look to the Grey Walde future and what we can do to foster the goals of TU. I am partial to doing Michael Bishop & Jonathon things that address our youth. In 2021 I will be saddened if we cannot Zimmerman have our family fund raiser with a ZooAmerica event, our SOY fly tying sessions, our Latimore Fishing Derby, and the PA Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp. Through the Winter months the Chapter will be planning for and budgeting for our events in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. We will have to plan with as much enthusiasm as we’ve done in the past, but with an eye on the potential impact of the pandemic. Thanks for all you do for the Chapter and be cautious, stay safe, and cast a line when you can. Hank Rajotte President ACTU, Chapter 323

WHATS INSIDE Stream Improvements A Day with Bioligists Conewago Creek continues A day in the life of 3 with improvements 6 Fisheries Biologists 1 ADAMS COUNTY CHAPTER HAPPENINGS AWARDED BEST SMALL CHAPTER AWARD FOR 2020

ACTU 323 started off January and February gearing into 2020. ACTU did manage to receive four grants to provide income in planning their annual fundraiser scheduled for end of March. Chapter members collected donations including gift cards, prizes and cash donations the chapter totally over $5,000.

On February 22nd ACTU members setup for the local Heidlersburg Outdoor Weekend Show. Two new members joined along with membership applications taken home. Chapter showed video of our restoration work and had free refreshments. Many PFBC brochures of fish identification were handed out.

Chapter Officers met with Friends of Toms Creek on a reclassification with data collected from Toms Creek. A reclassification would mean higher protection of the waterway. Chapter treasurer spoke at th meeting with landowners, DEP, SGI on expansion of Quarry Operations.

As ACTU held fundraising meetings, the Covid 19 landed in our laps. After cancelling our fundraiser, the chapter donated all their gift card donations from the fundraiser before expiration date to Adams County Head Start to less disadvantage families. The Head Start program helps COVID-19 financially disadvantaged families. We also had to setup how the chapter would communicate with their membership. ACTU joined with Zoom for an annual fee to keep everyone in the loop. Guest speakers appear on Zoom for each meeting.

ACTU has been streamlining their volunteer efforts with Knouse Foods and other partners to purchase 60 acres along the Conewago Creek in the PFBC regulated catch and release section and was successful raising over $16,000 through donations. This project started as a stream easement access purchased then processed to an outright purchase of 60 acres with partners to include the PFBC, Northern Virginia Trout Unlimited, Adams County partners included the Land Preservation and Planning Office.

For our youth program, ACTU worked to get their 11 Trout In the Classroom Brook Trout stocked to new homes. This was accomplished by our members along with the presiding teachers due to the virus and school closings.

Chapter officer met with PFBC biologist to review Birch Run project along Rt 233 in Adams County.

As ACTU worked thru the Panademic, our restoration committee was able to add 174 restoration manhours on the Conewago Creek on May 30, June 5 and July 11 using social distancing. NVTU assisted. ACTU added two newer habitat devices while building improvements on others. Two 20 ft culvert pipes were installed with rock retaining walls. Trails were trimmed and rose bushes removed. Chapter treasurer attended Zoom National webinar on Free membership for First Responders. Communicated with ACTU board and was able to add two new free memberships to the chapter. Two chapter members participates with the PFBC electrofishing of upper reaches of Toms Creek. 7 chapter members planted 80 trees and shrubs in the catch and release section of the Conewago.

With the Covid-19 virus in 2020, ACTU was determined to carry out their mission to protect, conserve and restore our waterways while communicating with their membership.

2 CONEWAGO STREAM IMPROVEMENT WORKDAY On September 17, 2020 a call went out to all our members for help in planting trees and shrubs along a section of stream that has been under our chapters watch for decades.

Here is a pat-on-the-back for the seven guys that volunteered. The group started at 9AM and finished by noon. Can you recognize any of the group? The group planted tree and shrub varieties including Scarlet Oak, Red Maple, Tulip Poplar, Grey Dogwoods and Red Buds. All species had shelters and stakes installed. Special thanks to our Adams County Watershed Specialist in the process, ACTU was happy to help.

