July - September 2012 Quarterly Report · July - September 2012 Quarterly Report . ... •...

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July - September 2012 Quarterly Report

Strategic Plan Implementation

The following updates include the major activities or accomplishments during the quarter that further the July 2010 – June 2015 PFBC Strategic Plan. The bulleted list does not include every detail about what is being done on a particular goal, just the highlights that help to track implementation.

If there is nothing listed for a particular goal, either there was nothing major to report during the quarter, or work has yet to commence on the goal.

Overall, please also note that it is intended to be a tracking tool for the strategic plan rather than an auditing tool.

Issue 1: Escalating costs of traditional services and increasing demands for activities require the development of alternative funding sources and methods. Strategy 1: Develop alternative funding sources and methods to offset escalating costs of traditional services and better accommodate increasing demands for activities. Goal 1: Actively pursue innovative, as well as traditional, funding sources, compensation for services provided to all Pennsylvanians, and funding for the completion of priority infrastructure projects. A. Advocate for passage by July 2011 of alternative, secure, long-term funding (e.g., special

fees or permits, General Fund, sales tax revenues, Renew Growing Greener) to compensate the Commission for services provided to all Pennsylvanians and the Commonwealth in general for lost natural resource values.

• Continued to try to cultivate legislative champions for the consumptive use and water degradation fee.

B. Advocate for a Marcellus Shale severance tax that includes dedicated conservation funding,

including support for functions performed by the Commission, until such a tax is enacted. • Trained Act 13 funded biologists on water withdrawal and water quality parameters

associated with natural gas development. • Began use of timesheets that indicate those activities eligible for Act 13 funding

C. Advocate for passage by December 2014 of sales and marketing flexibility, including, but not limited to, multi-year licenses and group or family licenses.

• Commenced aggressive marketing strategy to promote the sale of multi-year licenses starting December 1, 2013.

D. Deleted via Amendment 1

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E. Advocate for and seek capital funding to make Commission-owned high-hazard dams safe, complete state fish hatchery upgrades, and other priorities identified in the Commission’s Infrastructure Plan.

• Worked with legislators on the release of $6.4 million from the Capital Budget for Speedwell Forge.

• Worked closely with legislators to try to release capital funding for other projects. • Briefed the House Appropriations Committee on current and projected high-hazard

dam funding needs.

F. Advocate for passage of existing and new federal legislation to protect and expand funds available to the Commission to support our mission.

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Issue 2: Current and increasing threats to our aquatic resources demand the Commission provide better resource management and protection. Strategy 2: Provide better resource management and protection to reduce the impacts of current and increasing threats to our aquatic resources. Goal 2: Improve protection, conservation and enhancement of aquatic resources and habitats.

• PFBC Conservation Coordinator and the PGC Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator are developing background materials and timelines for the revision of the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. This 10-year revision is required by Congress for continued receipt of State Wildlife Grant funds. The revised plan must be submitted no later than September 30th, 2015.

A. By July 2010, continue implementation of the Strategic Plan for Management of Trout

Fisheries in Pennsylvania. • Collection and analysis of angler effort data and biological data pertaining to the

Brook Trout Enhancement program occurred during this quarter. • Four stream surveys in support of the Class A initiative were completed. • Penns Creek was surveyed as part of the Special Regulation evaluation. • Developed fishery management plan for Big Spring Creek (Cumberland County). • Developed Conceptual Plan for Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC)-funded

Phase 2 Habitat Enhancement Project on Big Spring Creek (Cumberland County). • Developed Scope of Work and Budget, and assisted with language for the PFBC-

CVTU Cooperative Agreement for the PTC-funded Big Spring Phase 2 Project. • The following dam removal projects are in various stages of implementation on wild

trout streams: Taylor Run, Tioga Co.; Skinner Ck, McKean Co.; East Br. Clarion River, Elk Co.; Wetmore Run (2 dams), Potter Co.; Driftwood Br. Sinnemahoning Creek, Cameron Co.; Cacoosing Creek, Berks Co.; UNT to Frankstown Br. Juniata

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River, Blair Co.; W Br Perkiomen Creek, Montgomery Co.; Diehls Hollow, Centre Co.; Big Run, Clearfield Co.

• DES completed task - PA Angler and Boater article “Protecting our Coldwater Resources” published in the September/October issue. Article provided information to the general readership to become involved with state coldwater resource enhancement and protection through a variety of options including regulatory awareness and local watershed volunteerism.

• DES continued discussion and field views with Senate and House members to communicate PFBC role and position on HB 2359 Stream Clearing Bill. The purpose of the field views is to provide an “in-the-water” look at fish habitat, sediment transport, and potential habitat devices that provide resource enhancement and flood flow abatement.

• Drafted thermal relief recommendations for Upper Delaware River with NY DEC that will be advanced to the Decree Party workgroup.

