By JOSH HATCHER Era Reporter erajoshh@gmail.com
Bradford Era
The Port Allegany Bicentennial Committee meetings are growing each week, as more people from the community step up to help the little town on the edge of McKean County celebrate its 200 birthday.
Last month, organizers asked about how to identify all of the veterans who have ever served from Port Allegany, the response to which, they reported, was overwhelming.
This month, organizers are hoping to get help to identify who the oldest living Port Allegany residents or natives are, with the hope that they can be present to be honored at the opening ceremonies on June 12 and possibly ride in the parade on June 17.
Oswayo Borough Council monthly meetings for 2016 will be held in the Oswayo Methodist Church annex the first Monday of every month, except when a holiday falls on the first Monday, then they will hold their meeting on the first Tuesday of that month.
July & September meetings will be held on the first Tuesday. A budget meeting will be held on October 17, 2016
At 9:51 PM on Saturday Wellsville Fire Dept. and Wellsville Ambulance were dispatched to County Rd. 18 for a structure fire involving a trailer. Alma and Alllentown Fire Depts were dispatched and then cancelled.
At 5:49 PM on Saturday, Ulysses Fire & Ambulance, Harrison Township, and Medic 6 have been dispatched to a one vehicle rollover crash near 1594 North Brookland Road. Caller reports 2 occupants.
Shirley B. Blackburn, 81, of 25 Blackburn Rd., Emporium, PA died at her residence, Emporium, PA Saturday, February 6, 2016 morning.
She was born June 14, 1934 in Cressona, PA a daughter of the late William and Alice Morrell Brown.
On September 10, 1955 in Schuylkill Haven she married Joseph M. Blackburn, MD, who survives.
Shirley was a graduate of Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia
Surviving
In addition to her husband Joseph M. Blackburn, MD
2 daughters Leslie Blackburn, Ferryville, and Sharon Blackburn of Wilton, NH. 1 son Joseph Blackburn, Ambler, PA and 6 Grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Alice Morrell Brown and 1 Sister Harriet Timm
Visitation will be at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E 4th St., Emporium, PA on (February 10, 2016) Wednesday from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM followed by a Meeting for Worship at 1:00 PM with Donald Miller.
Burial was in the Sanford Cemetery, Truman, PA
In lieu of flowers memorial Contributions may be made to Dunnings Creek Meeting House, c/o Marcia Rogish, 800 Preston St., Apt. #1, Bedford, PA 15522 or to a charity of donors choice.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
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| For the EMMF Jazz Fest, the Bram Wijnands Trio will perform Saturday night, Feb. 20 at the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro. There will be dining and dancing. Wijnands is pictured playing both a piano and his celeste, a percussion instrument that makes "a little bell noise" similar to a glockenspiel. |
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| The Cory Band will kick off the Endless Mountain Music Festival Jazz Fest Thursday night Feb. 18, at 8 p.m. in Steadman Theater on the Mansfield University campus. |
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| From left, Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough, Southeast Region Director Bruce Metz, Game Lands Maintenance Worker Tim Esterly, and Game Commissioner David J. Putnam gather for a photo as Esterly is presented a Life Saving Award for taking action that prevented a would-be suicide in June. |
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| Chad Eyler, the Game Commission’s special permits division chief and an Operation Game Thief administrator, left, stands beside Ron Leh, retail marketing manager for Cabela’s Hamburg store, and Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection Director Thomas P. Grohol as Leh is presented an award for the outfitter’s support of the Operation Game Thief program. |
At 1:03 PM on Saturday, Roulette Ambulance has been dispatched to Oak Lane for a woman ill.
At 1:41 PM on Saturday, Angelica Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a one vehicle rollover accident on County Road 16 near the golf course.
Lease agreement on tracts in Bradford and Sullivan counties assures more than $14 M.
An agreement approved today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is solidifies more than $14.6 million – revenue that had been anticipated written into the budget for the current fiscal year.
Commissioners said, given the agency’s fiscal crisis, which results from license fees not being adjusted for inflation in more than 17 years, it’s important to understand the sum has already been built into the budget, and is not a sudden influx of revenue that will fix fiscal problems.
