House Bill 1576 to be discussed at the Loyalsock Creek Watershed Meeting Tuesday October 22, 2013

This is being passed on to you for your information.

“Hello, Everyone!

I have an update on what will be happening at our Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association meeting on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 pm at the Plunketts Creek Fire Hall in Barbours.  In addition to an up-date on on-going projects by Steve Szoke,  the Pa Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be sending a representative, Jim Schaeffer, to talk about the Endangered Species Coordination Act, also know as House Bill 1576.

I am concerned about this legislation for several reasons.  As you may know,  Dr. Jon Niles has been collecting data on our smallest un-named tributaries and finding that about half have native trout populations.  Dr. Niles submits the data to the PFBC, and in a timely fashion, these small tributaries with wild trout populations receive extra protection.

One of the consequences of HB 1576 is that it will take longer for wild trout streams to get protection.  Another consequence is that instead of the “experts” making the decision what and how threatened and endangered species are protected, “politics” gets thrown into the mix.  As the Bill is currently written, some of our wild trout streams may lose their protection.

This threat isn’t just about fish.  HB 1576 will change how all threatened and endangered species of animals in Pennsylvania are protected, including birds, reptiles and amphibians.

This threat isn’t about just animals either.  It is about flooding!  Part of protecting headwater streams involves maintaining the forests adjacent to the streams.  When forests get converted into impermeable surfaces, more water enters our streams even faster during heavy rains.  Our Watershed is prone to flooding and we need to do what we can to protect ourselves.

Please plan to attend this meeting.   Bring any friends who might be interested, and feel free to forward this email.

Sincerely,

Carol Kafer,  President”