• Represented PFBC at DRBC Regulated Flow Advisory Committee meeting and Supreme Court Decree Party negotiations.

• Reviewed proposed changes to SRBC draft Low Flow Policy. • Participated in TNC Delaware River Ecosystem Flow Study Workshop.

B. By December 2010, begin implementation of large river management plans for the Delaware,

Susquehanna, and Three Rivers systems. • Smallmouth bass young-of-year work was completed on all large rivers throughout

PA. Capture rates on the lower Delaware were average. Capture rates on the Schuylkill were average overall, but the lower sites continue to be poor. Capture rates on the Lower Susquehanna River were poor.

• American shad fishway counts were completed. 1,999 shad had passed the Easton Dam as of June 11, 2012.

• Fisheries Management staff electrofished for smallmouth bass young-of-year with six representatives and their staff and one senator during five separate outings during this reporting period.

• Asian carp lead was assigned to Three Rivers Biologist, Bob Ventorini. Asian carp continue to move up the Ohio River towards PA. Staff met with staff of Ohio River Basin states and federal government to develop a course of action to address this issue on an interstate basis.

C. By December 2010, begin implementation of statewide action plans for the following

species: Eastern pearlshell mussel, bog turtle, Eastern spadefoot toad, Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and timber rattlesnake.

• Eastern Pearlshell • Assisted with Eastern Pearlshell habitat assessments in Schuylkill and Berks

Counties. Physical habitat and fish communities were evaluated at two sites. These results are currently being analyzed and will be reported upon during the next quarter. At the time of this writing, two streams have not been

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selected for further investigation but will be surveyed and reported upon during the next quarter.

• A State Wildlife Grants call-for-projects was conducted to address the eastern pearlshell mussel. One project was received and is currently being reviewed by staff.

• Bog Turtle • Continued effort to gather data on individual turtles marked in PA, database

the information, and start to manage surveyors in distributing their time and effort among occupied sites for long term monitoring.

• Data being compiled and summarized for bog turtle trapping surveys at the sites of the first year of the PDIS project.

• Working with contractor (MACHAC) to plan bog turtle habitat management training for PFBC staff with NFWF project

• Other NFWF bog turtle habitat restoration project activities: continue to engage bog turtle landowners for securing site access for project activities and conservation easement programs; conducted habitat assessments and surveys, wrote 5-10 habitat management plans for NRCS WRP bog turtle initiative, and aided partners (USFWS and USDA); continue conducting aerial photograph analysis resulting in potential sites identified remotely; and are currently developing a project plan focused on USFWS recovery plan objectives, particularly gap areas.

• 12 Species Impact Reviews have been reviewed in the project period with potential bog turtle impacts.

• Eastern Spadefoot • Opportunistic surveys in gap areas near known populations in Centre, Bucks,

and Berks Counties. • Continued inventory effort to document extent of breeding and range

determination in Centre County population. • 31 Species Impact Reviews have been reviewed in the project period with

potential Eastern Spadefoot impacts. • Eastern Massasauga

• Met with NRCS and USFWS staff regarding development and implementation of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) specifically for easements and habitat management of private lands containing Eastern Massasauga. Witnessed first signing of a WRP site in Venango County. Continued discussions with NRCS to increase PFBC’s role in WRP massasauga initiative.

• 32 Species Impact Reviews have been reviewed in the project period with potential Eastern Massasauga impacts.

• Timber Rattlesnake • Radio Telemetry in Gap areas is continuing in association with the US Forest

Service in the Allegheny National Forest and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, in Michaux State Forest.

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• Gap areas throughout the PA timber Rattlesnake range continue to be investigated by regional assessment teams.

• Habitat management planning is currently on going and being finalized with DCNR – Bureau of Forestry.

• PFBC assistance is continuing with DCNR and PSU study to determine Marcellus Development effect on Timber Rattlesnakes in North Central PA.

• Worked on finalizing monitoring protocol for representative regional monitoring sites.

• Presented workshop to SW Regional PGC on Timber Rattlesnake natural history and habitat management.

• Receiving permit data, quality control, and data entry into database. • 91 Species Impact Reviews have been reviewed in the project period with

potential timber rattlesnake impacts.

D. By July 2011 and annually thereafter, facilitate or complete population inventories and home-range assessments for 10% of the state-listed endangered, threatened or candidate species identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan.

• State Wildlife Grant projects herpetofauna data compilation (PA Amphibian and Reptile Survey-PARS) project is underway. A database is being developed, as well a a PARS interactive website. Data compilation has begun.

• The Eastern Massasauga habitat restoration and monitoring project was approved by USFWS; the contract is being developed.

• Continued to work on numerous status assessments: Ohio Lamprey, Bowfin, Acuminate crayfish, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Spadefoot, Redbelly turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, blackchin shiner, pugnose minnow, and horneyhead chub.