The agreement involves the lease of the Game Commission’s oil and gas rights under 5,870 acres of State Game Lands 12 and 36 in Overton and Elkland townships in Bradford and Sullivan counties.
The agreement is the result of a competitive bid that was announced in November and opened in December.
Chief Exploration and Development LLC of Dallas, Texas was the lone bidder, agreeing to pay a one-time bonus payment of $2,500 per acre for a five-year paid-up primary term, and 20.55 percent in royalties for all oil/gas and other liquids or condensates produced and sold from the proposed tract. Additionally, the bid provides the Game Commission a well-pad location fee of $75,000 per well pad, if well pads are necessary on the game lands surface. The agreement restricts surface use to two well pads and access thereto for development.
Oil and gas development will be regulated by the Commonwealth’s Oil and Gas Regulations and the Game Commission’s Standard Restricted Surface Use Oil and Gas Development Cooperative Agreement to include a $50,000 performance bond. The agreement will include standard wildlife and environmental protection measures. The total bonus payment will amount to approximately $14,675,000. Further, the commission will receive an annual payment of $1,400 in lieu of free gas usage.
Commissioner James Daley, who as a consultant works with several firms in the Marcellus shale industry, complimented Game Commission staff for the terms they negotiated in the agreement, noting that contracts carrying royalty rates and bonus payments at this level are rare in today’s market.
In a separate vote, the commissioners today approved an agreement with EQT Production that will result in a $917,000 bonus payment.
EQT, of Canonsburg, Pa., requested the Game Commission offer its oil and gas rights under a nearly 306-acre portion of State Game Lands 245 in East Finley Township, Washington County.
EQT has a strong, privately owned oil/gas lease position surrounding this portion of the game lands. The company has initiated unconventional well drilling and development in the vicinity of the proposed tract, and also has the ability to unitize and develop the Game Commission’s oil and gas reserve under the proposed tract by horizontal drilling with no surface use or disturbance to the game lands.
The terms of the agreement are a five-year paid-up Non-Surface Use Oil and Gas Agreement, a $3,000 per net oil and gas acre bonus payment and 20 percent royalty for all oil/gas and other liquids or condensates produced and sold from the proposed tract.
The bonus payment may be deposited either into the Game Fund or into an interest-bearing escrow account to be used for the future purchase of wildlife habitats, lands or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and wildlife-resource management.
Future rentals and royalties owed the Commission shall be directly deposited into the Game Fund.
The commissioners today also approved a coal-mining agreement that will permit Amerikohl Mining, Inc., of Butler Pa., to mine and remove approximately 15 acres of Lower Kittanning coal beneath a portion of State Game Lands 153 located in West Wheatfield Township, Indiana County.
The Game Commission owns the surface and surface-support rights, but does not own the coal. Amerikohl has secured a lease with the coal owner. The terms are a five-year agreement, a royalty rate of 6 percent of the F.O.B. pit price for all coal mined and sold from the premises, or $2.50 per ton, whichever the greater.
In exchange for the agreement, and to offset the surface impact to the game lands, Amerikohl shall convey to the Game Commission a minimum of 30 acres of acceptable land. Royalties will be credited against the land value and once reached, payment of royalties will begin at the greater of the rates noted above.
All coal royalty payments will be deposited in the Game Fund. Mining will be regulated by the Commonwealth’s Mining Regulations and the Commission’s Standard Surface Coal Mining Agreement.
TWO TRACTS APPROVED FOR PURCHASE
Game lands in Cumberland, Snyder counties would grow.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved the purchase of two tracts adjoining state game lands in Snyder and Cumberland counties.
The 10-acre tract in Adams Township, Snyder County, is an indenture to State Game Lands 188. It is being offered for sale by the estate of Norma M. Fetterolf at an option price of $20,800 lump sum, to be paid with money from the Game Fund.
The property is forested with oak, maple and hardwoods and it adjoins Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission property along its northern boundary. Access is from the existing game lands.
The board also approved purchase of a 7.6-acre tract in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County.
The property adjoins State Game Lands 170 and is being offered by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy for an option price of $400 an acre to be paid with funds from the Game Fund. The tract is forested with hardwoods and has sassafras and witch-hazel in the understory.
TRACTS DONATED IN CAMBRIA, DAUPHIN COUNTIES
Donations to add more than 24 acres to game lands.
