As the year comes to a close, I’d like to reflect on some of our 2022 accomplishments in Pennsylvania.
- We welcomed four new Board Members: Ross Miller, Steve Mohr, Nick Scalo and Mike Strollo. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish in 2023.
- Bob Smith again led the fourth annual Pennsylvania Trail Challenge. Each year he cooks up an adventurous trek. This year covered 30.5 miles along Pine Creek Gorge. Be sure to look for next year’s event.
- Our Take 2 mentoring program continued to grow under the guidance of Adam Eckley. Among other events there was a trout fishing weekend and a pheasant hunt.
- The Chapter held its first annual clay shoot in October. It was a great day to get together with fellow BHA’ers and get tuned up for the season.
- We had multiple public land cleanups across the state, including an event followed by a tour of a managed dove field. We also started a boat access adoption program in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
- The Chapter continued to be a presence in Harrisburg advocating on behalf of our members. We said goodbye to those pink envelopes and persisted in our fight for Sunday Hunting. You can learn more about our efforts here.
In a few weeks the Board will convene to outline our plans for 2023. We’re excited to build on the successes of the past year. I look forward to sharing those plans with you.
I hope you’ll join us at one or more of our events in 2023. The camaraderie amongst BHA members is truly amazing. I encourage you to take these opportunities to meet up with fellow BHA’ers and talk to your Board members.
I’ll leave you with the news that we’ll be back at the Great American Outdoor Show in 2023 and our Backyard Bash returns to the Appalachian Brewing Company on February 10. BHA CEO, Land Tawney, will be joining us this year. This is always our biggest Pint Night of the year. And with Land coming, it will be even bigger. I hope to see you there.
Yours in Conservation,
Don Rank
Chairman, Pennsylvania BHA
About Pennsylvania BHA
The Pennsylvania Chapter of BHA represents a diverse and enthusiastic group of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen who seek to protect and improve wild places in the Keystone State and beyond.