A Sportsmen’s Forum – How Resource First and Anglers and Boaters Can Help Shape the Future of Fishing and Boating in Pennsylvania
(Room Seminar Room 1)
03 Feb 18
10:00 AM
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12:00 PM
The PA Fish & Boat Commission’s (PFBC) mission is to protect, conserve and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide recreational fishing and boating opportunities. Our Commonwealth’s aquatic resources are as varied as the recreational users who enjoy them. As the Commonwealth trustee for these resources, the PFBC applies a Resource First philosophy in their management since the foundation for sustainable fisheries is clean water and healthy habitats. Commission staff will present an overview of existing programs and discuss the current financial state of affairs of the agency. 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. This forum will provide an opportunity for anglers, boaters and conservation partners to provide their thoughts and opinions about how to best conserve the aquatic resources of our Commonwealth while creating more opportunities for fishing and boating recreation in the Keystone State. The information learned will be used to inform a new agency Strategic Plan which will meet the expectations of PA anglers and boaters.