Two land donations approved today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will add more than 24 acres to the state game lands system.
The board approved a 14.2-acre donation in Jackson Township, Cambria County. The tract, which adjoins State Game Lands 79, is offered for donation by Charles Merlo III. The property mostly is forested with mixed hardwoods in early succession, and it has approximately 1.5 acres of reverting old fields. Access to the property is off U.S. Route 22.
The board also voted to accept the donation of about 10 acres in Williams Township, Dauphin County. The tract, which is located about 3,000 feet south of State Game Lands 264, is being offered by the Estate of Constance Garber. The property is forested with mixed hardwoods. Wiconisco Creek flows along the northern boundary. Access is from Water Street, which parallels the western boundary.
Length between resident and nonresident application periods could shorten.
Traditionally, hunters who are Pennsylvania residents have been able to apply for antlerless deer licenses a full two weeks before nonresidents apply.
But the time between resident and nonresident application periods could shorten to one week, based on a measure approved preliminarily today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners.
If the change gains final approval, nonresidents will be allowed to apply the third Monday in July each year.
The measure is part of an ongoing effort by the Board of Commissioners to make the application process more fair to nonresident deer hunters, many of whom are native Pennsylvanians who have moved away but return to hunt with family.
The agenda for today’s meeting initially contained a proposal to allow residents and nonresidents apply for their first licenses on the same date, but the proposal was amended and the board was unanimous in preliminarily adopting the one-week delay.
Antlerless deer licenses are valid only in the Wildlife Management Unit for which they’re issued. In many of the state’s 23 Wildlife Management Units, licenses typically are available at the time nonresidents first can apply. But in some WMUs – particularly a handful in northcentral Pennsylvania where many nonresidents have camps – antlerless licenses sell out quickly and before nonresidents have a chance to apply.
Commissioners said the measure, which is scheduled for a final vote in April, would give those nonresidents a better chance to obtain a license, while still giving preference to residents.
Commissioner Timothy Layton, who represents Region 4, said the board will continue to evaluate the application schedule.
WMU BOUNDARY COULD BE CHANGING AGAIN
Commissioners preliminarily approve boundary shift between WMUs 5C and 5D.
The boundary between WMUs 5C and 5D was shifted last year to better divide the more-developed urban areas surrounding Philadelphia and the less-developed areas farther from the city.
And that boundary again could be tweaked this year, based on a measure preliminarily approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners.
The commissioners voted today to expand WMU 5D northeast to provide a more logical boundary. The proposed change would increase WMU 5D by 24,826 acres that now are part of WMU 5C.
The proposed change, which will be up for final approval in April, would define WMU 5D as follows: From the Delaware/Pennsylvania state line near Yorklyn, PA, Rt. 82 west to U.S. Rt. 30; U.S. Rt. 30 east to PA Rt. 113 at Downingtown; PA Rt. 113 north to PA Rt. 611; PA Rt. 611 south to the intersection of Tohickon Creek; and Tohickon Creek east to the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line.
MORE SUPPORT SHOWN FOR LICENSE FEE INCREASE
Those who addressed board on issue add to list of those in favor of an increase.
Near the end of today’s meeting, Game Commission Deputy Executive Director Rich Palmer noted that of the 17 speakers to address the board during two public comment periods at the January meeting, six spoke about the proposal for a license fee increase – and all of them said they support it.
Additionally, four of those six speakers represented organizations that formally have announced their support for a license-fee increase. They are the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative, the Pennsylvania Trappers Association, the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Beagle Gundog Federation.
These groups add to a list of others that have previously announced their formal support of a license fee increase. These include Pheasants Forever, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Pennsylvania Sporting Dog Association, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Quality Deer Management Association and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Hunting and furtaker license fees remain the primary funding mechanism for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Any fee increase, however, must be approved by the state General Assembly.
License fees have not increased since 1999 and have not been adjusted to cover rising inflationary costs. Recently, the Game Commission has taken some serious steps to cover those costs, including staffing cuts and deciding to delay recruiting a new class of Wildlife Conservation Officers. But a stable revenue source is necessary.
For more information on the need for a license fee increase, visit the Game Commission’s website.
