Richard Lewis

The board meeting focused on several key administrative and fishery management topics. The executive agenda included the final approval of amendments to regulations concerning access areas and marinas, as well as the proposal to memorialize fund flexibility between the Fish Fund and Boat Fund. Fisheries designations were discussed, resulting in the removal of Blue Hole Creek, Section 02 from the Stocked Trout Waters Open to Year-round Fishing program, and the addition of multiple streams to the lists of Class A wild trout streams and wild trout streams. Other business included reports on temporary fishing regulation modifications for several lakes due to drawdowns, a staff report on abandoned and derelict vessel policies, and an announcement regarding the next commission meeting.

The 166th meeting addressed several regulatory amendments, including the adoption of Fiscal Code provisions to allow fund flexibility, updates to public comment procedures for virtual meetings, and refinements to the petition process for regulations. The Commission reviewed and approved several grants under the Boating Facility Grant Program for various municipalities and organizations. Property management actions were discussed, including lease renewals at Mauch Chunk Lake and Harris Pond, as well as the proposed disposition of Ingham Springs. Fisheries and boating regulatory updates were proposed regarding measuring fish total length, increasing the minimum size limit for trout, and implementing new regulations for Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish in the Ohio River Basin.

The meeting included legislative updates regarding fiscal code changes and the use of body-worn cameras for officers, as well as discussions on the Pennsylvania Water Trails program and its strategic goals. The Board reviewed run-of-the-river dam marking guidelines and procedures for handling abandoned and derelict vessels. Additionally, the Board received a summary of the Boating Facility Grant Program, an update on compliance outreach for boat rental businesses, and an overview of upcoming ice rescue and safety training initiatives.

The meeting included staff and volunteer recognition, including an Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and two employees graduating from a Leadership Development Institute. Key discussions involved approving the 2026 quarterly meeting dates, approving a Cooperative Nursery Grant to Salisbury-Elklick Hunting Club for stream habitat improvements, proposing rulemaking to amend regulations regarding an access area the Commission no longer owns, and approving multiple property acquisitions, including land adjacent to Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery and flowage/conservation easements at Beechwood Lake and Minsi Lake/Mt. Bethel Fens Preserve. Additionally, the Commission consented to the disposition of the Halifax Access property. Regulatory actions included adopting final rulemaking amendments for Mercer County, approving exemptions and amendments regarding trout stocking at Freeman Run, and adopting amendments concerning Donegal Lake. Designations included adding Donegal Lake to Big Bass and Panfish Enhancement programs, adjusting Kyle Lake regulations, removing Lake Luxembourg from the Year-Round Trout Fishing program due to an advisory, and removing a section of West Valley Creek from Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only regulations due to safety concerns from sinkholes. Finally, revisions were approved for section limits on Manada Creek and Muncy Creek, and changes were adopted concerning Class A wild trout streams and general wild trout streams listings.

The Boating Advisory Board meeting included a moment of silence in honor of former member William Carey Allen. Key discussion items covered the annual Motorboat Fuel Consumption Survey conducted by Southwick Associates, which is crucial for calculating the Oil Company Franchise Tax refund for boaters, amounting to approximately $12.3 million last year. An update on Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADVs) focused on new legislation effective January 2026, defining ADVs and providing removal authority, alongside a promising initiative with Duquesne University to explore private sector solutions, such as recycling fiberglass into concrete with Heidelberg Materials. Updates were provided on replacing old Zodiac rescue boats with more durable 12-foot Whaly boats for the training fleet. A review of year-to-date boating incidents for 2025 showed 25 reported incidents, 13 injuries, and nine fatalities. Discussions on boating grants included the Boating Facility Grant Program (BFGP) for 2026 funding, which requires a 50% match, and the federally funded Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, which supports transient dock facilities and requires a 25% non-federal match. The board also noted future meeting dates.