ACTU wants to thank the following individuals for their volunteer efforts on the Conewago Creek Restoration Project: Dave Swope, Richard Lewis, Jim Zinn, Jeff Clarke, Eddie McGlaughlin, Charles Buzz Dettinburn, Randy Dettinburn, Jeff Martin, Gerry Gladfelter, Gary Perry Sr., Tom Ritter, Dave Keller, Tim Jeffcoat, Jeremy and Ricky Whitmore, and from NVTU Luke Henderickson, Ken Frugate and Mike Craigmore. 3 MORE CHAPTER NEWS Nominations of Officers/Trustees In accordance with our by-laws, every September has always been nomination of our Board of Officers and Board of Directors (BOD). Looking towards 2021, there were a few slots open to be nominated. Any member interested in a copy of our ACTU by-laws please contact [email protected]. Due to the Covid 19, the chapter held their nominations over the computer with Zoom on September 15th 7pm. An email blast will notify our members before next meeting. All members are encouraged to attend. Voting will take place at the October meeting located at Lake Heritage 7 pm. Again, I must note, we have big shoes to fill in the chapter with Richard Lewis recently being promoted to President of the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission. The chapter is rushing to find help dividing some of his workload, we are looking for our members to step forward. Just taking a small part of the work will help. Computer skills are needed for some of his work but your willingness “to get involved” is all it takes. Knouse Foods Agreement We are anxiously waiting word that the application for funding is approved in the purchase of the entire property. Much work lies ahead when this finally happens. This is a hure partnering project with many hurdles to cross. Our chapter is just ecstatic tha xwe have come this far and are so close to preserving this piece of our property-forever. ACTU has curtailed any restoration projects on this section of stream until further notice. Your ACTU chapter is looking for approval of the grant in the coming months. Stay tuned for further updates.

Some of our members “Zooming” a monthly Chapter Meeting 4 THE BENEFITS OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS IN STREAMS Large wood provides multiple benefits in stream systems, such as stabilized streambanks, improved floodplain connectivity and more diverse aquatic habitat. Large woody debris, also known as large wood, provides multiple benefits in stream systems, such as stabilized streambanks, improved floodplain connectivity, and more diverse aquatic habitat. Large wood, is typically consists of as fallen trees, logs, and branches that are at least four inches wide and six feet long. Traditionally, large wood is removed from streams in an effort to clean up stream channels and to prevent localized flooding. Studies have shown that public perception of large wood in waterways is typically negative, often associating flooding, bank erosion, and infrastructure damage with the presence of large wood. Many people consider streams having wood lying in or around the channel to be less attractive, more hazardous, and needing more improvement than those without wood; however, large wood has many physical and biological benefits to stream systems. The presence of trees and other woody material that have fallen from the riparian area helps connect the stream channel to its floodplain. During rainstorms and snow melts, large wood can act as an obstacle to flowing water, forcing high flows into the nearby floodplain along with any sediment and nutrients it may be carrying. The floodplain acts as a giant sponge, storing water, sediment, and nutrients while reducing the volume of water carried by the stream channel itself. Allowing water to access the floodplain reduces flooding impacts downstream where it may be more difficult to address high flows. Large wood present within the stream channel also slows the flow of water as it is forced to flow over and around logs. As the velocity of water is reduced, its ability to erode and carry sediment is decreased as well. Large woody material helps create more diverse aquatic habitat. Exposed logs are also used as basking and perching sites for reptiles and birds. Fallen trees create cover and hiding places for fish and other aquatic organisms. As water flows over and around large wood, localized scouring of the bed and banks creates pools and undercut banks that provide additional shelter and act as resting areas for fish, such as trout. Finer substrate, such as small gravel, is typically deposited upstream of large wood as flows are slowed, which is an important spawning habitat for some fish species. Large wood helps feed the aquatic food chain from the bottom up. Wood provides a surface for algae to grow on and often traps smaller sticks, leaves, and other organic material, all of which are food sources for a variety of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are an important element of fish diets, and by improving the habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrates, streams can support more diverse fish populations. Because of the benefits of large wood to aquatic ecosystems, it is often a component of stream restoration projects. In 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation published a National Large Wood Manual to assist with assessing, planning, designing and maintaining large wood in streams and rivers. Restoration with large wood can be as simple as strategically cutting and placing trees in a stream and as complex as engineered structures that are constructed from logs and secured within the stream channel. While the benefits of leaving or placing large wood in streams have been confirmed by many studies, it is always important to assess any threats downstream to public safety, property, or infrastructure that could be caused by large wood. For information on helping landowners understand what they can and cannot do with a permit in or adjacent to streams, read DEP’s Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community. 5 A DAY WITH THE FISHERIES BIOLOGISTS by Deb Wentling I had really been looking forward to September 9th. A week before, I had gotten an email from Bryan Chikotas letting me know that the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) trout survey of a section of Toms Creek was scheduled for that day. Thanks to Adams County Trout Unlimited (ACTU) member Dave Swope, he and I were able to join the survey being conducted by fisheries biologists, Bryan Chikotas, John Frederick, and Daniel Ryan. Would we find wild or native Brook Trout? That was our hope.

