THANK YOU for the article in PA Outdoor News. It shed more light on what’s going on. Now it’s time to let the Executive Director and the Fish Commissioners know what we think. All of them. I mistakenly thought letters should go to Glade Squires, but he’ll possibly ignore or trash them, as he asked if there was “any obligation to seek out public comment.” When the Fish Commission counsel’s answer was “not necessarily,” no call was made for public comment. Why, because in the past the public has said hands off special regulations areas. So please, let them have your thoughts . Some commissioners are clearly aware that the public should be consulted, and they are sensitive to public comment. I’m sending a hard copy letter to every commissioner, specifically thanking Len Lichvar for his courageous and intelligent stand. Heck, I’d campaign for him if he needed votes, and I may write the governor to note what a good job Lichvar is doing. I’ll thank Sabatose also for calling for public comment, and though I’ll provide a strong argument to Elliott against his support of Squires’ proposal, I’ll thank him for urging caution and asking for public feedback as well. The others will get a letter outlining the reasons for keeping stocked fish and bait out of the special regulations area.
John Arway, Executive Director 717-705-7801 (I’m writing and calling him).
Commissioners: Edward P. Mascharka III, Rocco S. Ali, William J. Sabatose, Leonard L. Lichvar, Eric C. Hussar, Norman R. Gavlick, G. Warren Elliott, Steven M. Ketterer, Glade Squires (I’ve written Squires; the others will get a letter now. Erik’s talking points above are helpful, and I’ll be respectful though thorough. I think letters sent to the HQ in Harrisburg will get to the right destination. )
Headquarters – Harrisburg
1601 Elmerton Avenue
PO Box 67000
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000
I’m also thinking of writing a letter or article for Pennsylvania Outdoor news, respectfully refuting the misinformation in the article, and respectfully differing on the idea of stocking the park. Why not focus on an upstream area that is already open for stocking, and point folks to it? Is the Grist Mill park outside the special regs? (I only fish the first mile or so of the stream.) There’s even a pond to stock there for kids, right? Giving them an alternative may make for a quick shift when they realize the opposition. Please keep those emails going to the mayor until we hear of his decision, and start sending letters to the Fish Commission. Thanks to all who have heard the call and answered it.
