Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Each year, on average, 700 people die in boating-related accidents nationwide. Nearly 80 percent of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. In Pennsylvania, 17 boaters died in 2014 as a result of recreational boating accidents and only three of them were wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

National Safe Boating Week is scheduled each year as the first full week before Memorial Day weekend, which is often thought of as the unofficial start of warm weather and the boating season in Pennsylvania. Boaters should note that:

• Boats must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) life jacket on board for each person.
• Children 12 years of age and younger must wear their life jackets while underway on any boat 20 feet or less in length and on all canoes and kayaks.

Boaters can demonstrate their personal commitment to wearing a life jacket by visiting the PFBC website and submitting the online “Wear It Pennsylvania!” pledge form. The pledge form and a special video by PFBC Executive Director John Arway touting the importance of life jackets can be found at: http://www.fishandboat.com/wear-it-message.htm.

Wear It Pennsylvania! Pledge

I believe that life jackets save lives, and that drowning fatalities related to boating accidents would be dramatically reduced if more boaters wore life jackets. I pledge to: Know how my life jacket works and keep it in good condition. Encourage others to wear a life jacket while boating. Tell other boaters about new life jacket styles. Boat safely and responsibly at all times. And, “Wear It!” while boating.

The above information was taken from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissions website.

Link to PA Fish and Boat Commission Safe Boating Week:  http://fishandboat.com/safeboatingweek.htm

2015 LCWA Zeidler Memorial Cane Pole Fishing Derby

The LCWA is proud to announce the 2015 Zeidler Memorial Cane Pole Fishing Derby to be held on Monday May 25, 2015 at Rose Valley Lake. The Derby will begin at 8:00 AM and end at Noon with door prizes and awards presented at that time. While the derby is aimed at participants under the age of 16 years, everyone (including first-time “fishers”) is invited to attend. Contest prizes and awards will be limited to those 16 years …old and younger. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or someone acting on their behalf. The Derby requires that all contestants use an official LCWA “Cane Pole” fishing rod during the derby. The Derby Registration will take place at the Lake’s North Access off of Lake Road. All participants upon registering will receive a fishing pack containing a cane pole, line, hooks, bobber, and bait. Other fishing equipment can be used with the exception of mechanical reels and marine electronics (fish and depth finders, etc.).

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.  The nationally recognized day pays homage to law enforcement officials and honors those who have been killed in the line of duty.

     Everyone at the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited wants to recognize Waterways Conservation Officer’s Anothony Beers and Emmett Kyler, their Deputies, and all Law Enforcement Personnel.  We know that job that you do is difficult at times, high stress, and can be extremely dangerous.  At the same time, many of us may take for granted the jobs that you do to keep us safe and to ensure that our sport is safe and can be enjoyed by all.

     We thank you for everything that you do and want you to know that your work and dedication is appreciated by all. 

THANK YOU!!!!! 

This Saturday, May 2, marks the start of spring gobbler season in Pennsylvania.  It is also trout season and a great time to be out fishing.  Many of us trek through the woods to get to a favorite spot on a mountain stream, while others fish streams near the woods.  Whatever the case, we want you to be safe.  Far too often, hunters do not identify their target and shoot at movement or a sound so here are some safety reminders for you:

• Wear an orange hat or something orange that can be seen from all directions.
• Make noise while moving about. Keep up a conversation with a hunting buddy or sing a song or whistle.
• If you happen to come across a hunter, avoid them and move away from them in the opposite direction.
• Above all else, use common sense and enjoy yourself outdoors.

Inflection Energy will be having a Community Fishing Day on Saturday May 30 at Rose Valley Lake.  Please click the link below to see their flyer about the event.

They have contacted the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited asking for help for this event.  The Volunteers would be helping teach the basics of fishing as well as guiding (helping them fish).  The Chapter is not involved with this event other than possibly supplying manpower.

If anyone does volunteer at this event, please contact Bob Baker at boblbaker@Comcast.net so that your hours can be documented for our year end report.

CFD Flyer

     This past weekend, a local Boy Scout Troop camped at Black Walnut Bottom on Pine Creek and fished Little Pine Lake on the first day of trout season.  Upon returning home, one of the Scouts found what he thought to be a tick on his thigh.  Upon further investigation by the Scoutmaster (who is a Doctor), he confirmed that it was indeed a tick. The tick was removed and a check of his gear and clothing did not reveal any other ticks.

     The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited wants to provide you some information on ticks so that you can protect yourself and friends / family. If there is ever any doubt, please contact your Doctor right away.

* Tick bites are usually painless and people are unaware they have been bitten and are only found by accident or by doing tick checks

* Ticks can be active at temperatures of 40 degrees F and higher.  Tick checks should be done year round and precautions taken to prevent them.