• Ongoing work with timber rattlesnake assessment project – focus has shifted to monitoring study sites, prioritizing sites for habitat management, assessing sites in gap areas.

• Finalized SWG fish data compilation project proposal. The project was sent to USFWS for approval.

• A multi-state mussel reintroduction occurred as part of the Hunter Station bridge replacement project.

E. By December 2012, develop a PFBC sampling protocol manual to ensure consistent data

collection techniques for waterways.

• By September 2010, complete documentation of PFBC-approved sampling protocols for wadeable streams.

• Complete – Updated as necessary.

• By July 2012, complete documentation of PFBC-approved sampling protocols for large rivers.

• Second draft awaits Fisheries Management Division Chief review.

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• By December 2012, complete documentation of PFBC-approved sampling protocols

for lakes. • Work is ongoing.

F. By January 2013, complete the evaluation of the inclusion of additional water quality

protection criteria for special protection classes of Warm Water Fishes in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 93 in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

• Met with DEP representatives and discussed IBI Fish, benthic macroinvertebrate, PFBC Fish data, and ecological significance criteria as possibilities to enhance existing regulations and policy

G. By January 2014, sample at least 2,500 prioritized, un-inventoried streams with the potential

to support wild trout identified by PFBC staff as most at risk from the effects of human activities and pursue partnerships and funding to augment Commission sampling efforts.

• Forty-nine previously unsurveyed streams with the potential to support wild trout were surveyed. Findings were available for 24 of these surveys and concluded that 11 supported wild trout.

H. By July 2014, evaluate and improve gamefish management programs for muskellunge,

walleye, channel catfish, and striped bass/hybrid bass. • The Muskellunge Management plan was reviewed by the Bureau Director and

returned for minor edits. • The Channel Catfish Management plan was reviewed by the Bureau Director and

returned for edits.

I. By June 2015, minimize the impacts of aquatic invasive species and disease on aquatic resources.

• GLRI Grant #2: This grant is in the signature process and is anticipated to be fully executed later this year. Of the $1,043,866.83 in the grant, the PFBC will be receiving $757,272 for procurement of biosecurity materials and supplies, a capital development project at the Fairview Hatchery and for administration of the grant. The remaining funds will be directed at PA Department of Agriculture (PADA) for Leadership & Coordination, PA Department of Environmental Protection for Early Detection and Monitoring, (PA-DEP) Western PA Conservancy (WPC) for Coordinated Reporting and Inventory, and to Penn State University-Sea Grant (PSU-SG) for Education and Outreach.

• GLRI Grant #3: The PFBC coordinated the submission of a Scope-of-Work for a 3rd GLRI grant from the FWS ($901,092). This grant will be shared with the PA-DEP, PADA, WPC, PSU-SG, and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The Scope-of-Work is under review by the FWS.

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• GLRI Grant #1: Work continues on GLRI Grant #1 to address aquatic invasive species, especially as they impact the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.

• Represented PFBC at quarterly PISC meeting. • Researched, reviewed, commented on PSU eDNA grant proposal to PA DEP. • Presented didymo training presentation to DES. • Met with PA Dept. of Ag. to rework their closed/open system license

application.

• By July 2010, begin implementation of an education and outreach program targeted at anglers and boaters as identified in the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and in cooperation with partners on the Governor’s Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania.

• Fisheries Management staff conducted a survey of the Youghiogheny River in conjunction with PA DEP to determine the extent of the Didymo invasion in that water.

• By July 2010, begin implementation of action plans, as necessary, for Didymo, Asian

carp, water chestnut, and golden algae as identified in the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and in cooperation with partners on the Governor’s Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania.

• The Lake Erie Committee scheduled a meeting in October to discuss a cooperative approach for better understanding the risks that Asian carp pose to Lake Erie and ways to work together to minimize this risk.

• The Lake Erie Committee (Dave Miko, Chair) submitted two proposals to the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee to 1) assist in travel costs for members of the Lake Erie Committee to meet and discuss issues, and 2) to expand the search for potential vectors of Asian carp eDNA entering Lake Erie.

• Initiated interstate efforts to address progression of Asian carp up the Ohio River. Development of an interstate action plan, which includes Pennsylvania, is planned.

• Working on providing enhanced AIS education resources for the public including better access to biosecurity methods information.

• Conducted water chestnut monitoring surveys in southeast PA. • Updated didymo, golden alga, water chestnut AIS workplan timelines for

2012-13. • By December 2010, begin implementation of an action plan, as necessary, for viral

hemorrhagic septicemia as identified in the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan and in cooperation with partners on the Governor’s Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania.

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• By April 2013, amend the Commission’s regulations concerning introduction, propagation and transportation of fish in Pennsylvania’s waters to minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species and disease.

• Attended Chapter 71 & 73 reconstruction committee meeting/conference call. • Continuing to work with PA Dept. of Ag. to initiate and tighten closed system

propagation facility inspections and to modernize and update the closed system permit application process.

