PA Fish and Boat Commission to Make Case for Severance Tax

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director John Arway will be the featured speaker at a special evening program being hosted by the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Clean Water Institute of Lycoming College to discuss Marcellus Shale.  The event will take place at 7 p.m. on September 22 in Room D-001 of the Academic Center on the Lycoming College campus. 

Joining Mr. Arway at the meeting will be William Worobec, president of the PFBC Board of Commissioners. Mr. Worobec represents the Commission’s 5th District, which includes Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.

Mr. Arway will offer the Fish and Boat Commission’s perspective on the current and potential impacts of Marcellus development to aquatic resources, fishing and boating.  He will explain the Commission’s role as it relates to enforcing pollution laws and advising on Marcellus activities and make the case for enactment of the proposed severance tax.  He will also describe the authority to enforce water pollution laws vested in the Commission as far back as 1909 and the important roles that Commission staff continues to play in making sure that Marcellus and other projects are designed and implemented with as little impact to the resource as possible.  

Mr. Arway will explain how the Fish and Boat Commission wants to help the industry protect our waters and habitats and comply with the environmental laws that the General Assembly promulgates.  Most people do not realize that the Commission relies almost entirely on fishing licenses, boat registrations, and federal funding tied to fishing and boating to pay for everything it does.  This includes trying to keep pace and stay ahead of the curve on the current and projected impacts of Marcellus development to fishing, boating, and the resources the Commission is entrusted to protect.

In a sneak preview of his talk, Mr. Arway noted, “If we received a portion of a severance tax, we could take a collaborative approach with both the industry and the other agencies that are reviewing and advising on projects.  Ultimately, we would like to have Commission staff in position to spend the necessary time reviewing and commenting on projects, working in the field with developers and other agencies and enforcing the water pollution laws of the Commonwealth to make sure our resources are protected. I truly believe that the public expect that service from us, and the resources under our jurisdiction depend upon it to survive.”

Mismanagement Imperils Trout

With the National Weather Service forecasting high temperatures for the Upper Delaware River Region approaching or reaching 90 degrees through next Thursday, the Upper Delaware River can find itself in peril of over-heated river temperatures threatening the survival and health of its wild trout population.

Similar crisis of high water temperatures earlier most of the summer have already taken a major toll on the Main Stem brown and rainbow trout that that have called this river home for more than 100 years.

It's not the high temperatures alone that create this peril, but the continued mismanagement of this National Wild and Scenic River by the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and its adherence to its adoption of a proven failed river management plan known as the Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP). Low releases throughout most of the summer, followed by erratic high releases, then drops to lower releases are harmful to the trout and the environment.

What is needed, and what leading environmental groups and fisheries agencies are advocating for a robust fishery, is a constant release that will keep the water temperature at Lordville on the Mainstem under 68F degrees. It has been proven that this can be accomplished without jeopardizing the NYC water supply.  Even the authors of the current plan now admit to major short comings and yet the water authorities refuse to make any changes.

Inaction has resulted in serious degradation of the riverine ecosystem and not only places the trout at harm but many other fish species and benthic wildlife.  It's time, once and for all, for the complete revamping and modernization of the management plan to take into account the health of the river corridor and its fish life and the millions of people that live downstream.  The Delaware River is the longest free flowing, un-dammed river, east of the Mississippi.

It's no wonder that American Rivers, a leading river environmental group placed the Upper Delaware River #1 on its list of imperiled rivers this year.

Fly Fishing Hall of Fame 2010

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (CFFCM) is proud to present the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame Class of 2010 to be honored in a ceremony and dinner at the CFFCM at 3 PM on October 9, 2010.

The new inductees are: Louis Rhead, Jack Gartside, John Randolph, and Art Lee.

Read the complete story on the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museums website:
www.cffcm.net

Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) Annual Membership Drive

The Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is holding their annual membership drive.  Below is a letter from Dan Plummer, Chairman of the Board of FUDR highlighting some of the accomlpishments and goals of FUDR.

Membership in FUDR is available in several levels:
Individual: $35.00
Family: $60.00
Patron: $100.00
Sponsor: $250.00
Benefactor: $500.00
Grand Benefactor: $1000.00

An easy online membership application can be found at: http://fudr.org/?page_id=38

FUDR started the 2010 season with our third annual One Bug™ fundraiser, held again this year in Hancock. It was bigger and better than ever. Fourteen teams competed, and with your help we raised more than $52,000 to benefit the local economy and support FUDR’s work protecting the fishery and habitat. Many healthy wild rainbows and browns were caught and CPR was performed on all fish: Catch, Photograph and Release. Thanks again to our loyal friends who joined us in this great way of celebrating the new season.