EXPIRED-LICENSE POSSESSION COULD BE MADE ILLEGAL
Intentional or accidental, violations arise from tagging big game with expired tags.
When July rolls around, a new hunting license year will begin and those licenses carried over the previous 12 months no longer are valid.
But the Wildlife Conservation Officers working for the Pennsylvania Game Commission from time to time encounter hunters and trappers that still are in possession of expired licenses and tags from the previous year. And in some cases, those in possession of expired licenses and tags are carrying them with the intention to use them unlawfully to tag an animal taken in the current season.
But the field possession of such tags soon could be made illegal.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today voted preliminarily to approve a measure that would make it unlawful to possess any hunting license or big-game tag from a previous license year. Licenses and tags that have been fulfilled, revoked or suspended also would be unlawful to possess in the field.
The measure will be up for final adoption in April.
Commissioner Ron Weaner, who represents Region 6, noted the color of hunting licenses can’t be changed from year to year. The PALS system through which hunting licenses are issued is operated jointly in Pennsylvania by the Game Commission and the state Fish and Boat Commission.
Because the license years for hunting and fishing licenses start and end at different times, hunting and fishing licenses for different licenses years are issued at the same time, meaning the color for each must remain consistent, Weaner said.
COMMISSIONERS IDENTIFY POTENTIAL NEW INITIATIVES
Board adjusts regulation to reflect officers’ role in changing times.
Near the close of today’s meeting, several commissioners identified new initiatives to be taken up at future meetings.
Commissioner Timothy Layton, who represents Region 4, asked that staff be directed to research a possible boundary change in the northern part WMU 2C.
Layton said hunters in that area have reported hen pheasants released in neighboring WMUs often wander into WMU 2C, but they are not permitted to be hunted there. Layton said he also wants to look at how to more prominently announce season changes, and other adjustments to regulation, in the Hunting & Trapping Digest.
Commissioner Ron Weaner, who represents Region 6, asked that staff be directed to research the feasibility of removing mail-in report cards as an option for reporting whether a DMAP permit was used to harvest a deer.
Hunters with DMAP permits are required to make reports on their success, regardless of whether they harvest a deer, but the majority submit their reports online.
Commissioner Brian Hoover, who represents Region 8, requested staff be directed to review a potential change to permits issued when municipalities and other residential or government entities opt to conduct deer culls. Hoover would like to see a requirement within the permit to ensure hunting be used to address issues in those areas.
Commissioner James Daley, who represents Region 1, asked that staff work with members of the General Assembly to relay the Game Commission’s concerns about legislation that would require Wildlife Conservation Officers to enforce trespassing violations as a primary responsibility.
And Commissioner Charles Fox, who represents Region 5, asked that staff review fluorescent orange requirements that are different for different seasons and how to best inform hunters of those differences.
RANGEFINDER USE TO BE CLARIFIED BY BOARD
Game Commission long has considered use of rangefinders ethical and in compliance with the law.
The use of rangefinders by Pennsylvania hunters soon could be clarified.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a measure that would add electronic rangefinders to the list of electronic devices that can be used in the act of hunting. Both hand-held rangefinders and those contained within a scope or archery sight would be permitted, but those that cast a beam of any sort would continue to be unlawful to use.
The state’s Game and Wildlife Code carries a broad prohibition on the use of electronic devices during hunting and trapping, but over the years, several devices have been reviewed – and in some cases – added to a list of devices that are an exception to the broad rule and can be used lawfully.
The Game Commission long has considered rangefinders to be lawful to use, but they have not been added to the list. Adding rangefinders to the list would formalize that stance.
In reviewing devices and considering whether their use should be considered lawful, the Game Commission considers if and the degree to which the device might negatively impact principles of resource conservation, equal opportunity, fair chase and public safety.
A final vote on the matter is scheduled for April.
LAW-ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY CLARIFIED
Board adjusts regulation to reflect officers’ role in changing times.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to minor changes to regulatory language that clarify the role officers play in enforcing criminal violations they encounter in the performance of their official duties.
Wildlife Conservation Officers are given authority under state law to enforce not only the state’s Game and Wildlife Code, but also the Crimes Code and a variety of other laws. The regulatory change removes a requirement for WCOs to attempt to transfer all general crime matters local or state police. In almost all cases, state and local police decline to pick up cases from WCOs, and ask that the Game Commission prosecute the cases.