Bryan placed the backpack Dave and I met the PFBC team at a pull off along Gum Springs Road, where electrofisher on his back and the crew assembled their equipment and explained what they would be doing gathered the gear used to sample the when we reached the creek. stream’s fish community.

John placed the belly board around his waist. It is used to receive fish collected by the netters so they can be identified, measured, and recorded on the paper data sheet. John also wore a forester’s hip chain distance measurer around his waist to track how many meters the crew would travel upstream during the survey. 6 Large wood provides multiple benefits in stream systems, such as stabilized streambanks, improved floodplain connectivity and more diverse aquatic habitat. Large woody debris, also known as large wood, provides multiple benefits in stream systems, such as stabilized streambanks, improved floodplain connectivity, and more diverse aquatic habitat. Large wood, is typically consists of as fallen trees, logs, and branches that are at least four inches wide and six feet long. Traditionally, large wood is removed from streams in an effort to clean up stream channels and to prevent localized flooding. Studies have shown that public perception of large wood in waterways is typically negative, often associating flooding, bank erosion, and infrastructure damage with the presence of large wood. Many people consider streams having wood lying in or around the channel to be less attractive, more hazardous, and needing more improvement than those without wood; however, large wood has many physical and biological benefits to stream systems. The presence of trees and other woody material that have fallen from the riparian area helps connect the stream channel to its floodplain. During rainstorms and snow melts, large wood can act as an obstacle to flowing water, forcing high flows into the nearby floodplain along with any sediment and nutrients it may be carrying. The floodplain acts as a giant sponge, storing water, sediment, and nutrients while reducing the volume of water carried by the stream channel itself. Allowing water to access the floodplain reduces flooding impacts downstream where it may be more difficult to address high flows. Large wood present within the stream channel also slows the flow of water as it is forced to flow over and around logs. As the velocity of water is reduced, its ability to erode and carry sediment is decreased as well. Large woody material helps create more diverse aquatic habitat. Exposed logs are also used as basking and perching sites for reptiles and birds. Fallen trees create cover and hiding places for fish and other aquatic organisms. As water flows over and around large wood, localized scouring of the bed and banks creates pools and undercut banks that provide additional shelter and act as resting areas for fish, such as trout. Finer substrate, such as small gravel, is typically deposited upstream of large wood as flows are slowed, which is an important spawning habitat for some fish species. Large wood helps feed the aquatic food chain from the bottom up. Wood provides a surface for algae to grow on and often traps smaller sticks, leaves, and other organic material, all of which are food sources for a variety of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are an important element of fish diets, and by improving the habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrates, streams can support more diverse fish populations. Because of the benefits of large wood to aquatic ecosystems, it is often a component of stream restoration projects. In 2016, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation published a National Large Wood Manual to assist with assessing, planning, designing and maintaining large wood in streams and rivers. Restoration with large wood can be as simple as strategically cutting and placing trees in a stream and as complex as engineered structures that are constructed from logs and secured within the stream channel. While the benefits of leaving or placing large wood in streams have been confirmed by many studies, it is always important to assess any threats downstream to public safety, property, or infrastructure that could be caused by large wood. For information on helping landowners understand what they can and cannot do with a permit in or adjacent to streams, read DEP’s Guidelines for Maintaining Streams in Your Community.

After a short hike through the woods, we arrived at Toms Creek, where the team prepared to get in the water. You can see the long, yellow electrofishing wands with the metal hoop ends being prepared to accommodate each person’s holding preference. The wands connect to the electrofishing unit and distribute the electric field used to control and capture fish.

Before Bryan and Daniel began sampling fish, the electrical field was set by selecting the appropriate voltage on the electrofisher to effectively capture fish. Once this was done the latitude and longitude coordinates of the start location were acquired with a handheld GPS unit, and the string from the hip chain was tied to a branch and the meter set to zero to begin recording distance we would walk upstream.

The plan was to survey at least 150 meters of the stream, more if wild trout were encountered. As we waded and advanced upstream, the string spooled out of the hip chain, recording the distance we covered in meters. Fish sampling began as Bryan and Daniel simultaneously coordinated the placement of each electrofishing wand into the stream, so stunned fish could be netted and handed back to John for identification and recording on the data sheet.