FUDR hired its first employee in January 2010. Sherri Resti of Hancock has joined our team as Executive Secretary. She has already proven to be a huge help in making FUDR operate more effectively and efficiently.

With summer comes the sad reality that the Upper Delaware continues to be subjected to the government’s mismanagement. FUDR remains the leader in challenging officials in our ongoing effort to protect and improve the world-class wild trout fishery on the West Branch, East Branch and Main stem of the Delaware River, while also addressing flood mitigation for the safety of local residents and visitors to the area.

Our greatest challenge is still addressing the inappropriately named Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP). Implemented in September 2007, the program’s shortcomings have become more apparent as time goes by. We have seen little “flexibility,” and we have yet to see any beneficial “flow.” The FFMP simply does not provide the consistent cold-water bottom releases the wild rainbows, brown trout and insect life need to survive. The rivers have recently experienced two stretches in which water temperatures soared into the high 70’s and low 80’s from Hancock to Callicoon. And while the fragile river ecosystem was starved for cold water, the reservoirs that supply the East and West Branches of the Delaware sat at above 90 percent capacity. This simply does not make sense. With water temperatures soaring due to the flawed plan, countless insects were killed, habitat was destroyed and lives of all trout and wildlife disrupted.

FUDR has formed strong partnerships with other conservation groups and several anti-flooding interest groups to contest the current FFMP. FUDR called on the parties responsible for the faulty water release plan to overhaul the program to insure the safety of the residents along the river and to protect the fishery and habitat. Along with your efforts, FUDR helped stop the final approval of the FFMP, and FUDR hopes to be an integral part of the team designing a new release plan that will actually work.

The protection of our wild rainbow trout is a big concern. According to New York State catch records, the population of the rainbows has significantly dropped in recent years. The decline is attributed to high summer water temperatures in the Main stem and the loss of crucial spawning habitat in our tributaries. FUDR’s One Bug™ annual fundraiser over the last three years has raised nearly $100,000. We have committed to spending the majority of these funds on restoring Sands and Cadosia Creeks. FUDR, the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Delaware County and the Town of Hancock have partnered to protect the lives and property of local residents and our precious wild rainbow and brown trout through continued stream restoration efforts in our area.

FUDR has taken a strong stand to protect residents and our resources from the threats of hydrofacking in the Marcellus Shale formation. We feel the industry is not ready to drill safely in our communities and the threats far out way the benefits at this time. FUDR agrees with many other residents and environmental organizations that the gas industry is not ready to drill in our basin safely and we will do all we can to prevent an accident that could cause harm to our health or pollute our waters.

We have hard work ahead if we are to meet our goals, and we need your help! Your donations, ideas and efforts are crucial as we try to convince government agencies that, when smartly managed, there is ample water available to satisfy all downstream users while allowing our fishery to reach its full potential. We are closer than ever to getting a release plan in place that will work, so continued diligence is crucial at this critical stage. I would like to thank all of you who have helped FUDR in the past and welcome all willing to help us in the future. We can’t do this alone, so please join us in protecting this amazing resource.

I am sure this letter contains too much information for some and not enough for others. Please know that I am personally available by email or phone to address any concerns or questions you may have. I’m always willing to listen. FUDR has extremely dedicated board members who receive no financial compensation for the countless hours they spend on this work. No other organization understands the needs of the Upper Delaware River better than FUDR. With your help, we can continue to fight valiantly for the health and safety of local residents, visitors and our beloved Delaware River system.

FUDR is a non-profit 501c-3 organization so please consider a tax-deductible donation; anything you can do will help. Please visit the FUDR web site at www.fudr.org for more information. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Dan Plummer, Chairman of the Board
Friends of the Upper Delaware River
catskilldan@mac.com
607-363-7848

Mid August 2010 Upper Delaware River Fishing Report

Releases from Cannonsville Reservoir on the West Branch of the Delaware have been very consistent for the past two weeks with releases exceeding 1,000 CFS.  These heavy releases have resulted in the Main Stem of the Delaware becoming cold enough to trout fish almost as far down river as Callicoon.