The primary responsibility of WCOs remains enforcement of the Game and Wildlife Code.
BOARD ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION
Commissioners take stance on long list of bills.
Near the close of today’s meeting, Commissioner David J. Putnam announced the board’s support regarding a list of bills that have been introduced in the state General Assembly.
Among them, commissioners support legislation that would provide a license fee increase; permit the use of leashed tracking dogs to recover game; lift the general prohibition on Sunday hunting; provide Wildlife Conservation Officers the same retirement benefits as their counterparts in other agencies; empower the Game Commission to make changes to the length of time within which big-game harvests must be reported; empower the Game Commission to regulate semiautomatic rifles, as well as air rifles; and continue to keep trespassing complaints a primary responsibility of police agencies, allowing the protection of wildlife to remain the primary focus of Wildlife Conservation Officers.
COMMISSIONERS UPDATE POLICY MANUAL
Document guides board’s approach.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today voted unanimously to adopt an update to the board’s policy manual, a document that guides the commissioners in their decisions. The new document will be available to view soon at the Game Commission’s website, .state ww.pgwc.pa.us
BOARD REORGANIZES FOR 2016
Executive positions change hands, meeting dates selected.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today closed its first meeting of the new calendar year by reorganizing.
Brian Hoover, who represents Region 8, was selected as the board’s president; Timothy Layton, who represents Region 4, was selected as its vice president; and Charles Fox, who represents Region 5, was selected as secretary.
All appointments were approved by unanimous vote.
Hoover replaces David J. Putnam as president. Putnam served one year in the role and continues to serve his term on the board. He thanked commissioners and Game Commission staff for what he termed a very good year of working together toward the accomplishment of countless goals. He said it was a tremendous pleasure to serve as president.
The commissioners also selected meeting dates for the duration of calendar year.
Quarterly meetings are scheduled to be held April 4 and 5, July 11 and 12, and Sept. 19 and 20.
Final approval of seasons, antlerless license allocations, to occur in April.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2016-17 license year.
Modifications proposed for the 2016-17 seasons include: opening the squirrel and rabbit seasons on the same day; making the length of the snowshoe-hare season consistent statewide; decreasing the length of the fall-turkey season in Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2A and 4C; adding an extended, four-day season for black bears in WMU 1B; eliminating the extended season for black bears in WMU 3A; and doubling to 12 days the length of the fisher trapping season in the 13 WMUs with fisher seasons.
The public may offer comments on all proposed 2016-17 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the board’s next meeting, April 4 and 5, at which time the board is scheduled to finalize seasons and bag limits for 2016-17.
Also, the board will receive at its April meeting staff recommendations for antlerless deer license allocations for each of the 23 WMUs. Deer harvest estimates for the 2015-16 seasons will be available in mid-March.
Following are several articles on meeting highlights.
SPLIT FIREARMS DEER SEASONS UP FOR APRIL APPROVAL
The Board of Game Commissioners adopted a slate of deer seasons for 2016-17, proposing to retain a split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 2) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 5-10) in 18 Wildlife Management Units. The list includes WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3D 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. The package also retains the two-week (Nov. 28-Dec. 10) concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.
Hunters with Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits may use the permits on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 30- Dec. 10 in 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3D 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. Fees for DMAP permits are $10.70 for residents and $35.70 for nonresidents.
DMAP permits also may be transferred to Mentored Hunting Program participants.
The board retained antler restrictions in place for adult and senior license holders since the 2011-12 seasons. It remains the “three-up” on one side, not counting a brow tine, provision for the western Wildlife Management Units of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, and the three points on one side in all other WMUs. Those exempt from these antler restrictions are mentored youth hunters, junior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active-duty military on leave.
Once again this year, the commissioners gave tentative approval to concurrent hunting of antlered and antlerless deer in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D during all seasons, with the first segment of the archery season to run from Sept. 17 to Nov. 26 in those WMUs.
FALL TURKEY SEASON CHANGES MOVE FORWARD
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to fall turkey seasons for 2016 and spring gobbler dates for 2017.
The slate of turkey seasons tentatively approved represents a reduction in the length of the fall seasons in four Wildlife Management Units – WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A and 4C.
