After seeking public input, the Commission passed the prohibition of bass fishing tournaments on the West Branch, North Branch and main stem of the Susquehanna River that permit the killing of black bass. This prohibition was generated in response to angler concerns about organized events that focus on taking black bass, especially at a time when agency biologists and bass fishermen have concerns about the relatively weak reproduction of young smallmouth bass in parts of the river system in recent years. The amendment does not apply to tournament harvest of species other than black bass.

In a related action, the Commission authorized funding of up to $200,000 from the Fish Fund to conduct a study of the water quality of the Susquehanna River.

With respect to other regulatory matters, the Commission:

• Amended the definition of boating safety education certificates and the criteria for courses of instruction in boating safety education.
• Changed the upper limit of the slow, no-wake zone on the Allegheny River from the Fort Wayne (Norfolk Southern) Bridge to the 9th Street Bridge.
• Approved the publication of a proposed wind power policy to address wind energy project development and its potential to significantly impact species under the Commission’s jurisdiction and their habitats.
• Approved a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing a special regulation for Approved Trout Waters Open to Year-Round Fishing.
• Approved a notice of proposed rulemaking amending special regulations applicable to Lake Erie tributary streams that provide that from 12:01 a.m. on the day after Labor Day until the first Saturday after April 11 of the following year, these streams are closed to fishing from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. on the following day except for Walnut Creek north of Manchester Road Bridge and Elk Creek north of Route 5.

In other action, the Commission:

• Authorized the Executive Director to allocate up to $100,000 for the decommissioning of the Big Spring State Fish Hatchery, Cumberland County.
• Authorized the acquisition of property rights along Elk Creek in Girard Township, Erie County.
• Authorized the acquisition of property rights along Tea Creek in Brown Township, Mifflin County.
• Approved grant monies for a number of projects.

The complete agenda, with additional background information on these items, can be found at the Agendas & Minutes section of the Commission’s web site.

• Notice of proposed rulemaking
• Boating safety education certificates
• Agendas & minutes
• Press release index