• Began working with PA Landscape and Nursery Assoc. to develop ‘white list’ of obligate aquatic plants to be allowed in PA.

J. By June 2015, improve fish passage efforts on the Susquehanna and Lehigh Rivers and small

streams. • By September 2014, collaborate with other natural resource agencies in the FERC

relicensing of the four Lower Susquehanna River hydroelectric projects to ensure incorporation of provisions for timely and effective upstream and downstream fish passage consistent with American shad, river herring, and American eel restoration goals and resident fish needs.

• FERC licenses for Conowingo, Muddy Run, and York Haven will expire in 2014. Continued to meet with resource agencies and Exelon to discuss negotiation process and schedule. Negotiations will begin in October 2012. Negotiations must be complete and final settlement by April 2013.

• By June 2015, investigate the feasibility of fish passage improvements on the Lehigh

River in collaboration with state and local partners. • Work on the Lehigh River Fish passage feasibility study continues by KCI.

The study completion date is December 2012. Attended stakeholders/partners meeting in August and discussed progress to date

• By June 2015, facilitate or complete at least 40 small dam removals in collaboration

with state and local partners. • Assisted partners with coordinating dam removal projects on Taylor Run

(WT), Tioga Co.; Turtle Creek (ST, in progress), Westmoreland County; Wetmore Run (WT, 2 dams), Potter Co.; Driftwood Br. Sinnemahoning Creek (WT/ST), Cameron Co.; Skinner Creek (WT/ST), McKean Co.; East Br. Clarion River (WT/ST), Elk Co.; Darby Creek (ST, 3 dams, in progress), Delaware Co.; Cacoosing Creek (WT), Berks Co.; Stony Creek (ST), Montgomery Co.; Miller Run (ST), Somerset Co.; Bigby Run, Somerset Co.; UNT to Frankstown Br. Juniata River (WT), Blair Co.; Pond Creek (SGCN), Monroe Co.; Middle Spring Creek (ST), Cumberland/Franklin Co.; Little Sewickley Ck, Westmoreland Co.; W Br Perkiomen Creek (WT), Montgomery Co.; Diehls Hollow (WT), Centre.; Jordan Creek (ST), Northampton Co.; Little Lehigh Creek (WT/ST), Lehigh Co.; Yellow Breeches Ck (ST), Cumberland Co.; Great Trough Creek (ST), Huntingdon

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Co.; Fishing Creek (ST), Columbia Co.; Conewango Creek, Warren Co.; Monocacy Creek (WT), Lehigh County; Valley Creek (WT), Chester Co.

Issue 3: The Commission needs to better understand recent generations’ disconnectedness from the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and respond to anglers’ and boaters’ desires for excellent recreational fishing and boating opportunities.

Strategy 3: Increase the Commission’s knowledge and understanding of its users to enhance recreational fishing and safe boating opportunities.

Goal 3: Improve the Commission’s knowledge of its users in order to better direct Commission programs and services. A. By March 2013, conduct the first bi-annual, statewide survey of active and lapsed anglers

and boaters to supplement the Commission’s use of the 5-year National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

•

B. By June 2015, increase youth and family participation in fishing, boating and aquatic resource education programs.

• By July 2010, continue collecting participant data for analysis of the behaviors,

motivations and demographics of the users of the Commission’s educational programs.

• Analyzed registration data from the May Family Fishing Festivals against Automated License System. 80% of registrants did not have a valid fishing license prior to the program. Only 35% had a record of fishing license purchase since 2008. 13% of registered participants purchased a license in the 10-day period following the program, and this was the first purchase of record for half of these anglers.

• Provided Family Fishing Program participant contact information to Responsive Management (RM) as part of national study on recruitment. RM will contact participants pre- and post-program to assess change in attitudes toward fishing and likelihood of future participation.

• By July 2013, utilize information captured from participants in the Commission’s educational programs to direct future fishing and safe boating programs.

• Analyzed use and timing of paid advertising for Family Fishing Program promotion based on program registrations for 2nd quarter.

• Responsive Management has conducted pre- and post-program interviews with 40 participants in Family Fishing Programs; an additional 20-40 interviews are expected by the end of the quarter.

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C. By July 2010, continue efforts to amend the Commission’s boating safety regulations and/or education requirements and, as needed, pursue corresponding legislative changes to further reduce the number of recreational boating accidents and fatalities.

• Approved three final rulemaking items to enhance boating and water safety in regard to capacity plates, wakesurfing, and passenger for hire vessels.

• Coordinated and implemented various outreach activities including access area and launch ramp signage to promote new cold water life jacket requirement.

Issue 4: The public continues to identify a need for access to the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources.