Those four WMUs all have shown indications of declining turkey population trends. The recommendation to reduce season lengths in those WMUs is in accordance with guidelines in the Game Commission’s Wild Turkey Management Plan.
If the preliminary vote is given final approval, the fall season in WMUs 1A and 2A would be reduced to one week (Oct. 29-Nov. 5), plus a three-day Thanksgiving season (Nov. 24-26). In WMU 1B, the season would be remain one week (Oct. 29-Nov.5), but the Thanksgiving season would be eliminated. And in WMU 4C, the season would be reduced to two weeks (Oct. 29-Nov. 12), plus the three-day Thanksgiving season (Nov.24-26).
The tentative fall season dates for 2016, as approved by the board today, are: WMU 1B, Oct. 29-Nov.5; WMU 2B (shotgun and bow only), Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 1A and 2A, Oct. 29-Nov. 5 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D; Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2C and 4E, Oct. 29-Nov. 18, and Nov. 24-26; and WMU 5A, Nov. 3-5. WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D will remain closed for the fall seasons.
For the 2017 spring gobbler season, which is proposed to run from April 29-May 31, the board continued with legal hunting hours to reflect the following: from April 29-May 13, legal shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise until noon timeframe; and from May 15-31, hunters may hunt all day, from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
The board proposed holding the one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt on April 22, 2017, which will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. All junior license holders and Mentored Youth Hunting Program permit holders can participate in this special half-day hunt, as well as the other spring season dates.
OTHER MODIFCATIONS EXPLAINED
Regarding the black bear seasons to be held in the 2016-17 license year, the only change proposed – the addition of a four-day extended season in WMU 1B – was given preliminary approval by the board.
If given final approval, this season would run concurrent Wednesday through Saturday of the first week of firearms deer season in WMU 1B (Nov. 30-Dec.3). This season was recommended to prevent further expansion of bears into the western portion of WMU 1B, where the potential for bear-human conflicts is high.
The board also proposed eliminating the extended season for black bears in WMU 3A. An extended bear season overlapping with part of the firearms deer season has been held in WMU 3A previously, and a proposal to continue the extended season initially was included on the meeting agenda. However, commissioners removed the proposal in preliminarily adopting the full slate of seasons and bag limits.
They said the primary reason for removal was concern over the loss of firearms deer-hunting pressure in neighboring WMU 2F due to deer hunters opting to hunt instead in WMU 3A because of the additional bear-hunting opportunity.
Additionally, the board preliminarily approved an earlier start to the regular season for cottontails earlier, allowing the statewide season to align with that for squirrels (Oct. 15-Nov.26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28). The shift also would align the youth seasons for cottontails and squirrels (Oct. 1-15). Commissioners said the changes intend to simplify regulations as well as expand rabbit-hunting opportunity.
Likewise, the preliminarily adopted change to make the length of the snowshoe-hare season consistent statewide simplifies regulations, facilitates species monitoring programs, and reflects the fact that harvest mortality is not a major driver of population trends for this species, the commissioners said.
PROPOSED 2016-17 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth – Oct. 1-15 (6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 15-Nov. 26; Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (6 daily, 18 possession).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 15–Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 21 (2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Oct. 1-15 (4 daily, 12 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 15-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (4 daily, 12 possession).
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 8-15 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs. There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs – Oct. 22-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (2 daily, 6 in possession). There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 22-Nov. 26 (4 daily, 12 possession). (Closed in 5A, open in all other WMUs.)
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26–Dec. 31, in all WMUs (1 daily, 3 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except on Sundays and during the regular firearms deer seasons. No limit.
PORCUPINES: Sept. 1-March 31, except during overlap with the regular firearms deer season. (3 daily, season limit of 10).
CROWS: July 1-April 9, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the antlered and antlerless deer season. No limit.
WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): WMU 1B – Oct. 29-Nov. 5; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 1A and 2A – Oct. 29-Nov.5 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D– Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2C and 4E– Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMU 5A – Nov. 3-5; WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 22, 2017. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 29-May 13, 2017. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.) From April 29-May 13, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 15-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Archery: Nov. 14-18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 19-23. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3B, 3C and 3D): Nov. 28-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 28-Dec. 10. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 1B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) archery: Sept. 17-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 5B) archery: Oct. 1-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) muzzleloader: Oct. 15-22. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) special firearms: Oct. 20-22, for junior and senior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active duty military.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Oct. 31-Nov.5. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 7-12. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 5, in designated areas.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 17- Nov. 26 and Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2017. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct. 1-Nov. 12 and Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 28-Dec. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Nov. 28-Dec. 2. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period.)
