HARRISBURG, Pa (July 22) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its quarterly business meeting today by encouraging anglers and boaters to continue to enjoy summer fishing and boating opportunities across the Commonwealth while staying safe and being aware of weather conditions.

“There is still plenty of time this summer to enjoy the water safely and continue to make fishing and boating memories with family and friends,” said PFBC President William Gibney.  “With the recent stretch of hot and dry weather across the Commonwealth, even more people are flocking to our rivers, lakes, and streams to have fun and find some relief from the heat.  While there is plenty of room for everyone, please continue to be courteous to others and be mindful of our aquatic resources.  Please keep our natural areas clean and always wear your lifejacket.”

In his report to the Board, Executive Director Tim Schaeffer noted that throughout the recent Independence Day holiday weekend, 61 Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) and 34 deputy WCOs participated in Operation Dry Water.  The special operation conducted from July 4-6, 2024, was held in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, U.S. Coast Guard, and other conservation law enforcement agencies across the country to prevent boating accidents and fatalities through education and enhanced Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement.  This special operation resulted in 12 BUI arrests across the Commonwealth, including the arrest of one boat operator who had a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .25, which is more than three times the legal limit for impairment.  In addition to BUI violations, 234 general boating citations and 876 warnings were issued.

To date, there have been nine recreational boating fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2024.  For more information on boating safety including life jacket wear, visit the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).

Boating

Commissioners voted to approve the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to boating safety regulations and manufacturer installed equipment (58 Pa. Code § 95).  Under the proposal, a section (58 Pa. Code § 95.10) would be added to the PA Fish and Boat Code pertaining to engine cut-off switches.  This action would align PFBC regulations with U.S. Coast Guard rules which require the operator of a boat less than 26 feet in length equipped with an engine cutoff to use an engine cut-off switch when the boat is operated at greater than slow no-wake speed.  The use of an engine cut-off switch shall not be required when the operator is in a fully enclosed cabin of a boat.  If given final approval at a future meeting, this amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Commissioners voted to approve the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to boating regulations.  Under the proposal, the section of the PA Fish and Boat Code (58 Pa. Code § 99a) pertaining to boat capacity plates would be removed.  The PFBC has been advised by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) that federal capacity plate requirements apply to manufacturers and are enforced by the USCG.  Therefore, it is unnecessary for the PFBC to promulgate regulations regarding capacity plate requirements.  If adopted on final rulemaking at a future meeting, these amendments will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The Board voted to approve an amendment to a Boating Facility Grant.  At the April 2021 Quarterly Commission meeting, the Board approved a grant not to exceed $193,682 to Wayne County to design and construct a new canoe/kayak access along the Lackawaxen River in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.  Since the awarding of the original grant, the cost of materials and construction services have increased significantly, and Wayne County has requested additional funding in the amount of $64,000 to complete the project.

Fisheries

Commissioners voted to approve the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to the Atlantic Striped Bass fishery in the Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River, and Delaware Estuary (58 Pa. Code § 61.2).  The proposed changes would revise the legal harvestable length and creel limits to align with temporary regulations enacted by the Executive Director in January and May 2024 that are set to expire at the end of the year and add filleting requirements specific to Striped Bass.  These changes are being made to comply with Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass, approved in January 2024 by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board, which includes the Commonwealth as a member.  The Addendum seeks to reduce fishing mortality and support stock rebuilding of Atlantic Striped Bass by 2029.

Changes pertaining the size and creel limit for Striped Bass are to amend 58 Pa. Code § 61.2 to a 28 to less than 31-inch size limit, 1 fish per day creel limit, in the Delaware Estuary from January 1 through March 31 and June 1 through December 31 and in the Delaware River year-round; and a 22 to less than 26-inch size limit, 1 fish per day creel limit, in the Delaware Estuary from April 1 through May 31. 

Additionally, to address concerns about recreational filleting allowances and compliance with creel limits, Addendum II requires states that authorize at-sea and/or shoreside filleting of Atlantic Striped Bass to establish minimum requirements, including requirements for carcasses to be retained and possession to be limited to no more than two fillets per legal fish harvested.  These recreational filleting allowance requirements are mostly covered under 58 Pa. Code § 63.15 (Field dressing and disposal of fish); however, the provision for the possession limit of no more than two fillets per fish is unclear.  As such, this proposal would include adding recreational filleting requirements specific to Atlantic Striped Bass to 58 Pa. Code § 61.2.