Strategy 4: Increase public access to the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources. Goal 4: Retain and add new access to fishing and boating opportunities. A. By June 2015, review existing and create new boating and fishing access programs to reflect

the priorities of the Commission and its customers. • Worked with DEP and obtained a second round of grant funding for incidental costs

for public fishing access easements. The grant award of $100,000 can be spent anywhere in the Commonwealth for this purpose.

B. By June 2015, complete two watershed access plans per year delineated in the PFBC Access

Strategy priority list. • Worked with the National Park Service to complete their Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Access Plan. This plan will be incorporated into PFBC’s Fishing & Boating Access Strategy.

C. By December 2014, improve public access to at least five lakes, ten Class A streams, ten

Class B, C and D streams, and ten stocked streams with no wild trout reproduction. • Fisheries Management staff met with and provided the Boating and Access staff with

high priority waters and potential properties, where known, to pursue the outright purchase or the purchase of fishing easements.

• Aquired a PFBC-60 for public access at Lake Julia in Mercer County. • Improving access at Poe Lake by adding shoreline stabilization/fish habitat

improvement devices. • Received a grant award from DEP’s Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM) to

acquire a property on Twelvemile Creek in Erie County. • Received signed sales agreements for public fishing access easements from two

landowners on Caldwell Creek in Warren County. • Received a signed sales agreement for a public fishing access easement for a

landowner on Yellow Creek in Bedford County. This will be our second easement on Yellow Creek.

• Received grant award from the National Park Service for two boating access improvement projects. One project provides funding to Dauphin County to improve

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canoe/kayak access to the Susquehanna River at the Fort Hunter complex. The second project provides funding to PFBC to improve boating access to the Juniata River in Perry County.

Issue 5: The Commission’s existing data are not well-integrated and therefore not optimally used to proactively manage the aquatic resources under our jurisdiction. Strategy 5: Improve the Commission’s utilization and integration of existing data to proactively manage the aquatic resources under its jurisdiction. Goal 5: Optimize agency operations through integrated information systems management. A. By December 2010, ensure integrity of agency data through the use of GIS.

• Completed with resolution to be included in new Resource First Portal.

B. By December 31, 2013, complete migration of the IT supported access applications used by the Bureau of Fisheries to a new modernized platform.

• The following deliverables related to implementation have been completed as of Sept, 2012:

i. ARDB Application: 1. Iteration 1 - Water and Attributes, Flowing Water Section and

Attributes, and Re-sectioning of Flowing Water; Completed System Testing

2. Iteration 2 - Reports relating to Water and Section information; Completed System Testing.

3. Iteration 3 - Site, Survey, Catch, and Age fish data - create, update, view and delete; Completed Development and Unit Testing; Completed Iteration Testing; Completed System testing

4. Iteration 4 - ARDB reports that include site, survey, catch, and aged fish data (85 reports) and Narratives; Completed development, unit testing and System testing.

5. Deployment to PFBC – Completed Installation a copy of the RFP/ ARDB application at PFBC for Training and UAT.

6. Documentation – completed RFP/ARDB Training Guide and RFP/ARDB Testing documentation and delivered to PFBC

7. Training – completed RFP/ARDB training at PFBC HQ 8/27 and 8/28

ii. Trout Application:

1. Prototype Review - Trout Iteration 1 with Trout Team. 2. Iteration 1 –Completed development and unit testing, started system

testing. 3. Iteration 2 –Completed design and started development

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iii. Real Estate Application: 1. Database Completed - Real Estate database review, began Real

Estate database conversion and documentation 2. Prototype - began development of the Real Estate prototype

iv. Encroachment Application (ACT 13)

1. Database - Completed database conversion and documentation 2. Application Development – completed development, unit test and

system test

v. SIR Tracking (ACT 13) 1. Database – Started SIR Tracking Database review, conversion and

documentation. C. By January 2012, begin integration of priority agency information systems, including the

current GIS environment, as identified in the Modernization Plan for IT Infrastructure and Software Resources.

• PFBC’s Geospatial Technology and Business Solutions completed GIS web services needed for the new Resource First Portal.

Issue 6: Limited financial and human resources require the Commission to more effectively manage our internal resources. Strategy 6: Strengthen performance and operations by managing limited financial and human resources more effectively. Goal 6: Optimize agency efficiency and ensure continuity of operations through infrastructure planning and employee development. A. By August 2010, improve accessibility to on-going training opportunities for all staff and

Commissioners.

• By July 2010, gain a better understanding of the climate of the Commission’s workforce and implement strategies for improvement.

• Complete • By January 2012, continue agency-wide and bureau specific implementation of

climate assessment improvement items. • The Wave of Excellence employee recognition program was unveiled at the

July Commission meeting. Amos Ferguson was the first person to be recognized through this program. He received the most nominations from PFBC staff for service that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

B. By July 2012, begin implementation of a succession planning and leadership development

program.