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Dec. 3-10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 20-22. Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Youth Permit Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 15-22. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS: (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
PROPOSED 2016-17 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS
COYOTES: No closed season. Unlimited. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
RACCOONS and FOXES: Oct. 22–Feb. 18, unlimited.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays. No limits.
BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 14-Feb. 8. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PROPOSED 2016-17 TRAPPING SEASONS
MINKS and MUSKRATS: Nov. 19–Jan. 8. Unlimited.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 23–Feb. 19. No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 19. No limit. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
BEAVERS (Statewide): Dec. 26–March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).
BOBCATS (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 8.
One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
FISHERS (WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-28. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS (WMUs 3C and 3D): Feb. 20-22, 2017. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PROPOSED 2016-17 FALCONRY SEASONS
SQUIRRELS (combined), BOBWHITE QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, Sept. 1-March 31, 2017.
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES, RINGNECK PHEASANTS (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 31. Daily and Field Possession limits vary. (Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits for falconers will be set in accordance with federal regulations at a later date.)
No open season on other wild birds or mammals.
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons to be established in accordance with federal regulations this summer.
MANSFIELD BORO POLICE NAB DRUNK INTRUDER
UPDATED:
Smethport Woman Found Dead Outside Burning Home
Martha Irene Marsh, 69, of Smethport, PA, had escaped the fire and was found deceased outside her burning home. Officials said she appeared to have died from smoke inhalation.
Smethport firefighters responded to the scene of the fully involved house fire at 763 Rt. 446 in Keating Township, McKean County at about 3:15 AM on Saturday morning. A passing truck driver alerted 911 to the fire.
The investigation is continuing.
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| Avy Geffers, RN |
OPINION
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| Glenn 'GT' Thompson |
(KERSEY, PA) - The Elk County Democratic Committee kicked off the 2016 Election Year with a “Politics & Pancakes” Petition Signing Breakfast at the Fox Township Senior Center in Kersey, PA on Saturday morning January 30th. Democrats from across the county were able to meet the candidates, sign their petitions and hear them speak.
US Senate candidates Joe Sestak and Katie McGinty both stressed current US Senator Pat Toomey’s abysmal record supporting veterans, despite the fact that Toomey voted to send tens of thousands of soldiers to fight overseas. Sestak is a former US Congressman and three star Navy Admiral. McGinty is a former Pennsylvania DEP Secretary.
US House of Representatives candidate Kerith Strano Taylor spoke of the lack of interest that current US Congressman Glenn Thompson showed toward a veteran’s spouse when she contacted the Congressman for assistance getting help with her husband’s PTSD treatment. Strano Taylor, from Brookville, PA, is a family attorney and children’s’ advocate for Jefferson County.
Pennsylvania State Treasurer candidate Joe Torsella highlighted the need for integrity in the State Treasurer’s office, a job that oversees over $100 Billion of the Commonwealth’s financial resources. Torsella is a former CEO of the National Constitution Center and UN Representative for Management and Reform.
PA House of Representatives candidate Jay Notarianni told the audience that he wants to make sure that residents of the 75th district have the same economic opportunities that he has had during his career. Notarianni, from Wilcox, PA is a Journeyman bricklayer and member of the Johnsonburg Fire Department.
Campaign representatives for US Senate candidate John Fetterman and State Attorney General candidates Josh Shapiro and Steven Zappala also were in attendance. A representative from Pennsylvania Democratic Party also visited the breakfast.
The Elk County event was the fourth of seven petition signing events for the Democrat candidates held throughout Western and Northwestern Pennsylvania throughout the weekend. Other events were held in Blair, Jefferson, Clearfield, Clarion, Warren, and Erie Counties. This year marked the third year for the “Northwest Weekend” series which aims to bring statewide Democratic candidates for office to the region.
Pennsylvania’s Primary will be held Tuesday April 26th. Polls will be open from 7:00am until 8:00pm.