In addition to the ASMFC mandated amendments, staff identified an opportunity to further clarify language in 58 Pa. Code § 61.2 (d) pertaining to the required use of a circle hook when fishing with bait for any species of fish in the tidal Delaware Estuary.  The intent of this provision is to require a hook configuration consisting of a single, non-offset (in-line) circle hook; however, the current language is unclear regarding the prohibition of a multiple circle hook configuration.  As such, this proposal adds clarifying language to the body of the text in the regulation.

If adopted on final rulemaking at a future meeting, these changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The Board voted to give final approval to changes in fishing regulations at Chapman Dam Reservoir located within Chapman State Park in Pleasant Township, Warren County.  Under these changes, the 68-acre impoundment will be removed from Miscellaneous Special Regulations (58 Pa. Code § 65.24) which require catch-and-release for all species except trout, and allow PFBC staff to consider this reservoir for management of all species with Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations (58 Pa. Code § 61.1). Chapman Dam Reservoir was completely dewatered during fall 2017 to upgrade the dam and spillway structures per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.  Following the completion of these repairs and modifications, refill occurred in fall 2018, and the PFBC stocked the lake from 2019 through 2023 with select fish species to establish a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  Sportfish populations were evaluated from 2022 through 2023 to monitor progress towards development of a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  Sportfish abundance and population size structure have improved to levels where populations can now sustain harvest.  These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Commissioners voted to give final approval to changes in fishing regulations at Glade Run Lake located in Middlesex Township, Butler County.  Under these changes, the 52-acre impoundment will be removed from Miscellaneous Special Regulations (58 Pa. Code § 65.24) which require catch-and-release for all species except trout, and will designated for management under Big Bass (58 Pa. Code § 65.9) and Panfish Enhancement (58 Pa. Code § 65.11) special regulations.  Glade Run Lake was completely dewatered during spring 2011 to upgrade the dam and spillway structures per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.  Following the completion of these repairs and modifications, refill occurred in winter 2017, and the PFBC stocked the lake from 2017 through 2023 with select fish species to establish a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  The black bass and panfish populations were evaluated from 2019 through 2023 to monitor progress towards development of a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  Sportfish abundance and population size structure have improved to levels where populations can now sustain limited harvest.  These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The Board voted to approve changes to fishing regulations at Meadow Grounds Lake located within State Game Lands 53 in Ayr Township, Fulton County.  Under these changes, the 204-acre impoundment will be removed from the Catch-and-Release Lakes program (58 Pa. Code § 65.17) and be designated for management under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations (58 Pa. Code § 61.1).  Meadow Grounds Lake was completely dewatered in 2013 to complete dam and spillway repairs and modifications per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.  Following completion of these repairs and modifications, refill occurred in 2021, and the PFBC stocked the lake from 2021 to present with select fish species to establish a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  Sportfish populations were evaluated from 2022 through March 2024 to monitor progress towards development of a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery.  Sportfish abundance and population size structure have improved to levels where populations can now sustain harvest.  These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Commissioners voted to approve changes to fishing regulations at Bradford City Number Two Reservoir located in Bradford Township, McKean County.  Under these changes, the 39-acre impoundment will be removed from the Catch-and-Release Lakes program (58 Pa. Code § 65.17) and be designated for management under Commonwealth Inland Waters regulations (58 Pa. Code § 61.1).  Since 2018, Bradford City Number Two Reservoir has been managed in the Catch and Release Lakes program, which allows for catch-and-release-only fishing for all species.  Sportfish populations were evaluated from 2021 through May 2024 to monitor progress towards development of a high-quality, warm-water and cool-water fishery. Sportfish abundance and population size structure have improved to levels where populations can now sustain harvest.  These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

