On November 2, the Fish and Boat Commission announced it was accepting applications for grants under the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Restoration Program. The deadline to apply is January 23. Project applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and must use the application form specified in the grant application package. The PFBC anticipates final selection and public announcement of grant awards…
I would like to add some of my own observations, comments and speculations on the matter of competition between brook trout and brown trout. I have measured and documented each trout caught since 1996. All were from small to medium sized freestone streams. Some hold sympatric (two or more species – brook and brown trout)…
When we received the public notice from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) last Sunday evening that repair work to fix a leaking pipe at the Cannonsville dam would require the reservoir release to drop to 40 cfs on Monday and then to zero by Tuesday, we knew it was going to…
For the first time ever (and possibly the last) our 2020 PATU Annual Membership Meeting was conducted via Zoom teleconference on September 19. We had 65 participants representing 43 of our 49 chapters statewide. The following officers were elected to serve one-year terms, effective October 1, 2020. President – Greg MalaskaExecutive Vice President (Eastern PA)…
Below is a list of potential grant sources for chapters looking for funding to support future stream restoration projects. Please be sure to note the deadlines for submission of grant applications. PA DEP Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Funding This program addresses nonpoint sources of pollution throughout the Commonwealth. Preference is given to Tier 1-4…
BELLEFONTE, PA – The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) has joined an ambitious statewide effort to plant 10 million trees throughout Pennsylvania by the end of 2025. The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, brings together a broad array of agencies, conservation groups, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, and individuals to…
With few exceptions, brook trout are found now only in small mountain streams that stay cold enough year-round to meet their biological needs, below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Because these trout in the United States are threatened by a warming climate, many have assumed those headwater habitats alone are critical for their survival. But a genetic…
HARRISBURG, PA. (May 26) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking public comment on a new Strategic Plan for Management of Trout Fisheries in Pennsylvania. This updated plan for 2020-2024 was developed based on input provided by a work group of partners including Commission staff, anglers affiliated with several sportsmen’s organizations, and…
TU President and CEO Chris Wood is offering free Trout Unlimited memberships to every essential employee in America as a “thank you” for putting themselves in harm’s way during the coronavirus outbreak. In addition to offering free one-year memberships to essential workers, TU is also giving memberships to emergency personnel, first responders and those in…
American Rivers names Lower Youghiogheny River to Top 10 list of Endangered Rivers On April 15, American Rivers named the Lower Youghiogheny River in Southwest Pennsylvania as one of the top 10 list of endangered rivers in the United States. Despite recent improvements to river health, the Lower Youghiogheny River faces a critical tipping point in 2020. Beloved for its fishing,…
Effective 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opened the statewide 2020 trout season. This measure allows properly licensed anglers and youth to begin fishing for and…
We hope this correspondence finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. This is a painful message to write because we understand how much you love fishing and visiting the Upper Delaware River watershed and how much we enjoy having you here. But we are in a crisis. The dangers of the highly contagious…
I hope this communication finds you and your family safe and well. I’m writing this on Palm Sunday. It’s almost bizarre that today wasn’t spent with family and friends during one of the most important Sundays in the Catholic faith. As we enter Holy Week, we all face a unique, unprecedented challenge. Due to safety…
Coldwater Heritage Partnership announces $80K in grants to support 12 projects On March 26, the PA Council of Trout Unlimited announced 12 grants totaling $80,000 have been awarded to conservation organizations across Pennsylvania through the Coldwater Heritage Partnership’s Coldwater Conservation Grant Program. These funds will be used to perform stream assessments and develop conservation plans in seven watersheds…
March 25, 2020—The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) knows that our anglers and boaters are ethically minded, passionate outdoor enthusiasts who might have some questions about fishing this spring. We are here to help. Below are answers to several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) we have been receiving. Still have questions? We welcome your call…
Agency will modify operations as needed amid concerns over COVID-19 HARRISBURG, Pa (March 16) – Amid concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced several changes to the 2020 trout season intended to protect the safety of the public and staff, while preserving the opportunity to enjoy the…
PFBC protects an additional 508 miles of wild trout streams in 2019 On March 2, Timothy Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission, gave the House Game and Fisheries Committee an overview of the Commission’s 2019 annual report highlighting the fact that the Commission’s Unassessed Waters Initiative added 271 waters and 508 miles of streams to the…
Tell PFBC to upgrade more wild trout streams in 2020 On April 27th and 28th, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will meet in Harrisburg to approve upgraded protections for 85 Wild Trout Streams and 33 Class A streams. If approved, these updgraded designations will ensure the future health of clean water in these streams and allow these…
NFWF now accepting Delaware Watershed restoration grant applications The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is now accepting grant proposals for projects to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality under its Delaware River Program. Proposals are due April 2. NFWF awards grants through two competitive funding opportunities– the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and Delaware Restoration Fund.…
DCNR Now Accepting 2020 Grant Applications DCNR is accepting applications for its Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants. The 2020 grant application round opened January 15 and will close April 22. Funds can support projects such as: Planning, acquisition, and development of public parks Trail planning and construction River conservation and access Open space conservation Streamside tree…