Annual Fly Tying Class Registration Closed

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The Chapter will be holding its annual fly tying class starting February 5, 2019 and running through March 26, 2019. We had set the class size at 24 students and we reached that number within a short time of advertising the class and can not accept any more registrations.

We will have an update in the March issue of the Susquehanna Ripples and we want to thank everyone who signed up for the class.

 

Introductory Message From New Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer: It’s Great To Be Back!

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“Timothy D. Schaeffer, the new Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission, penned this introductory message that appeared in the January/February Pennsylvania Angler & Boater magazine, along with a great photo of his 2 sons Erik and Kurt enjoying the water–


      It is great to be back. As a bit of background, I worked at the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) from April 2008 until December 2017 before leaving to serve at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP).
     When people asked why I went to work at PA DEP and why I returned to PFBC, the answer is the same—to make the biggest difference possible in the conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.
     That is my reason for getting into this field in the first place, and the chance to serve the Commonwealth in my current capacity is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a team of talented, dedicated professionals and volunteers who believe in the agency’s mission to protect, conserve, and enhance aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.
     Some of the hallmarks of a good mission statement are that it is concise, easy to remember and captures the essence of the agency. Ours certainly meets those criteria, and we implement it while keeping the Resource First.
     Thank you to the Board of Commissioners for entrusting me with the implementation of that mission.
     During the interview process, I was asked about my vision for the future of PFBC. I will repeat what I told the Commissioners.
     It can be broken down into complementary categories: one is related to its employees and another is connected to how the agency serves the resources and people with whom it interacts.
     The ultimate success of PFBC—and of any organization— lies in the strength of its workforce.
     My vision is of PFBC staff members who possess expertise in their respective fields, are equipped with the financial resources and tools to carry out their jobs, have a clear direction about the priorities of the organization, and who feel they are valued by the agency.
     I envision and am committed to a culture in which they feel motivated to come to work every day.
     Thank you to PFBC’s staff for everything they do and for the opportunity to become a member of their team. They work diligently both in the public eye and behind the scenes, and it is a real honor and privilege to be working alongside them to identify and advance the agency’s conservation, recreation and public safety priorities on behalf of Pennsylvania’s anglers, boaters and aquatic resources.
     On the outside, I see other agencies, legislators, sportsmen’s and conservation groups, citizens, and businesses looking to PFBC as a trusted source for science-based data about the aquatic resources it serves.
     I envision fish, reptiles and amphibians being protected by data-driven decisions and first-rate Waterways Conservation Officers and Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers who enforce natural resource laws and continue to be leaders in aquatic resource conservation, water rescue and boating safety.
     I see anglers and boaters relying on and recognizing the role of PFBC in providing quality recreational experiences that are supported by nationally recognized fishing and boating opportunities and well-maintained infrastructure.
     These visions are connected and will result in the continuation of an independent PFBC that is relevant, respected and sustainable.
     As part of the application process, I was also asked about my leadership style. I told the Commissioners that one of the guiding principles I use at work and in life is to assume good intentions.
     In an era of increasing cynicism, people often default to negative assumptions about why someone is or is not doing something.
     This should not be confused with being naïve; rather, it means starting from a position of understanding why another person may be taking a course of action and working toward a mutually beneficial solution.
     With that underlying assumption as a backdrop, I will work as hard and as diligently as possible each day to advance PFBC’s mission.
     To close this introductory message, please accept this sincere thank you to you and every other angler, boater and person who cares about Pennsylvania’s incredible outdoor world and for being a part of what we do.
     You and your passion for the resource sustain the momentum for conservation at a time when competing activities and demands distract many away from what makes Pennsylvania such a special place.
     It is a real pleasure to be back with the agency and to have the chance to work with you.

           

For more information about programs, educational resources, grants and initiatives of the agency, visit the Fish and Boat Commission website.  Click Here to buy your fishing license to support Commission programs.  Click Here to get on Commission social media, get the Commission app and to receive press releases.”

above is taken from http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2019/01/introductory-message-from-new-fish-boat.html

Fishing Skills Instructor Course to be held at Lycoming College

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Register at  https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/136237

 

Date Time
Thursday, January 31, 2019 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Located at:

Keiper Recreation Center

Intersection of Mulberry St & Little Legue Blvd
Williamsport, PA 17701
Room: Keiper Recreation Center Park@Natatorium Lot

About the Event:

This Fishing Skills Instructor (FSI) course is designed to teach experienced, adult, anglers how to teach basic fishing skills and aquatic ecology. Certified instructors then teach “SMART” Angler classes and Family Fishing Programs.
This is an excellent training for those involved in any organization that provides fishing programs!
REQUIRED – Those interested in attending must bring their current Fishing License with them. This is needed to complete the instructor certification form.

ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA FISHING PROGRAMS:

The Pennsylvania Fishing programs are introductory programs in fishing and conservation of Pennsylvania’s waterways. These programs provide very basic fishing skills and background information. The two programs are the SMART Angler Program and the Family Fishing Program.

 PENNSYLVANIA FISHING PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the programs are to:

  1. To teach basic skills, equipment, techniques and the safety of freshwater fishing in Pennsylvania.
  2. To develop an understanding of the state’s aquatic ecosystems.
  3. To foster an appreciation of the state’s aquatic resources.
  4. To encourage the wise use of the state’s water resources.
  5. To create an awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS)

 FISHING PROGRAMS INCLUDE INSTRUCTION ON THE FOLLOWING:

  • types of fish found in Pennsylvania
  • fish habitats
  • safety
  • equipment
  • outdoor manners and protecting our water resources
  • basic fishing skills and practice using them!
  • knowledge on aquatic invasive species

The Northcentral PA Conservancy is working with Firetree Place, the PFBC and the family of Dave Colley to hold this event in Dave’s memory.  Dave passed away in November 2017 and was a longtime employee of St. Croix Rods, past Director and Trout Kickoff Chairman for our Chapter, and a dedicated fisherman.

Please register for this class in honor of Dave and for every class you teach or assist in, Dave’s memory and passion for fishing will continue on. 

 

Fly Tying Class to be held

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     The Chapter will be holding its annual fly tying class starting February 5, 2019 and running through March 26, 2019. The class’s are free and open to the public and will be held weekly from at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Tuesday evenings at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church (807 W. 4th Street, Williamsport-parking and entrance is off Campbell Street). The course will include and instruction manual, all the tools and materials needed to tie your flies during each session. If you have your own tools, you are more than welcome to bring them with you.

     Beginners and all skill levels are welcomed and instructors will include notable local fly tiers. We have been fortunate to have had some great instructors in the past and will have them again this year.

     Class size is limited to 24 students and is first come first serve. Last years class filled up quickly and was a big success. You can register by sending an email to susquehannatu@gmail.com and we need know the names of everyone you are registering, their experience levels, and contact information (email and phone number). You can also register by calling Walt Nicholson at 570-447-3600.

Annual Watershed Summit to be held

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The public is invited to come and learn about the volunteer efforts and beneficial projects accomplished by our area’s many watershed groups, conservation organizations, and agencies during 2018 and their upcoming plans for 2019. Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited is hosting this annual meeting of area watershed associations, public officials, and conservation organizations which help to preserve, protect, and enhance our area streams and watersheds. Each year, these groups have carried out projects including improving stream habitat, stabilizing stream banks, monitoring water quality, and educating land owners and the public about watershed issues and best practices. All are invited to hear about this important work and how to get involved. The meeting will be held at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (807 West Fourth Street- enter off of Campbell St.- in Williamsport) on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:00 PM.