As fish were stunned between the wands they turned on their sides or completely upside down, making it easy to scoop them up in the hand-held dipnets. The fish were then transferred to John, the processing crew member following behind, who then confirmed and recorded species occurrence on the data sheet. Each netted fish was returned to the stream behind the electrofishing crew where they then recovered from being netted and processed. Below are photos of some of the species netted.

Sadly, we didn’t collect any wild or native Brook Trout on this day in this reach of Toms Creek. A return to the stream nearer the headwaters where the stream’s gradient is steeper, might yield different results, but that is for another day.

After retrieving the measuring twine by retracing our steps back to the start location, we returned to our vehicles. The PFBC team decided that since it was still early in the workday, we would drive to another nearby stream (Copper Run) that had never been assessed within a half mile of its mouth. After Bryan asked the landowner for permission to cross his property to access the stream, we walked back a high-water channel braid of Toms Creek until we reached the mouth of Copper Run. Here we repeated the same careful steps performed earlier on Toms Creek, slowly making our way upstream, sampling for fish. A few of the fish species we found in Copper Run included Potomac Sculpin, Rosyside Dace and Creek Chub

Blacknose Dace Potomac Sculpin Rosyside Dace White Sucker Fantail Darter 7 RICHARD LEWIS INSTALLED AS NEW PFBC PRESIDENT To my fellow Commissioners I offer many thanks for the trust you have placed in me. As we move through the next year, I’m looking forward to seeing the Bureau of Boating established and staffed, to implementing our new strategic plan goals and projects, to sustaining the increased interest and participation in fishing and boating across Pennsylvania, and to resurveying our diverse angler population to determine their needs and wants. I don’t come into this office with a “wish list” of personal agenda items to achieve but rather a strong desire to use all of our Commonwealth’s bountiful water, aquatic, and fishery resources to serve the needs of all anglers and boaters while protecting the health and safety of the Commission’s employees, partners, volunteers, and customers during the Covid19 epidemic. I am also extremely grateful to the Commission staff for the diligent work and personal commitment you put forth to continue all the Commission’s programs and activities through the Coronavirus epidemic. My hat is off to all of you. I caught my first trout when I was four years old in a three-foot wide brook in a meadow on a Catskill Mountain farm. I am a non-selective angler. By that I mean I enjoy catching fish with flies, lures, or bait. I enjoy releasing fish for another angler to catch and I enjoy keeping fish for grilling or to smoke. I remain just as excited about fishing now as I was when I caught that first small Brook Trout when I was four years old. Thank you for the honor of electing me your president.

AN OUTSTANDING COLDWATER CONSERVATIONIST As submitted by Dave Swope nominating TU Member PFBC Vice President Richard Lewis

“Hooked on Coldwater Conservation” It is my pleasure to recommend Richard Lewis for the award of Outstanding Coldwater Conservationist as a Trout Unlimited Member. Richard is retired from the State Forestry Field. Richard has been a great leader in the chapter of Adams County Trout Unlimited in his many roles and assignments which included serving on numerous committees: picnic, newsletter, coldwater conservation, youth fishing programs, facebook page and chapter newsletter, legislator liaison, presentations and guest speakers at chapter meetings, and serving on the Pa. State Council as Southcentral Regional VP before being appointed by the Governor for PFBC Commissioner at large, while still keeping active within the Community. Now most recently, being elected as President of the PFBC.

In conclusion, Richard has great communications skills, is highly technical in electronics, and is very adaptable in various situations within the chapter.

8 PFBC STOCKING PROGRAM IN 2020 The PFBC conducted an accelerated stocking schedule without volunteers assisting in the program. Quoting Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Director, the PFBC realizes that many stocking volunteers look forward to this exciting time of getting the trout to their new home, but the PFBC must take the necessary precautions to ensure public safety during these vital periods with Covid 19. Just as we counted on volunteers for decades to help us in the stocking of trout, we’re counting on them now to play it safe and stay home. We appreciated their service throughout the years, and we hope to invite them back to join us again very soon. To complete trout stocking operations without any assistance of the public, the PFBC has modified stocking methods for this year. Many PFBC staff have been reassigned from their normal work duties to assist with stocking lakes and streams. In some cases, preaseason and inseason allocations of trout have been combined into a single event to increase efficiency of stocking trips. In Adams County the PFBC Cooperative Nurseries delivered their trout to the streams using very limited volunteers while keeping safety in mind with social distancing and wearing masks. Also due to the Covid 19, Mummasburg Sportsmen Club stocked the trophy trout adhering to the same safety precautions getting their trout to a new home. Again, volunteers were limited and masks were optional.