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• Meetings continue to occur between the PFBC HR Director and OA’s Workforce Planning Director to put steps in place for our own internal leadership program. A meeting is scheduled for September 18 with several executive staff members to establish in detail what the program should encompass. Our ideas will be presented to a cross section of PFBC staff and the two unions that represent our employees before implementation.

C. By January 2011, begin implementation of Supervisor Development Training.

• Dates are being considered for refresher/make-up dates for the four mandatory OA supervisory courses that PFBC HR staff teaches internally. Most supervisors have been trained but the courses will need to continue on an on-going basis to ensure that all newly promoted supervisors have the necessary training.

• Dates have been established for Workplace Violence and SEAP training. • Two Basic Classification training courses were taught by the PFBC Classification

Analyst in this quarter.

D. By September 2011, conduct a full review of State Fish Hatcheries to identify strategies for promoting cost savings with the least adverse effects on services to the angling public.

• Review is complete. Best Use of Hatchery Trout Workgroup will present information on being more efficient with stocked trout.

E. By July 2012, begin implementation of a comprehensive multi-year Infrastructure Plan for

the engineering, maintenance and development of the Commission’s hatcheries, marinas, dams, accesses and administrative buildings to ensure continuity of critical operations.

• The collection of comprehensive infrastructure data for all PFBC facilities continues. IT has been building an application to maximize use of already existing information, and has recently conducted user testing on the access area module.

Issue 7: Due to the limitations of current communications systems, technologies and processes, the Commission must improve its internal and external communication methods and systems. Strategy 7: Improve internal and external communications by strengthening the use of current communication technologies and processes. Goal 7: Improve internal and external communications systems to develop an informed and engaged workforce and increase the public’s access to and use of Commission information. A. By July 2010, establish a direct line of internal and external communication with the

Commission’s Executive Director. • Answered more than 200 emails from the Fishing Hole. • Facilitated executive director media interviews on a variety of issues, including:

o Health of Susquehanna River;

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o Safe boating and boating under the influence; o Aquatic invasive species; o Public meeting in Washington, Pa., for an update on rebuilding Dutch

Fork Lake.

B. Deleted via Amendment 1

C. By July 2011, begin implementation of a business plan that makes the best use of the Commission’s core publications and exhibits.

• D. By January 2012, annually evaluate, and modify as needed, employee communications

strategies. •

E. By July 2014, complete the redesign of the Commission’s website. •

Major Activities and/or Accomplishments not Directly Connected to Strategic Plan Implementation

Admin Multi-Year Licenses On June 22, Governor Corbett signed Senate Bill 1049 into law as Act 66 of 2012. The new law provides the Commission the ability to sell multi-year fishing licenses and permits and develop other creative license packages and will provide the flexibility to creatively market the fishing and boating experience. For the 2013 license year the PFBC is looking to sell new license categories 2, 3, 4, or 5 year licenses and permits that would expire on December 31 of the final year. There would be no discounts on the cost of the license or permit but there would be a saving on the agent and transaction fees which would benefit anglers in terms of convenience.

PALS

• As of August 22, 2012: the total number of 2012 fishing licenses sold and vouchers redeemed were 837,874 which is a 5.84% increase from the same time period last year; the total number of permits sold were 585,124 which is a 6.61% increase compared to the same period last year.

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Boating

• The Commission’s 2012 new boat registration transactions has increased 20.99% to 21,930, new titling transactions have increased 14.76% to 11, 458, and boat renewals have remained steady with a .40% increase at 135,625.

• As of August 15, 2012, there were 9,465 (1) Year Launch Permits and 26,162 (2) Year Launch Permits sold, which is a 26.4% increase from 2011.

Legal

• In September 2011, the Commission sued Consol Energy for civil damages resulting from the 2009 pollution incident on Dunkard Creek that caused a massive fish kill spanning nearly 30 miles of stream in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for dead fish, mussels and amphibians, as well as lost fishing opportunities for Pennsylvania anglers and punitive damages to deter future pollution. The primary lawsuit was filed in West Virginia where the pollution originated. Last fall, Consol filed a notice of removal, transferring the case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. Consol contends that the case should be decided based on federal law and that federal law provides no monetary remedy for the Commission’s losses. The Commission contested the transfer and filed a motion to remand the case back to West Virginia state court. Oral argument before the federal judge was held on August 20, 2012. By opinion and order dated September 4, the judge remanded the case to state court.

• In January of 2007, the Commission filed an action in the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County against Nicholas Demaree after Demaree built a fence that blocked the public’s access to the Commission’s boat launch at Quaker Lake. Demaree claimed to hold title to the lake through a deed that was not recorded until after the Commission developed the site. In September of 2011, the court issued its decision granting the Commission ownership of the disputed area, thereby preserving public access to Quaker Lake. In January 2012 following post-trial motions, the court reaffirmed its decision in the Commission’s favor. Demaree filed a notice of appeal from that decision with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Oral argument before the Court will be held on September 11.