* After returning home from a day fishing or outdoors where ticks may be found, do a tick check and change your clothes.  Throw your clothing in a dryer on high heat as this will kill the any ticks  Take a shower and wash your hair.  This is a good time to do a tick check.

What should you do if you find a tick?

Blacklegged tick is the correct common name
for the tick popularly known as the “deer” tick.
Size relative to a dime is shown above.

     If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible.  This is done by using tweezers and grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible.  Once you have grasp it, pull it straight out.   Be sure to get a bath / shower afterwards and watch for signs of illness.

     Symptoms of lyme disease or illness associated with the tick bite may take days or weeks to occur, if they do.  Watch for a rash to develop around the bite area, flu like symptoms and any fevers that you may get.  If these occur, notify your Doctor immediately.  It is a good idea to notify your doctor that you were bitten by a tick to see if there is anything else you need to do.

Tips to reduce chances of tick bites

     Use a repellant that contains DEET.  These can be used for exposed skin.  When choosing a repellant, make sure that you read the label to make sure that it is good for ticks.  Many repellants on the market are only for mosquitos, etc and will not work against ticks.

     Find a repellant that contains permethrin (Duranon Tick Repellent, Repell Permanone, Cutter Outdoorsman Gear Guard, Permethrin Tick Repellant are a few examples).  These repellants can be sprayed on clothing and is not intended for the skin but make sure that you read the label and follow the manufactures instructions.

There will be a lot of research being conducted over the next few years within the Loyalsock Creek Watershed.  Please see the information below provided by Dr. Jonathon Miles of Susquehanna University.

Susquehanna University announced $70,000 in awards to five different organizations to support collaborative freshwater research. The funds are made possible through the university’s $2.25 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

The grant was awarded to Susquehanna in May 2014 to support the university’s Freshwater Research Initiative, which seeks to further understand the ecological issues impacting the Susquehanna River and its tributaries.

Additionally, the grant allows Susquehanna to financially support like-minded partner organizations whose work is also focused on the health of the river.

“This is a funding opportunity that is typically only available through state government agencies or major research universities,” said Jonathan Niles, director of Susquehanna’s Freshwater Research Initiative. “Susquehanna University appreciates the opportunity to create these research partnerships and spread the impact of support this very important work we are all doing.”

This year’s inaugural recipients are:

• Shawn Rummel, Trout Unlimited, $19,000, to evaluate cold-water habitat fragmentation caused by inadequate stream-crossing structures in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Bureau of Forestry, Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association, Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies and local municipalities.
• Megan Kepler Schall, Penn State University, $13,500, to investigate the genetic population structure of smallmouth bass in the Susquehanna River basin in collaboration with the state Fish and Boat Commission, state Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Susquehanna University.
• Ty Wagner, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Penn State University, $12,500, to study the population genetic structure of brook trout in the Loyalsock Creek watershed in collaboration with the state Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association and Susquehanna University.
• Molly Mehling and Ryan Utz, Chatham University, $9,800, to establish a regional approach to long-term monitoring and modeling of temperatures in Pennsylvanian headwater streams in collaboration with Susquehanna University.
• Peter Petokas, Lycoming College, $7,900, to conduct a baseline assessment of streamside salamander communities in headwater streams of the Loyalsock Creek watershed.
• Matt McTammany, Bucknell University, $7,300, to study the effects of sedimentation from natural gas development on stream ecosystem processes in collaboration with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Lycoming College and Lock Haven University.

In 2011, the Susquehanna River was named the most endangered in the nation by the nonprofit group American Rivers. Communities and businesses depend on the river for commerce, hydropower generation, and recreational fishing and boating.

Ongoing Research

Susquehanna University faculty and students continue to work on the university’s Freshwater Research Initiative. Projects currently underway include:

• Susquehanna River: Investigation of rusty crayfish density and diet; long-term data collection of algae and other aquatic life; detailed studies of the red-backed salamander; investigation of riparian ground spider communities as a potential source for mercury mobilization between food-chains
• Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming County: Long-term data collection of trout populations, other aquatic life and water quality
• Faylor Lake, Snyder County: Use of ground-penetrating radar to assess sediment load
• Surveys of more than 150 streams as part of the statewide Fish and Boat Commission’s Unassessed Waters Initiative

Part of the $2.25 million Richard King Mellon Foundation grant is being used to create Susquehanna’s Freshwater Research Initiative Laboratory, slated to open later this spring.

The center, located in a renovated dairy barn just beyond Susquehanna’s athletic fields on Sassafras Street, Selinsgrove, will serve as a home for the research initiative.

“The Freshwater Research Initiative has had a productive first 10 months of activity, and we’re delighted to welcome these new research partners to our team,” Niles said. “The data we’re accumulating will be a rich resource to help inform decisions that affect environmental and economic policy, as well as communities and individuals for whom the health of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay is an ongoing concern.”