At 8:55 AM on Saturday, Coudersport Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to Sweden Valley Manor for a medical emergency.
At 1:21 AM on Saturday, Centerville & Fillmore firefighters have been dispatched to a fully involved greenhouse fire at 11101 Fitch Farm Road off County Road 3.
1:37 AM--Fire under control.
At 7:52 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Ambulance & Olean 10 have been dispatched to West Academy Street for a medical emergency.
At 7:07 PM on Friday, Coudersport Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched for an assault victim at 11 North Main Street. Police are on scene.
SETTING AN EFFECTIVE BATTLE RHYTHM -WHATS YOUR TEMPO?What a GREAT upcoming seminar If you have not gotten you or your...
Posted by Bryan Phelps on Friday, February 5, 2016
The Wellsville Police Department is cautioning the public that there has been a recent spike in heroin related overdoses throughout Allegany County.
SEARCH PARTY BEING PUT TOGETHER IN BLOSSBURG FOR MICHELLE INCH ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6THThe Blossburg community is...
Posted by FIRST News Now on Friday, February 5, 2016
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will not restore Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s license to practice law. The state Senate plans to move forward with a vote to remove Kane from office.
Posted by WNEP-TV on Friday, February 5, 2016
At 6:19 PM on Friday, St. Marys Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 1072 South Michael Street for a residential chimney fire.
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| Zofia “Eva” Dreszer |
Correction:
Oswayo Valley Historical Meeting, Monday, Feburary 8, 2016 at 7:00p.m.
Program:
Program history detective: "Redwork Alter Cloth" and it's link to the Granges in Potter County.
Live web streams of House session and the majority of committee meetings are available at PAHouseGOP.com. Important information and events may also be viewed by visiting Facebook.com/PAHouseGOP.
The Weekly Schedule
BRADFORD, Pa. – WalkWorks walking program is expanding to Eldred.
The program identifies community-based walking routes and establishes sustainable walking groups to encourage walking for better health. Currently the McKean County WalkWorks, which is administered by the Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has routes in Bradford, Kane, Mount Jewett, Port Allegany and Smethport.
The six routes are one to two miles in length. A team of engineers from the University of Pittsburgh has conducted “walkability assessments” of the routes recommended by a group of stakeholders. Each community has WalkWorks signs that include a map as well as directional signs to guide walkers. These same signs will be placed in Eldred for the 2016 initiative. Local points of interest are indicated along each route, unique to each community. Additionally, the maps are available online.
“Implementing WalkWorks in these communities offers residents the chance to participate in walking groups and gain from the social support of others in an effort to optimize their own health,” said Pamela Miller, project coordinator.
Walk Works is a statewide initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, which work with local agencies such as the Center for Rural Health Practice to identify and mark routes in communities and form walking groups.
“We appreciate the opportunity and the funding provided to us as a local partner chosen by the Department of Health and Pitt Public Health,” Miller said. “Placing signs in so many locations throughout McKean County brings awareness to the program and encourages walking. Our goal was to bring sustainability to the program, so we jumped at the opportunity to revitalize the existing routes while establishing new ones.”
Carol L. Reichbaum, director of WalkWorks for the Pitt Public Health Center for Public Health Practice, said, “There are so many benefits to walking, from improving one’s physical and mental health to reducing traffic congestion and pollution. This program can improve the health and quality of life of everyone in our communities. It can help to lower our rates of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.”
“WalkWorks promotes active transportation by identifying infrastructure needed for pedestrian activity. This is a goal of our multi-modal transportation system in Pennsylvania,” said Mark Magalotti, co-director of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Center for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure.
Pitt Public Health and the Swanson School are providing technical assistance to their community-based partners and transportation planners to promote infrastructure planning, design, implementation and policies to create roadways that are safe for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists.
To ensure that the movement stays afoot, another aspect of WalkWorks is promoting change in local policies that will encourage more people to walk. “The goal is to influence local and regional planning efforts so that pedestrians as well as bicyclists are considered, and improvements are made to the existing transportation network,” added Reichbaum. “We want to make it easy for people to enjoy walking in their communities. The health benefits will follow.”
For more information about WalkWorks, visit www.pawalkworks.com.
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