Hatches have been good on most days with overcast and partly cloudy days providing dry fly fishing almost all day long on the West Branch.  Flies hatching are tricos, olives, some sulfurs, Cahills and isonychia.  As the end of the month nears, flying ants should start showing up in big numbers. These ants are readily eaten by the trout and run from a size 10 to 22 in both black and brown/cinnamon.

When there is no apparent insect activity fish can be taken on nymphs and streamers.  Pheasant tail nymphs, copper Johns and princes are good go to flies for nymphs and white zonkers and woolly buggers should turn some heads when streamer fishing.

Smallmouth bass fishing on the Delaware has been very good to excellent.  On the fly rod, Clouser's, woolly buggers, meat sticks, zonkers and various saltwater style streamers have all been working well.  Poppers and sliders bring their share of fish to the surface.  For the spin or bait caster, sienko's, swim jigs, tube jigs, stick baits, jerk baits and surface lures all produce well.  This time of year the bass start to key on the thousands of baby shad in the river so choosing a size and color become easier but don't hesitate to change if the action slows.

Our weekly fishing report for the Upper Delaware can be found at: Delaware River Report

Real time water flow date along with other information can be found here:  Delaware River Water Flow Data

The Nature Conservancy in Delaware - Delaware River Basin

The Nature Conservancy in Delaware - Delaware River Basin

The Delaware River begins its 400-plus-mile journey in New York’s Catskill Mountains, where cool springs establish the river’s East and West branches. Further south, the branches meet in Hancock, New York to form one of the only free-flowing major rivers remaining in the eastern United States.

With more than 300 miles designated “wild and scenic,” the Delaware is a river of tremendous biological, economic and cultural significance. Nearly 20 million people along the East Coast rely on its water for drinking and industrial purposes. They share the resource with shad, sturgeon, eel and other species that migrate through the river. Anglers and kayakers enjoy the Delaware’s scenic beauty, protected in places by five national park properties.

Read the rest at: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/delaware/preserves/art31831.html

Stream Surveillance Training in Marcellus Shale Region

Trout Unlimited Provides Stream Surveillance Training to Pa. Members in Marcellus Shale Region

For Immediate Release:
Contact:
Deb Nardone, Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (814) 359-5233
Trout Unlimited Provides Stream Surveillance Training to Pa. Members in Marcellus Shale Region
Anglers will learn how to conduct water quality assessments.

Pleasant Gap, Pa.-- Trout Unlimited (TU) and its Pennsylvania Council have initiated a new program to train Pa. volunteers to use stream surveillance activities that monitor the impacts of Marcellus Shale development on streams where gas drilling is occurring.

Aimed at monitoring water quality in rivers and streams throughout Pennsylvania’s Marcellus region, the program will train volunteers to become part of its Coldwater Conservation Corps (CCC), a group that will serve as stream stewards.  They will conduct routine surveillance and monitoring of local waters by taking water samples, measuring stream flow and conducting visual assessments.

“Protecting coldwater fisheries is an integral part of TU’s mission and with over 11,000 TU members in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to take an active role in stream surveillance activities throughout the Marcellus Shale region,” said Elizabeth Maclin, TU’s Vice President for Eastern Conservation.  “As gas drilling activities increase, so does the potential for accidents and errors. It’s important to train anglers and other sportsmen and women to be the eyes and ears in their home waters,” Maclin said.

TU will conduct a series of these trainings throughout the Marcellus region. The first training for TU volunteers was held on July 17 in Emporium, Pa.  Additional trainings will be scheduled this fall.

Rivers and streams face numerous risks from drilling and extraction of gas, including increased erosion and sedimentation, water quantity and quality impacts due to water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing and potential contamination problems associated with wastewater.

“We want to ensure that sportsmen and women play an integral role in preventing the destruction of important headwater habitats—the places where we fish and hunt,” said Dave Rothrock, president of TU’s Pennsylvania Council. “We must make sure that these rivers and streams remain healthy for future generations.” 

TU is piloting the program in the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed through a grant from the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council and its Sinnemahoning Watershed Grant Program.  Additional funding provided by The Heinz Endowments will allow TU to implement the program statewide. 

The Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion.
For additional information about the TU CCC program, contact Deb Nardone at (814) 359-5233 or dnardone@coldwaterheritage.org [1].