• On July 5, 2012, the Commission terminated the employment of a fish culturist. One of

the requirements for the position is possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The employee lost his CDL because of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). The employee applied for unemployment benefits but was denied. The employee appealed, and a hearing was held before an Unemployment Compensation Referee on August 29, 2012. The employee argued that the Commission could have restructured his position to eliminate his driving duties. The Commission’s position is that the law does not require it to restructure a position for an employee who loses his license because of a DUI. The referee’s decision is expected within a few weeks.

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Enginerering • The spillway at Leaser Lake Dam has been completed. The refilling process is pending

approval from DEP; however, we are tentatively planning to be at full capacity by Summer of 2013.

• The spillway at Opossum Lake Dam has been completed. The refilling process is pending


• The construction at Dutch Fork Lake Dam has been completed; however the lakebed is riddled

with trees that have grown while the lake was drawn down. Due to these trees posing a threat to the dam’s safety and boating access, they will need removed before the refilling process can begin. Tree removal has been bid-out to a contractor.

• Hereford Manor Lakes (Upper and Lower Dams): The process of breaching the upper and lower

dams at Hereford Manor has been completed. General cleanup and demobilization of equipment are the only steps remaining. The closeout inspection is scheduled for 09/19/2012.

• Canonsburg Lake Dam: The construction at Canonsburg Lake Dam has been completed. The closeout inspection report was completed on July 12, 2012.

• Speedwell Forge Lake Dam: The Lake was drained beginning on October 19, 2011 due to flood

damage of the spillway caused by Tropical Storm Lee. The lake will remain drained until funding can be secured to rehabilitate the dam. Construction of a 100-ft wide(at its base) trapezoidal breach will be completed by December 2012.

• Tamarack A&B Dams: The PFBC and the Department of Environmental Protection

(PADEP) have been monitoring seepage paths within Dam A near Meadville since the problems were first discovered late last year. That led to the lake being lowered by 5-ft in November 2011. Since then the seepage has worsened into what are termed boils. On 7/24/2012 at Dam A and early into the subsurface geotechnical investigations, the Professional Geologist reported that he observed “heaving sand” in two of the boring holes. It is believed that the dam’s foundation materials are under high water (i.e., pore) pressure that is causing displacement and forcing them up into the bore holes. In addition, on 7/31/2012, while geotechnical engineers were performing borings on the crest of the dam, the drill encountered an approximate 2-ft vertical void within the embankment adjacent to the outlet conduit; an additional draw down of 5-ft was immediately ordered. These conditions have confirmed previous suspicions that seepage paths and voids have developed along the outlet conduit and are eroding the dam's embankment and foundation materials, which is a very serious situation. On 8/17/2012 the PADEP officially declared Dam A to be “unsafe”, please refer to their attached letter. The reservoir is now completely drawn down. Staff is applying for H2O PA Act funding for necessary improvements to the high hazard unsafe flood control dams.

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• Walnut Creek Marina: The design phase continues for the Walnut Creek Rehabilitation Project

by a consultant administered by DGS. Hatcheries • Corry Pipeline project, to connect two new wells to the hatchery, is 60% complete. • Hatchery personnel are participating in the Tamarack Lake salvage.

WarmCool Water Stockings for the following date range: 6/30/2012 thru 9/1/2012 Summary Information of Species Stocked Weight (lbs.) Number SPECIES LIFESTAGE SHIPPED STOCKED AMERICAN EEL ELVR 0.00 36,469 LARGEMOUTH BASS FING 7.25 2,160 MUSKELLUNGE FING 125.30 6,700 TIGER MUSKELLUNGE FING 1,034.90 22,499

• Trout Stockings: Number of adult and fingerling trout stocked or scheduled to be stocked between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012.

SPECIES NUMBER STOCKED LIFESTAGE

Brook Trout 10,697 Adult

Brown Trout 5,250

Rainbow Trout 4,100

Golden Rainbow Trout 0

TOTAL ADULT TROUT 20,047

Brook Trout 60,000 Fingerling

Brown Trout 90,000

Rainbow Trout 16,000

Golden Rainbow Trout 0

TOTAL FINGERLING TROUT 166,000

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• Cooperative Nursery Distributions: Number of trout distributed or scheduled to be

distributed to PFBC cooperative nurseries between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012.

SPECIES NUMBER STOCKED LIFESTAGE

Brook Trout 150,586 Fingerling

Brown Trout 71,900

Rainbow Trout 162,000

Golden Rainbow Trout 3,310

TOTAL DISTRIBUTED 387,796

Boating and Outreach • Provided media and public relations support to PFBC activities related to the drawdown, fish

salvage and recovery, and drainage of the Commission’s Tamarack Lake. • Conducted a public event associated with the July 16th Commission Meeting where 120

participants rotated through four educational sessions regarding PA amphibians and reptiles, and 55 participants engaged in a Family Paddling session at Little Buffalo State Park.