The Board voted to approve changes to fishing regulations at Lower Woods Pond, Wayne County.  Under these changes, the 91-acre impoundment will be designated for management under the Catch-and-Release Lakes program (58 Pa. Code § 65.17).  Lower Woods Pond was partially dewatered in 2012 to complete dam and spillway repairs and modifications per Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection dam safety standards.  Prior to the partial drawdown in 2012, the lake offered angling opportunities for multiple warm-water species.  Rehabilitation of the dam and spillway was completed in 2023 and re-filling was initiated spring 2024.  The PFBC plans to initiate stocking the lake beginning in early fall 2024 with fingerling plants of select fish species to establish a high-quality, warm-water and coolwater fishery.  Throughout this process, Fisheries Management Division staff will monitor fish populations.  Once the fish populations can sustain limited harvest, the lake will be recommended for removal from the Catch and Release Lakes program and moved to one or more of the Commission’s existing regulation programs.  These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Commissioners voted to approve changes to fishing regulations on a portion of Little Bear Creek, Section 02, in Lycoming County.  Under this change, a .27-mile section of the creek located within Loyalsock State Forest would be designated for management under regulation for Waters Limited to Specific Purposes—Exclusive Use Fishing Areas (58 Pa. Code § 65.21) for both children (15 years of age and younger) and special populations.  This section extends from 150 feet downstream of the Loyalsock Trail crossing Little Bear Creek downstream to the outflow of a plunge pool adjacent to an Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-compliant fishing platform.  Little Bear Creek, Section 02, is included in the PFBC’s Stocked Trout Waters program and receives a preseason and two in-season stockings; however, DCNR and local partners will provide supplemental stockings in the exclusive use .27-acre area in conjunction with fishing derbies and outreach events.  Since 2010, the DCNR has been issued Special Activities Permits (SAP), valid for 60 days, to hold annual children’s and special population events on this portion of Little Bear Creek. The DCNR and local partners have completed various instream habitat restoration projects, installed ADA-compliant walkways and parking areas, provided routine maintenance to the area, among other activities; all of which demonstrates the DCNR’s dedication and passion to maintaining and promoting the section for year-round use by children and special populations.  Given that SAPs are temporary and do not allow for year-round programs for children and special populations, the stream section is being underutilized.  As such, an exclusive use area designation will allow DCNR and its partners to host events on a year-round basis.  If approved, the designation will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

The Board voted to approve the addition of 31 new waters to the PFBC’s list of Class A wild trout streams, and the addition of 95 new waters to the PFBC’s list of wild trout streams.  A list of waters proposed for Class A wild trout and wild trout stream designation can be found in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.  All of these additions will go into effect upon publication of a second notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Public Access and Real Estate

Commissioners voted to authorize the sale of a small parcel of land within the Childrens Lake property in South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, to South Middleton Township.  The .03-acre parcel is not used by the PFBC but contains a private drive leading to Mountain Road and the Boiling Springs Pool.  The private drive crosses a tail race with a concrete arch culvert which requires repair or removal that would cost in excess of the market value of the parcel.  Under the proposal, the PFBC would sell the parcel to South Middleton Township for one dollar, after which the Township will perform repairs.  The Township will be responsible for all costs associated with the conveyance, including subdivision and recording costs.  In addition, any real estate and transfer taxes that are normally shared between the buyer and the seller will be paid by the Township.

The Board voted to approve the conveyance of two small rights of way over property near the PFBC’s Lake Winola Access in Overfield Township, Wayne County, to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).  PennDOT intends to remove and replace the State Route 2031 bridge across an unnamed tributary of Beaver Creek, and requires an approximately .1-acre Right-of-Way, .1-acre Slope Easement, and .3-acre Temporary Construction Easement to perform the project, which is expected to last about six months.  A detour will ensure that the project will not directly impede public access to the Lake Winola property.  Following the project, the property will be restored to the PFBC’s satisfaction.  This conveyance will be subject to PFBC staff performing the necessary due diligence and approval from the General Assembly as the Lake Winola property was acquired using Project 70 Land Acquisition and Borrowing Act funds.

The Board authorized the acquisition of a flowage easement on a property located near Miller Pond in Mount Pleasant Township, Wayne County.  Miller Pond was drained in June 2015 in advance of the planned rehabilitation of the dam, which is required to bring the dam into compliance with current regulatory dam safety standards.  As part of the scheduled work, the dam breast will be moved 75 feet upstream from its original location, the top of dam will be lowered, and the dam breast widened.  Design for the rehabilitation of the dam is complete, and construction is expected to begin in 2025.  At the PFBC’s April 2022 Quarterly Commission Meeting, the Board approved the acquisition of a fee simple area estimated to be approximately 0.7 acres, and the acquisition of a flowage easement estimated to be approximately 0.1-acres.  After further review, staff determined that the existing temporary flowage easement area would need to be adjusted and increased to approximately 0.2-acres.  PFBC staff will pursue the acquisition of the proposed flowage easement in an amicable manner and only utilize the Commonwealth’s power of eminent domain as a last resort.  Additionally, staff will adhere to the PFBC’s standard practices for acquiring property, including meeting due diligence and funding requirements.

