The Pennsylvania chapter has coupled their rapid membership growth with many opportunities for members to get involved with on-the-ground habitat improvement projects in 2019. Members attended two work days, with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other sportsmen’s organizations, to improve ruffed grouse and American woodcock habitat on state game lands in Bradford County. Other projects included improving fishing access points at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, removing invasive plant species and “adopting” a trail at Raccoon Creek State Park. Sustained habitat and access improvement efforts are planned at both the Delaware Water Gap NRA and Raccoon Creek State Park.
PABHA is also currently working with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to develop an ATV educational signage program to inform public land users of the effects of illegal ATV use. Chapter members have also been busy advocating for legislation that benefits Pennsylvania sportsmen and women.
On April 10, PABHA officers and board members joined leaders from many of Pennsylvania’s major sportsmen’s organizations at the state capitol to hear from lawmakers and discuss conservation priorities. Talking points focused on the importance of the Environmental Stewardship Fund and the Keystone Fund to hunters and anglers, how sportsmen and women rely on properly funded fish and game agencies to support fishing and hunting opportunities in the state, and how ending the ban on Sunday hunting will dramatically improve access and opportunity for hunters in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania chapter also showed support for legislation aimed at increasing the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s ability to purchase and conserve wild public land for wildlife habitat.
It hasn’t been all work this spring with pint nights being hosted in Easton, Scranton and Wilcox. To get involved PABHA habitat projects, policy initiatives or to plan an event near you, please email [email protected].
About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
The Voice For Our Wild Public Lands, Waters & Wildlife.