Nothing new has been announced for the PFBC Fall Stocking Program, so look for the PFBC to stock their trout in Adams County in the Conewago Creek regulated section the week of October 23rd depending on water conditions. I have offered the PFBC our plans on the fall stocking and waiting for word back.

RICKY WHITMORE TO CLEAN OUR WATERS Ricky Whitmore, Adams County native, who managed the PFBC Cooperative Nursery with the McSherrystown Fish and Game Club behind the Fairfield High School has recently been hired to lead the Adams County Conservation District County Wide Action Plan (CAP) to achieve local water improvements as part of the State’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup responsibilities. This new position is funded by the Dept. of Environmental Protection. Ricky’s titled position is Community Clean Water Action Plan Coordinator.

In his position Ricky will work with volunteer advisory teams to work with the plan. Currently the three advisory teams will focus on agriculture, urban and legislative/policy issues. Because the agriculture discussion topics are so varied, that group is further divided into six sub-teams: dairy precision feeding, waste storage facilities, riparian buffers, fruit growers, cover crops, and precision agriculture.

Ricky Whitmore and Adam McClain, while attending High School, were both very much involved in the overall operations of the Trout at the Fairfield Cooperative and experienced years in learning about the importance of handling responsibilities. Both students furthered their education along the area of Fisheries Science and are working together in the Adams County Conservation District Building. Congrats to Ricky in his future endeavors. 9 As submitted by Dave Swope nominating TU Member PFBC Vice President Richard Lewis

“Hooked on Coldwater Conservation” It is my pleasure to recommend Richard Lewis for the award of Outstanding Coldwater Conservationist as a Trout Unlimited Member. Richard is retired from the State Forestry Field. Richard has been a great leader in the chapter of Adams County Trout Unlimited in his many roles and assignments which included serving on numerous committees: picnic, newsletter, coldwater conservation, youth fishing programs, facebook page and chapter newsletter, legislator liaison, presentations and guest speakers at chapter meetings, and serving on the Pa. State Council as Southcentral Regional VP before being appointed by the Governor for PFBC Commissioner at large, while still keeping active within the Community. Now most recently, being elected as President of the PFBC.

In conclusion, Richard has great communications skills, is highly technical in electronics, and is very adaptable in various situations within the chapter.

ANNUAL MEETING PA. TROUT ON ZOOM By Dave Swope

On Saturday September 26, I attended the Pa. Trout annual meeting for ACTU. President Greg Malaska opened the meeting with an introduction of attendees registered. There are 49 Trout Unlimited chapters in the State, 48 attended this meeting. President gave a brief statement on what are the chapters doing with all the downtime since Covid happened. Then He explained what are the critical areas, chapters could be working on.

Rachal Kester, director of Programs introduced herself and presented all the partnerships with the Coldwater Heritage Program. To date 117 plans with over $977.857 since 2003. If any chapters have any questions on projects, contact her at [email protected].

Jen Orr-Greene is now holding the position vacated by Rob Shane from the Eastern/Mid Atlantic Advocacy working with policies, permits, organizing. Jen is available to speak at chapter meetings.

Stream protection upgrades were also covered. There are 180 Class A streams. Jen talked about upcoming House Bills. Great American Outdoors Act and Pa. DCNR is another funding source for riparian buffers.

Bob Pennell announced awards for 2020 for Pa. Trout:

Best Chapter Restoration Project - Chester TU Best Chapter- Adams County 323 Best Website - Chestnut Ridge Best Newsetter - Susquehanna Chapter Samuel Slaymaker Outreach - Judy Sitler, Doc Beck Pa. Trout - Bob Volkmar, Ken Sink Outstanding Professional - Luke Smith Outstanding Individual - Richard Lewis Outstanding Lifetime Achievement - Ken Undercoffer Inky Moore Pa. TU Conservation-Rachal Kester Election of Pa. Trout Officers Guest Speaker -CEO Chris Woods

Chris spoke on Pennsylvania having the largest Council in the Nation and leads the way in many areas. Chris was impressed with the letter from Pa. Trout to our legislators on Class A waters and the need to not stock hatchery trout over wild trout. Chris promoted to the chapters to keep working off their strategic plans adopted for the year. He explained numerous cases where Pa. Trout took the lead in promoting wild trout. Membership is the backbone for all chapters, promote it. Questions and answers followed.