With Trout season only a few days away, we will start going through our gear (if we have not already started) seeing what’s broken or what we don’t need or use. As you do, please keep the Chapter in mind and consider donating your unused, unwanted, and even broken items to the Chapter. We will use these things in Chapter programs, sell them to raise funds for Chapter activities, or donate them to an individual or organization in need.  We will take your broken items and attempt to fix them or keep the parts to be used elsewhere. Every little bit of equipment helps us to meet our goals and continue working toward TU’s mission.

The Susquehanna Chapter received a very large donation of fly tying materials from the former E. Hille Fly shop on April 9.  Walt Nicholson and Dave Craig spent three hours sorting through a storage unit full of materials with Ken Beane, the owner of E. Hille.  The materials were retrieved after the disastrous fire several years ago which caused the shop to close.  The fly tying materials and associated items were taken in 3 full truck loads.  The items are being stored at the First Presbyterian Church and on April 10, Bill O’Connor. Kevin McJunkin, Walt Nicholson, and Dave Craig began sorting and surveying this tremendous donation.  Included in this donation are large quantities of tying materials, many packaged bulk items, many nice carrying bags or all descriptions, and some clothing.  Many more hours will be needed to completely sort out the materials.

We have also received three bass fishing rods and reels from John Konkle of Muncy.

The Chapter wants to thank both Ken Beane and John Konkle for their very generous donations

The Chapter is very excited at all the donations that we have received over the last few years.  We are looking at additional ways to market our inventory in order to generate funds and we will be letting you know as soon as we have made some definite plans.  The future is very exciting but the hard work lies ahead of sorting the materials (both recently donated and things we already have) and writing everything down so that we have an accurate idea as to what we have.

If you would like to help in sorting or by making a donation, please contact any of the Officer’s listed under the About Us page.  We will be out fishing now but will look to do some work inside when the weather does not allow us to be out fishing.

The Pennsylvania Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day is tomorrow and everyone at the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited hopes that you will be able to take a youth (or more than one) out for the day.  We all know the thrill of getting a trout on the end of our line and the many great experiences we have while being outdoors and on the stream.  Please consider taking one of your kids, a neighbors kid, nieces and nephews, or friends kids.

It is important to get kids outdoors and to experience what our great state has to offer.  Kids of today have to many other distractions and activities that keep them indoors and away from nature and the many sports of the outdoors.

Please share any stories or pictures of your day tomorrow with us.  We would love to see stories written by the kids themselves.  We will post them on our website and may use some of them in our newsletter. Remember kids are our future and we need to get them outdoors.

Please keep in mind a few guidelines given by the Fish and Boat Commission:

1. All approved Trout Waters in Pennsylvania are open for mentored youth (does not include special regulation areas)
2. The times of the season are 8 am thru 730 pm
3. Adults (16 years old and older) are required to have a fishing license and trout stamp.
4. Youths (15 years old and younger) are required to have a mentored youth fishing permit or a voluntary fishing license and be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
5. The Fish Commission receives approximately $5 for every voluntary youth fishing license sold.

Please see the PA Fishing and Boat commission website for more information (http://fishandboat.com/MentoredYouth.htm)

This is a news release issued by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission on April 3, 2015

HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 3) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced today that it has withdrawn a proposal to change the Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only (DHALO) regulations after receiving public comments overwhelmingly opposed to the measure.

The PFBC Board of Commissioners approved the withdrawal of the proposal and the end of the public comment period in a vote conducted this week.

“The DHALO program is a stocked trout program, and social factors play a critical role in how the program is managed,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “The proposed changes were designed to do two things: first, maximize the harvest of stocked trout before stream temperatures increase to lethal levels and, second, increase the opportunity for kids to catch fish.”

“The proposed changes generated much public comment in which questions were posed that would require substantial staff time and effort to fully answer,” he added. “Therefore, we believe that we need to withdraw this idea and focus on identifying other changes where we can more easily accomplish these objectives.”

Approved at the PFBC’s January 2015 quarterly business meeting, the proposal included the following:

• Move the start of the trout harvest period from June 15 to the Saturday before Memorial Day.
• Allow the use of bait by all anglers during the trout harvest period.
• Allow youth anglers under the age of 16 to use bait year-round in DHALO areas.
• Change the minimum length limit from 9 inches to 7 inches.

As of March 31, the agency had received 343 comments, with all but five opposed to the proposal. A main concern expressed by the individuals was the use of bait during the harvest period.

First launched in 1983, the DHALO program is designed to make more stocked trout available later in the season. The current regulations allow harvest only between June 15 and Labor Day, have a minimum size limit of nine inches, and a creel limit of three fish. The waters are open to fishing year-round.

Media Contact
Eric Levis, Press Secretary
717.705.7806
elevis@pa.gov