PFBC 2010 Press Release - Awards Presented at 3rd Quater Commission Meeting

Fish & Boat Commission Recognizes Co-Op Nurseries for Years of Service

July 13, 2010

Harrisburg, PA – Cooperative nurseries add more than 1 million fish to Commonwealth waterways annually, supplementing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) trout stocking program and increasing fishing opportunities in local communities. During an evening program Monday, the PFBC recognized these efforts by presenting appreciation awards to 15 clubs for service of 50 or more years.

“Cooperative nurseries are a critical component in the Commission’s stocking program,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “These volunteer organizations spend countless hours raising millions of fish and then stocking them so families in their communities have plenty of places to fish.”

Since 1932, the PFBC through the Cooperative Nursery Program has been partnering with groups such as sportsmen’s clubs to supplement the Commission’s stocking program. There are currently 168 cooperative nurseries in Pennsylvania operated by volunteers. In 2009, co-ops raised and stocked more than 1 million fish.

A complete list of co-op nurseries receiving awards appears below.

During today’s formal Commission meeting, Executive Director Arway presented awards to two commissioners. Commissioner Thomas C. Shetterly was recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication while serving as President of the PFBC from July 14, 2009, to July 13, 2010. Commissioner Richard W. Czop was recognized for his steadfast leadership and dedication while serving as Commissioner from 2002 to 2010.

Also, Mr. Arway and Commissioners congratulated Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) Scott Christman for being named the 2009 Officer of the Year by the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association. WCO Christman was recognized for his outstanding contribution to fish and wildlife law enforcement and protection of our country’s natural resources. Christman represents the Commission’s NE Region in southern Carbon County and southwestern Monroe County.

In addition, the Bureau of Law Enforcement was recognized by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves as a patriotic employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserves. The Commission has several officers actively serving in the National Guard and Reserves.

A complete copy of the meeting schedule and the full agenda for the meeting can be found on the Commission’s web site at www.fishandboat.com/minutes.htm. The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.

2010 Cooperative Nursery 50 & 75-Year Award Certificates

50 Year Award Certificate
Sponsor Organization	Date Established
Bald Eagle Sportsmen Club	1956
The Bald Eagle Sportsmen Club, located in Blair County, has been in the program for 54 years and annually raises 50,000 trout which they stock into 30 local waters in several counties. The current president and nursery manager is Tim Cristine.
Eldred Conservation Club	1956
The Eldred Conservation Club, located in McKean County, has been in the program for 54 years and annually raises 4,050 trout which they stock into three local waters. The current president is Orton Mayard and the nursery manager is Robert Cummings Jr.
Heath Township Sportsmen Club	1955
The Heath Township Sportsmen Club, located in Jefferson County, has been in the program for 55 years and annually raises 8,585 trout which they stock into five local waters. The current president is Donald E. Pisarchick Sr. and the nursery manager is Larry Aharrah.
Hi La Sportsmen Association	1952
The Hi La Sportsmen Association, located in Elk County, has been in the program for 58 years and annually raises 4,050 trout which they stock into two local waters. The current president and nursery manager is Emil Zuzek.
Jenner Community Sportsmen	1957
The Jenner Community Sportsmen, located in Somerset County, has been in the program for 53 years and annually raises 3,500 trout which they stock into three local waters. The current president is Scott Mitchell and the nursery manager is Doug Ashbrook.
Lititz Sportsmen Association	1956
The Lititz Sportsmen Association, located in Lancaster County, has been in the program for 54 years and annually raises 14,140 trout which they stock into 12 local waters. The current president is Phil McCloud and the nursery manager is Ronald Williams.
Millcreek Rod & Gun Club	1951
The Millcreek Rod & Gun Club, located in Lebanon County, has been in the program for 59 years and annually raises 9,600 trout which they stock into two local waters. The current president is Carl Gordon and the nursery manager is Scott Adams.
Mohnton Fish & Game Association	1956
The Mohnton Fish & Game Association, located in Berks County, has been in the program for 54 years and annually raises 4,050 trout which they stock into three local waters. The current president is Brian Keyser and the nursery manager is Larry Geiss.
Norwich Township Sportsmen Association	1959
The Norwich Township Sportsmen Association, located in Mckean County, has been in the program for 51 years and annually raises 5,050 trout which they stock into six local waters. The current president is Brian Lathrop and the nursery manager is Paul Lathrop.
Potter County Anglers Club	1960
The Potter County Anglers Club, located in Potter County, has been in the program for 50 years and has traditionally raised more than 30,000 trout annually, which they stock into 34 local waters. The current president is John Harmon and the nursery manager is Mark Lawyer.
Queen City Trout Rearing Committee	1951
The Queen City Trout Rearing Committee, located in Lehigh County, has been in the program for 59 years and annually raises 25,750 trout which they stock into four local waters. The current president is Harry Monk and the nursery manager is Michael Gilbert.
Saint Marys Sportsmen Club	1959
The Saint Marys Sportsmen Club, located in Elk County, has been in the program for 51 years and annually raises 4,600 trout which they stock into four local waters. The current president is Ed Miller and the nursery manager is John Dippold.
Springside Sportsmen Club	1955
The Springside Sportsmen Club, located in Lehigh County, has been in the program for 55 years and annually raises 3,030 trout which they stock into one local water. The current president and nursery manager is Lorne Palansky.
Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association	1951
The Western Clinton Sportsmen’s Association, located in Clinton County, has been in the program for 59 years and annually raises 13,130 trout which they stock into eight local waters. The current president is Ray Wertz and the nursery manager is Gene Lavelle.
75 Year Award Certificate
Sponsor Organization	Date Established
Windber Sportsmen Association	1932
The Windber Sportsmen Association, located in Somerset County, has been in the program for 78 years. They were one of the original sponsor members when the Cooperative Nursery Program was administered by the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. The PFBC took over the program in 1965. They annually raise 16,160 trout which they stock into six local waters. The current president is Jerry Berkey and the nursery manager is Stanley Custer.

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