March 12 Chapter Meeting: Conservancy, Fish Commission Seek Public Participation in Assessing Streams

The public and local Watershed Associations are invited to attend the monthly meeting of Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at E. Third and Mulberry Streets, Williamsport.  Bob Weber of the PA Fish & Boat Commission and Renae Hodorowicz of the Western PA Conservancy will give a presentation on a public participation program for assisting with the identification of unassessed streams in our area. They will discuss results of the program and how citizens can report information on high quality streams which may be candidates for monitoring and assessment by the PF&BC staff and partnering colleges.  The Unassessed Waters Initiative has been successful in identifying cold water streams which are home to naturally reproducing populations of brook trout and qualify these streams for increased protection from degradation. Over 50% of the streams surveyed so far under the program have been found to support brook trout.  This could be a great opportunity to help with protecting some of your favorite fishing spots.  For more information, visit the PF&BC website at http://fishandboat.com/unassessedwaters.htm.