Commissioners voted to amend an agreement to acquire an easement along Freeman Run in Keating Township, Potter County.  At the PFBC’s April 2023 Quarterly Commission Meeting, the Board approved the acquisition of a fishing, boating access, and conservation easement for $105,000 on approximately 12,340 linear feet along Freeman Run and also secured a parking area easement to accommodate 5 to 10 vehicles.  During the due diligence period, PFBC staff re-evaluated the site and determined it would be in the public’s best interest to modify the agreement to remove a portion of the property containing remnants of a dam from the easement to increase public safety.  Under the amended agreement, the PFBC will offer $85,000 for an easement on approximately 9,600 linear feet of Freeman Run.  Funding for these easements will be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).

The Board authorized the acquisition of an easement along Little Juniata Creek in Wheatfield Township, Perry County.  Under the agreement, the PFBC will pay $70,000 for the easement, which will allow for public fishing, boating, and riparian and fishery management along approximately 8,120 linear feet of stream.  Funding for these easements will be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).  Little Juniata Creek provides significant stocked trout and wild Brown Trout fishing opportunities in the area.  Staff will adhere to the PFBC’s standard practices for acquiring property, including meeting due diligence and funding requirements.

Commissioners voted to amend an agreement to acquire an easement along the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek in Sylvania Township, Potter County.  At the PFBC’s April 2023 Quarterly Commission Meeting, the Board approved the acquisition of a fishing, boating access, and conservation easement for $90,000 on approximately 8,820 linear feet along the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek.  During the due diligence period, PFBC staff re-evaluated the site and determined a parking area would be necessary to allow for adequate parking and to ensure public safety while using the easement area.  Under the amended agreement, the PFBC will offer an additional $5,000 for an easement for the development of a parking area to accommodate 6 to 8 vehicles.  Funding for these easements will be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).

The Board voted to authorize the acquisition of a property easement area in Girard Township, Erie County.  Under the proposed agreement, the PFBC will pay $85,000 for approximately 5,420 linear feet along Crooked Creek.  Crooked Creek provides significant steelhead fishing opportunities in the area.  Funding for this easement will be provided from proceeds of the purchase of special Lake Erie fishing permits and combination trout/Lake Erie fishing permits.  Staff will adhere to the PFBC’s standard practices for acquiring property, including meeting due diligence and funding requirements.

Board Elects New Officers

The Board elected Daniel Pastore of Fairview, Erie County, as President.  Pastore, who served as Vice President and District 1 Commissioner, replaces William Gibney of Honesdale, Wayne County.  

Daniel Pastore and John Mahn, Jr.

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, I want to thank Bill for his leadership and for being an influential voice for Pennsylvania anglers and boaters during the past year,” said Pastore.

In accepting the appointment, Pastore stated, “It has been an honor to represent the Board in the northwest region and I am humbled for the opportunity to now serve as President.  In this expanded role, I’m excited to work even more closely with my fellow Commissioners, including Vice President Mahn, Executive Director Schaeffer, and staff, to help guide the agency’s mission across the Commonwealth.”

Pastore cited several goals for the coming year, including finalizing the PFBC’s Trout Management Plan, obtaining additional public access to our waterways, improving partnerships with our fellow wildlife and conservation agencies, simplifying fishing and boating regulations, and improving overall customer service.

John Mahn, Jr. was elected as Vice President.  Mahn, who serves as District 2 Commissioner, replaces Pastore as Vice President.  Both Pastore and Mahn will serve one-year terms through July 2025.  William Gibney will remain on the Board and continue to serve as District 7 Commissioner.

Special Announcements

The PFBC’s remaining quarterly business meeting in 2024 is scheduled for the following dates at the PFBC headquarters located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110:

• October 21-22, 2024

Meeting times will be announced at a later date.