10 Ricky Whitmore, Adams County native, who managed the PFBC Cooperative Nursery with the McSherrystown Fish and Game Club behind the Fairfield High School has recently been hired to lead the Adams County Conservation District County Wide Action Plan (CAP) to achieve local water improvements as part of the State’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup responsibilities. This new position is funded by the Dept. of Environmental Protection. Ricky’s titled position is Community Clean Water Action Plan Coordinator.

In his position Ricky will work with volunteer advisory teams to work with the plan. Currently the three advisory teams will focus on agriculture, urban and legislative/policy issues. Because the agriculture discussion topics are so varied, that group is further divided into six sub-teams: dairy precision feeding, waste storage facilities, riparian buffers, fruit growers, cover crops, and precision agriculture.

Ricky Whitmore and Adam McClain, while attending High School, were both very much involved in the overall operations of the Trout at the Fairfield Cooperative and experienced years in learning about the importance of handling responsibilities. Both students furthered their education along the area of Fisheries Science and are working together in the Adams County Conservation District Building. Congrats to Ricky in his future endeavors.

PFBC BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN TO GUIDE FUTURE OF AGENCY, ELECTS NEW OFFICERS, TAKES ACTION TO FURTHER PROTECT WILD TROUT POPULATIONS HARRISBURG, Pa. (July 20) – During its formal quarterly business meeting held virtually on July 20, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a new Strategic Plan to guide the agency over the next three years. Since the spring of 2019, PFBC executive staff, members of the Board of Commissioners, and members of the Boating Advisory Board have been collaborating on a new strategic plan through multiple facilitated work sessions. The process resulted in a strategic plan consisting of a new vision statement, guiding principles, values, and six high-level priorities with corresponding goals to help the Commission better fulfill its mission. “The Strategic Plan is very ambitious because it fully recognizes the broad diversity of the Commonwealth’s citizen’s, natural resources, and recreational fishing and boating opportunities,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “This plan, which includes a high level of details and deadlines associated with each goal, ensures that we are continuously held accountable as we serve millions of anglers and boaters and aquatic resources across Pennsylvania.” The Strategic Plan is designed to be specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-bound with goals that can be translated into work plans to guide major efforts through July 30, 2023. The Strategic Plan can be reviewed on the PFBC website. In other action, the Board elected new officers. Richard Lewis of Gettysburg, Adams County, was appointed as President. Lewis, who serves as a Boating-at-Large Commissioner, replaces Eric Hussar of Lewisburg, Union County, as president. Hussar will remain on the Board as District 5 commissioner, representing Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties. “Eric provided outstanding Commission leadership over the past two years,” said Lewis, in thanking Hussar. “During his President’s terms the Commission moved forward with the development and approval of a three-year Strategic Plan, achieved historic legislation authorizing the Commission to establish fee levels necessary for long-term sustainability, and completed the training and graduation of 19 new Waterways Conservation Officers who are already hard at work serving our anglers and boaters during this busy summer on the water.” In accepting the appointment Lewis stated, “Many thanks to my fellow Commissioners for the trust they have placed in me. As we move through the next year, I’m looking forward to seeing the Bureau of Boating established and staffed, to implementing our new strategic plan goals and projects, to sustaining the increased interest and participation in fishing and boating across Pennsylvania, and to resurveying our diverse angler population to determine their needs and wants.” Lewis added, “I don’t come into this office with a wish list of personal agenda items to achieve but rather a strong desire to use our Commonwealth’s bountiful water, aquatic, and fishery resources to serve the needs of all anglers and boaters while protecting the health and safety of the Commission’s employees, partners, volunteers, and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Richard Kauffman of Leesport, Berks County, was elected as Vice President. Kauffman, who serves as District 8 commissioner, representing Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties, replaces Lewis as Vice President. Both Lewis and Kauffman will serve one-year terms through July 2021. 11 In other action, Commissioners voted to authorize grant funds that will help preserve public fishing opportunities along a portion of Conewago Creek in Adams County. The property is located along Conewago Creek near Russel Tavern Road and Zeigler Mill Road and will provide public fishing access to 5,340 linear ft. of stream frontage. Commissioners authorized a grant not to exceed $84,000 to the Land Conservancy of Adams County for the acquisition of 58 acres along Conewago Creek in Butler Township, Adams County. The Conservancy plans to purchase the property and transfer ownership to the Commission. The total cost of the acquisition is $441,156. The Conservancy has also applied to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for half of the appraised value of the property and half of the acquisition costs ($220,578). The Conservancy will provide $120,578 towards the acquisition. The Adams County Trout Unlimited Chapter will provide $16,000. In Centre County, the Board approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend fishing regulations along Bald Eagle Creek. Under the