HARRISBURG, Pa. (Nov. 30) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced that none of the water samples collected in Presque Isle Bay, Erie County, during October 2022 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) contained environmental DNA (eDNA) of Silver Carp or Bighead Carp.
Invasive carp, including Bighead Carp and Silver Carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem, the $7 billion-fishery, and other economic interests dependent on the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Bighead and Silver Carp compete with native and recreational fish species and are known to quickly reproduce. Anglers are urged to become familiar with the identification of invasive carp, including both adults and juveniles, as the spread of juvenile invasive carp using live bait buckets has been identified as a potential point of entry into Great Lakes waters.
To learn more about invasive carp and other aquatic invasive species, visit the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com) or www.invasivecarp.us. Members of the public can report sightings of aquatic invasive species to the PFBC using an online form: https://pfbc.pa.gov/forms/reportAIS.htm.
At 11:54 AM on Thursday, Coudersport Fire rescue & EMS have been dispatched to 762 North Main Street in front of Vinny’s Tavern for a 2 vehicle crash with severe damage. Three patients are reported.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – Whether it’s the holiday season or next year’s fishing season already on your mind, anglers can start gearing up today by purchasing their 2023 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, and gift vouchers!
Beginning December 1, 2022, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2023 season can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2023 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023.
“A fishing license is truly your ticket to outdoor fun for the whole year,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re purchasing a license for yourself, or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you’ll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. Purchasing a license now ensures that you’ll be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year.”
Fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently, and safely online from your computer or smart phone. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“Introducing someone new to fishing can be very rewarding and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is an easy way to get a new angler started,” added Schaeffer. “Vouchers are also great gift ideas for active anglers, or maybe someone who likes to fish but hasn’t been out on the water for a while. The gift of a voucher might be just what they need to rediscover their passion for fishing and join you next season.”
Once again for the 2023 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features a vibrant yellow background with the PFBC logo. In 2023, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between 00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
In 2023, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines current fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits, and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version of these publications can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should note that 2023 Fishing Summary/Boating Handbooks are still being shipped to retail locations in early December and may not be immediately available at all locations. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
Voluntary Permits
Customers who purchase a 2023 fishing license can once again support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout/Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program. Thanks to the generosity of anglers, the PFBC has invested more than $520,000 into special projects funded by the sale of voluntary permits since 2019.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2023 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
The PFBC is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations, and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket during the fall and winter months. From November 1 through April 30, all boaters aboard boats less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, are required to wear a life jacket. Anglers should also wear a life jacket while ice fishing.
Important 2023 Fishing Dates:
December 1 (2022) – 2023 Pennsylvania Fishing Licenses, permits, and vouchers on sale
March 25, 2023 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 1, 2023 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
The Education Council has an opening for a part-time Career and Vocational Mentor (“Mentor”). If you enjoy working with students and would welcome the opportunity to have a positive impact on the next generation, this position may be a good fit for you!
The Career Mentor Program was developed to help all students establish career paths and connections before they leave school. Mentors work closely with school counselors in school districts to introduce students to career opportunities. They assist school counselors with career activities and help develop opportunities for job shadowing, apprenticeships, internships, mock interviews, and more. Mentors coordinate guest speakers within the school environment to improve the students’ knowledge about specific career paths, such as required education or training, salary, duties, etc. They also assist with completing end of school year surveys with graduating high school seniors.
Mentors are passionate and self-motivated. Their job is interesting, and they make a difference in the lives of students. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Mr. Bob Wicker, Business Education Liaison, Potter County Education Council, at (814) 274-4877.
Galeton weather for November was fairly normal. Daytime highs were mainly in the 40s and morning lows were in the 20’s . However, it did hit 60 on the 6th and it dropped into the teens from the 19th through the 24th. We reported 6 foggy mornings. Tomorrow is the beginning of meteorological winter. The lawnmower may officially be put away until spring unless of course you would like to have them set outside to look at as a reminder that mowing season will be just around the corner. Now is the season when snow shovels should be brought out and a snow blower or blade installed on the tractor. Just a reminder. Now to get back to the details of the November report.
The average high temperature is 45 degrees and the average low is 28 degrees. The average rainfall total is 3.07″ This year we received 4.69″ and last year we recorded 1.63″ Snowfall. This year we received 4.3″ last year 5.2″ We had 2 days with 1″ or more snow on the ground with the greatest depth of 3″ on the 16th. We had 5 days with at least a trace of snow on the ground. In three weeks we will begin to see longer days.
Real estate taxes in Potter County are expected remain at their current rate for a fifth straight year in 2023.
