I think it’s mis-leading, even slightly malicious, to intentionally post (and leave posted) a statement that is clearly not true and easily verifiable. Just my 2 cents. PAFF is better than this.
That said.
It doesn’t matter who is Director. The masters have spoken. They want their puppet politicians in Harrisburg to reign in rogue government organizations that can hinder the progress of energy and development. When will Pennsylvanians learn that corporations are only interested in taking our resources as cheaply as possible?
What does that mean for PFBC?
The PFBC is independent and doesn’t come under IRRC. This means stream designations and research progresses according to scientific research and data. While it’s not perfect it is at least data driven rather than profit driven. The only control Harrisburg politics has is approval of the License Fee Schedule.
Aye there’s the rub.
This has been a political play that has been a long time coming. The idea is that if PFBC is underfunded long enough it will not only fail at its most basic functions financially, it will also fail in its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance. As yet another failure government agency it will be forced to restructure and come under IRRC control.
Underfunding the PGC and PFBC then criticizing them for not operating properly is ludicrous, but it is exactly what many people are doing.
What’s even better is that we have a contingent in the FF community who believe that wild trout are so important and that stocking is so evil that they are willing to support the complete destruction of the PFBC if it means a chance of ending stocking.
The PFBC is not perfect, Arway is not perfect. But the constant railing on both is less than helpful. There is a much bigger game being played than many folks might see. The end goal would give anglers an even smaller voice and pull in Harrisburg. How many Reps even hunt and fish anymore? Do they even understand the value of the unassessed water initiative?
I know that hating the government is the cool thing to do nowadays but let’s not cut our nose to spite our face.
Finally, Harrisburg has been atempting to combine the PGC and PFBC for a long time. It’s not a good idea IMHO. It’s good for each department to act according to its own resources and commission.
The PFBC is yet another layer of protection for our highest valued waters. Some say the efforts and regulations are unnecessary because they duplicated at another governmental level such as local or federal. To you I say, GOOD! Let them be duplicated a hundred times if only once. The current attitude of the federal government is a good example of why can’t have enough duplication when it comes to clean water indicators and markers.
And if you think thats not an issue than I suggest you review the hearings and proceedings surrounding HB 1576 from a few years ago. Duplications of regulations was specifically brought up and used as a reason against the autonomy of the PFBC. It was the intention of Jeff Pyle and most of GOP to bring PFBC and PGC under IRRC and under the control of energy interests.
The unassessed trout water program may be one of the greatest initiatives of the PFBC. How do you know what you had if its gone. The energy companies have been betting on us not missing what we can’t prove.
Again, say what you want about Arway and the PFBC. They’re the best tool we have right now. They’re not perfect, but they can be a whole lot better if we work together. Which is where the sportsmen forums come in. At least, for what they are worth.
TL;DR
