Fish & Boat Commission To Hold 6 Forums On Conserving Aquatic Resources, Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities

The Fish and Boat Commission Tuesday announced it has scheduled a series of Sportsmen’s Forums across the state to solicit opinions from anglers and boaters on how the agency can best conserve aquatic resources while creating more opportunities for fishing and boating recreation.

The Forums will feature an overview of the agency’s existing programs and a discussion of its current financial state of affairs. A question and answer period will follow.

“Declining fishing license sales and boat registration fees coupled with increasing costs make it necessary to take a fresh look at redesigning the agency’s strategic plan,” said Executive Director John Arway. “The information learned will be used to help form a new agency strategic plan to meet the expectations of anglers and boaters.”

The forums are titled “A Sportsmen’s Forum – How Resource First and Anglers and Boaters Can Help Shape the Future of Fishing and Boating in Pennsylvania” and will be held at the following locations--

-- February 3: Great American Outdoor Show, Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, Seminar Room 1, 10:00;

-- February 17: Allegheny Outdoor, Sport & Travel Show, Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville, Stage 2, 10:00;

-- February 24: Fly-Fishing & Wing Shooting Expo, Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony, Striped Bass Room, 4:00;

-- March 3: Erie Sport & Travel Expo, Bayfront Convention Center, Erie, Room 140 ABC, 10:00;

-- March 10: Greater Philadelphia Boat Show, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, 10:00; and

-- March 17: Lycoming College, Williamsport, Heim Building, Room G-11, 10:00.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Fish and Boat Commission website.