proposal, Section 03 of Bald Eagle Creek would be managed under an experimental Miscellaneous Special Regulation designed to enhance stocked trout management. This regulation will be identical to the current Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (58 Pa. Code §65.6) regulation; however, all tackle types will be permitted. As such, the regulation allows for year-round angling with all tackle types and harvest of up to three trout per day at least nine inches in length from June 15 through Labor Day, with no harvest permitted the remainder of the year. The regulation is designed to provide for an extended period of catch and release angling with all tackle types for stocked trout; then, as stream conditions become less favorable for trout survival due to decreased flow and elevated water temperatures, harvest is permitted under a reduced creel limit. The objectives are to reduce fishing mortality during the catch and release period, maintain high trout population densities to provide for high angler catch rates, recycle stocked trout to optimize their recreational benefit, provide high-quality angling opportunity for stocked trout in the absence of tackle restrictions, and evaluate the use of bait in a delayed harvest regulatory setting. If approved on final rulemaking at a future meeting, the amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2021. In other action, Commissioners approved the designation of five stream sections to the list of Class A wild trout streams. The board also approved the addition of 73 new waters to the Commission’s list of wild trout streams. These additions will go into effect upon the publication of a second notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. A list of waters proposed for wild trout stream and Class A Wild Trout Stream designation can be found on the PFBC website. Related to trout fishing, the Commission reminds anglers to take summer weather conditions into consideration when enjoying local waterways. In many cases during very hot and dry conditions, trout will seek out the closest source of cold water to provide thermal relief. This often results in many trout congregating at the mouths of cool-water tributaries or spring seeps. The Commission asks anglers to consider that while crowded and thermally stressed trout in a pool of water may look like an easy target, these fish are typically in poor condition and difficult to catch. Anglers should avoid fishing for trout during these conditions, as it can have lasting impacts on the population. In Huntingdon County, Commissioners approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend fishing regulations at Whipple Lake. Under the proposal, the 22-acre impoundment owned by the PA DCNR, located within Whipple Dam State Park, would be regulated under Miscellaneous Special Regulations allowing for harvest of trout but catch and release for all other species. Whipple Lake was drawn down in 2019 for dam structure improvements and sediment removal. With construction nearing completion, the Commission plans to initiate stocking the lake in spring 2021, or as soon as refilling conditions allow, with adult trout and fingerling plants of select fish species to establish a high-quality warm-water and cool-water fishery. This regulation would allow for the Commission to open the lake to fishing immediately upon refill under a special regulation that will allow for the harvest of trout under Commonwealth Inland Waters angling regulations but allow only catch-and-release fishing for all other fish species. Once the warm-water fishery is re-established, the lake will be recommended for removal from the Miscellaneous Special Regulation and inclusion in one of the Commission’s existing 12 warm-water regulation programs. If approved on final rulemaking at a future meeting, the amendment will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Also, in Huntingdon County, Commissioners approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend fishing regulations at Lake Perez. Under the proposal, Lake Perez, a 72-acre impoundment owned by the Pennsylvania State University, would be removed from the list of waters managed under Miscellaneous Special Regulations allowing for the harvest of trout but catch and release for all other species. These special regulations have been in place since 2015, when a dam reconstruction project was completed at Lake Perez, and the lake was refilled and restocked and following a complete drawdown. PFBC surveys of the lake during 2019 and 2020 have revealed that warmwater species, including bass and panfish, have become abundant enough to sustain limited harvest. If the Miscellaneous Special Regulation is removed on final rulemaking, Lake Perez will be recommended for addition to the Panfish Enhancement program. All other species will be managed with Commonwealth Inland Waters angling regulations. If approved on final rulemaking at a future meeting, the amendment will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. In Cumberland County, the Board approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend fishing regulations at Opossum Lake. Under the proposal, Opossum Lake, a 47-acre impoundment owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and managed by the PFBC, would be removed from the list of waters managed under Miscellaneous Special Regulations allowing for the harvest of trout but catch and release for all other species. These special regulations have been in place since 2012, when a dam reconstruction project was completed at Opossum Lake, and the lake was refilled and restocked following a complete drawdown. PFBC surveys of the lake from 2015-2020 have revealed that warmwater species, including bass and panfish, have become abundant enough to sustain limited harvest. If the Miscellaneous Special Regulation is removed on final rulemaking, Opossum Lake will be recommended for addition to the Big Bass and Panfish Enhancement programs. All other species will be managed with Commonwealth Inland Waters angling regulations. If approved on final