In addition, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel have decided not to collect the $5.00 per-capita tax that many other counties levy.
Actions will be finalized at the commissioners’ year-end meeting next month.
A copy of the drafted 2023 operating budget will be available for public review at the commissioners administrative office in the Gunzburger Building beginning on Nov. 30.
Under the spending plan, real estate taxes would be 18.5 mills. A mill is one-tenth of one percent, levied against a property’s assessed value. Because state law prohibits county governments from levying an income tax, property owners bear the heaviest tax burden.
Two more local bridge projects were supported by Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Paul Heimel and Barry Hayman at their Nov. 3 meeting. Grants of $20,000 each were approved for the Elliott Street Bridge in Austin and the Hillcrest Road Bridge in Bingham Township.
Each year, the commissioners invite local governments to apply for a share of the Pa. Act 13 Bridge Improvement Restricted Use Fund received by the county through a state fee on shale gas wells.
Under Act 13, county commissioners have the authority to distribute the funds as they see fit, as long as they address at-risk bridges. Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel, together with the County Planning Department, developed a system whereby the money is expended according to an evaluation/ranking framework to address the most critical needs. Several other counties have since adopted the Potter County system as a model.
Under Act 13, Potter County receives $40,000 annually in the Restricted Use Fund. Details can be found on the county website, pottercountypa.net, under the Planning Commission tab. More information is available from Potter County Planning Director Will Hunt at 814-274-8254.
Photo 1 – One of this year’s bucks harvested on the KQDC.
Bradford, Pa.: The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) announces that Saturday, 12/3, is the last chance hunters will have to get their deer to the two KQDC Deer Check Stations in order to get into the cash raffles. The two DEER CHECK STATIONS are on SR 59 just east of Timberdoodle Flats Trailhead and at the Willows Restaurant on SR 346 west of Bradford. Both check stations will be operated from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Hunters bringing in antlerless deer will be eligible for a $500 raffle. Hunters bringing in an antlered deer will be eligible for a $250 raffle.
All deer will be weighed, measured, and aged for FREE for hunters. Hunters will receive a fluorescent orange KQDC hat for bringing their deer to the check station.
The KQDC is managed for Quality Deer and a Quality Forest Ecosystem to provide a Quality Hunting experience. Other goals are to provide quality forests for landowners to manage for timber products, local employment, numerous outdoor recreation activities, and quality habitat for all wildlife.
The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative is an on-going demonstration, begun in 2000, of how hunting can be used to meet the goals of multiple publics for managing deer. A partnership of forest landowners, forest managers, biologists, hunters, and local businesses developed the program which relies on hunters to manage deer density on a representative forested area. The program is conducted on a 74,000-acre forested demonstration area in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded the fourth round of Quarterly Impact funding. This funding stream is available quarterly throughout the year.
The agencies receiving the fourth quarter funding are; CARE for Children’s McKean County for Cribs, Destinations-Bradford Emergency Housing Program, Evergreen Elm Therapeutic Swimming Program, Willow Creeks Sportsman’s Club Youth Conservation Day and the Bradford Community Pride Lion’s Club’s Senior Center and Living Christmas Giving Program.
Innovation and Impact funds are available to qualifying 501 ( c ) 3 organizations in Bradford, Smethport and Port Allegany. Innovation applications do not have a request limit but are subject to availability of funds. Impact applications are capped at $1,500.00 per request and again, are subject to availability of funds. An announcement will be made in January for the submission of applications for 2023’s first quarter. If you have questions regarding Innovation and Impact funding through the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc., please call the office at 814-368-6181 or email us at admin@uwbanews.org. Information regarding lines of funding are also available on our website at www.uwbanews.org.
Galeton weather for November was fairly normal. Daytime highs were mainly in the 40s and morning lows were in the 20’s . However, it did hit 60 on the 6th and it dropped into the teens from the 19th through the 24th. We reported 6 foggy mornings.
Tomorrow is the beginning of meteorological winter. The lawnmower may officially be put away until spring unless of course you would like to have them set outside to look at as a reminder that mowing season will be just around the corner. Now is the season when snow shovels should be brought out and a snow blower or blade installed on the tractor. Just a reminder.
Now to get back to the details of the November report. The average high temperature is 45 degrees and the average low is 28 degrees. The average rainfall total is 3.07″ This year we received 4.69″ and last year we recorded 1.63″ Snowfall. This year we received 4.3″ last year 5.2″ We had 2 days with 1″ or more snow on the ground with the greatest depth of 3″ on the 16th. We had 5 days with at least a trace of snow on the ground.
