PENNSYLVANIA

PENNSYLVANIA
Officials plan to collectsamples for CWD testing
HARRISBURG -- While there continues to be no known cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, joined by veterinarians and laboratory technicians from the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of agriculture, is stepping up its efforts next week to verify that fact.
"Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that it stays that way," said Vern Ross, game commission executive director. "We are planning to collect samples from 4,000 hunter-killed deer to have tested for CWD. Last year, we tested samples from nearly 2,000 deer, all of which were negative for CWD.
Legislative package
By a 46-1 vote, the Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation that would increase operating revenues for the state's fishing and boating programs. The measure, House Bill 2155, has already passed the House and now goes to Gov. Edward Rendell for signature. When signed into law, the increase will go into effect Jan. 1.
The bill provides much-needed operating revenue for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission through modest increases in the fees charged for fishing licenses and boat registrations.
HB 2155 also includes new forms of licenses and permits including a Lake Erie stamp, a combo Lake Erie/trout stamp and charter boat/fishing guide permits.
Unlike most state agencies, the PFBC does not receive General Fund tax revenues for its day-to-day operations, relying instead almost exclusively on the revenues generated from registration and license sales.
BOATING
Skills, seamanshipto be taught in Jan.
This year the boating skills and seamanship course for power boaters will be taught for six and 12 consecutive weeknights starting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Hubbard High School cafeteria. The cost for course material is $25.
These courses are taught by certified USCG Auxiliary Instructors, who are also local powerboat and sailboat skippers. The program has an excellent national reputation, and has been part of the community for many years.
If you would like to volunteer or to find out more about the Boating Safety Classes call your local USCG Auxiliary Flotilla: Ed Straub at (330) 727-3005, Ray Calzo at (330) 799-8744, Jerry Crowe at (330) 534-1123 and George Davis at (330) 337-7742.