rulemaking at a future meeting, the amendment will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The Board approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to boating and waterskiing regulations at Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County. This 1,148-acre flood control project managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a busy boating destination regulated by Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code, specifically Section 111.6, Berks County. Blue Marsh Lake has three specific regulations that deviate from the statewide recreational boating regulations regarding exhausts, no wake zones, and water-skiers. Specifically, subsection (3) states that “a boat may not tow more than one water-skier.” This limitation deviates from the standard utilized throughout the Commonwealth where the number of skiers is determined by the boat’s persons capacity. Recently USACE leadership has changed their local policy/regulation adopting the standard skiing regulation. They have petitioned the Commission to make the same change in Title 58 so Waterways Conservation Officers can continue to assist in enforcement. If adopted on final rulemaking at a future meeting, this amendment would go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. In similar action, Commissioners approved the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to boating regulations at Shenango River Lake in Mercer County. This 3,560-acre flood control project managed by the USACE has several boating regulations in place that vary from those enforced within Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code. Specifically, subsection (1) states that “the use of motors in excess of 10 horsepower are prohibited in the area west of the Penn Central Railroad (Levittsburg) causeway to the Ohio line.” Recently USACE leadership has changed their local policy/regulation adopting a 20- horsepower restriction west of the causeway. They have petitioned the Commission to make the same change to Title 58 so Waterways Conservation Officers can continue to assist in enforcement. The proposed amendment was approved by the Boating Advisory Board at their June 23, 2020 meeting. If adopted on final rulemaking at a future Commission meeting, this amendment would go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. 13 The Board adopted a resolution commending the efforts of PFBC staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution recognized the perseverance and teamwork of agency employees amid the challenges presented by the pandemic, including continuing to provide Pennsylvanians with safe, enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities that greatly benefit mental and physical health during a time of considerable stress and uncertainty. The resolution also commended PFBC staff for completing annual spring stocking operations within hundreds of Pennsylvania waterways without the assistance of community volunteers due to ongoing public health concerns. PFBC Bureau of Law Enforcement Director Col. Corey Britcher provided the Board with a report related to enhanced Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement surrounding the Independence Day holiday weekend. Britcher reported that from July 3-5, PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers (WCO) participated in Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated effort between to law enforcement agencies to prevent boating incidents related to impairment. Throughout the operations in Pennsylvania, WCOs and other officers came into contact with 2,490 boats, resulting in 298 boating infractions, 1,224 warnings, and 14 BUI arrests. One of the arrests was due to drug-related impairment. The highest recorded blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was .237. Britcher noted that prior to the enhanced BUI enforcement period, the PFBC led a statewide media campaign to alert the public and stress the importance of staying sober while operating watercraft. In his report to the Board, Executive Director Schaeffer also stressed the importance of boating safety education. Schaeffer indicated that seven boating related fatalities have already occurred during 2020, and none of the victims were wearing life jackets. Schaeffer mentioned that sales of PFBC launch permits for unpowered boats such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, have increased by approximately 50% amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With more new boaters on the water this season, Schaeffer urged the public to become familiar with basis boating safety steps, including wearing a life jacket, having a float plan, never drinking under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and monitoring weather conditions to avoid storms and high-water conditions. The next meeting of the PFBC Board of Commissioners is scheduled for October 19-20, 2020 in at PFBC Headquarters located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA. If an in-person meeting is not possible due to continued public health concerns, information regarding a virtual meeting will be announced later. Today’s meeting was streamed live on Facebook and can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/PaFishandBoat/videos/274609257155762/?v=315523766295249

14 TENTATIVE CHAPTER MEETINGS 2020 STAY SIX October 13th Lake Heritage 7pm Election of Officers & Trustees FEET APART

All Chapter Meetings held at ACTU BOARD MEMBERS Adams County Conservation District Building Hank Rajotte President Dave Keller VP

ADVERTISE IN Secretary Howard Hellyer ADAMS ANGLER If you are a business Treasurer Dave Swope owner and would like to reach 200 members with a common interest in fishing and the Board Chairman April Swope environment, consider running your ad in the Directors: Dean Stum Adams Angler. There are Richard Lewis 4 issues per calendar year. Cost of the ads are $25 business card and $50 half page and Larry Hartlaub full page ad $100. Call 253-6680 to advertise. Charles Dittenburn

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