• Boating Safety Education

Boating Safety Education Certificates (BSEC) Issued 4,983 BSEC issued via distance learning 4,801 BSEC issued via classroom courses 182 Boating Safety Courses on PFBC Calendar 30 PFBC Boating Course Instructor Training Workshops 2 New PFBC Boating Course Instructors trained 15

• Paddling safety education

o Staff scheduled nine Paddle PA/Family Paddling programs for a total of 197 participants.

o Coordinated and provided support for two float trips taken by Governor Corbett. The first trip took place on the Allegheny and Conemaugh Rivers in western PA on July 23-25. The upper Delaware River in northeastern PA was the site of the second float on August 23-24. Staff provided up to 25 kayaks and associated equipment, on-the-water support and safety, and boat shuttle for participants, in addition to media support. Executive Director Arway also participated in the float trips.

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Angler Education

Family Fishing Programs Scheduled 42 Reported FFP attendance 824 Total all fishing programs scheduled (includes non-PFBC) 54 PFBC Fishing Skills Instructor Workshops Scheduled 3 New PFBC Fishing Skills Instructors trained 17 Program requests received & processed 273 Programs presented (confirmed) 193

• Scheduled five Family Fly-Fishing events as part of the Family Fishing program. The

September 22nd program held at H.R. Stackhouse Training School will be for women only and is being conducted in cooperation with PA Trout Unlimited.

• Staffed a booth at five shows/fairs during the quarter for a total of 29 days of public exposure.

Engineering

• The spillway at Leaser Lake Dam has been completed. The refilling process is pending approval from DEP; however, we are tentatively planning to be at full capacity by Summer of 2013.

• The spillway at Opossum Lake Dam has been completed. The refilling process is pending


• The construction at Dutch Fork Lake Dam has been completed; however, the lakebed is

riddled with trees that have grown while the lake was drawn down. Due to these trees posing a threat to the dam’s safety and boating access, they will need removed before the refilling process can begin. Tree removal has been bid-out to a contractor.

• Hereford Manor Lakes (Upper and Lower Dams): The process of breaching the upper and

lower dams at Hereford Manor has been completed. General cleanup and demobilization of equipment are the only steps remaining. The closeout inspection is scheduled for 09/19/2012.

• Canonsburg Lake Dam: The construction at Canonsburg Lake Dam has been completed. The closeout inspection report was completed on July 12, 2012.

• Speedwell Forge Lake Dam: The Lake was drained beginning on October 19, 2011 due to

flood damage of the spillway caused by Tropical Storm Lee. The lake will remain drained until funding can be secured to rehabilitate the dam. Construction of a 100-ft wide (at its base) trapezoidal breach will be completed by December 2012.

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• Tamarack A&B Dams: The PFBC and the Department of Environmental Protection

(PADEP) have been monitoring seepage paths within Dam A near Meadville since the problems were first discovered late last year. That led to the lake being lowered by 5-ft in November 2011. Since then the seepage has worsened into what are termed boils. On 7/24/2012 at Dam A and early into the subsurface geotechnical investigations, the Professional Geologist reported that he observed “heaving sand” in two of the boring holes. It is believed that the dam’s foundation materials are under high water (i.e., pore) pressure that is causing displacement and forcing them up into the bore holes. In addition, on 7/31/2012, while geotechnical engineers were performing borings on the crest of the dam, the drill encountered an approximate 2-ft vertical void within the embankment adjacent to the outlet conduit; an additional draw down of 5-ft was immediately ordered. These conditions have confirmed previous suspicions that seepage paths and voids have developed along the outlet conduit and are eroding the dam's embankment and foundation materials, which is a very serious situation. On 8/17/2012 the PADEP officially declared Dam A to be “unsafe”, please refer to their attached letter. The reservoir is now completely drawn down. Staff is applying for H2O PA Act funding for necessary improvements to the high hazard unsafe flood control dams.

• Walnut Creek Marina: The design phase continues for the Walnut Creek Rehabilitation Project by a consultant administered by DGS.

Fisheries • Finalized regulation and criteria for threatened and endangered species surveyors. • Developing a Significant Mussel Resource (SMR) definition for Adaptive Management

Group. • Provided the Executive Director with accomplishments in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Program for his presentation to the Abandoned Mine Lands Conference held August 3 in State College, PA. Reviewed operation of the newly constructed Hollywood AMD Treatment Plant on the Bennetts Branch Sinnemahoning Creek, which will significantly improve water quality in the basin.

• Provided agency comments on Triennial Review of PA Water Quality Criteria, stream designations, and toxic strategies.

• Progress has been made in grant/project selection process related to several restricted accounts related to pollutions settlements (e.g. Shawville, Wallenpaupack (PPL)).

• Planning continues for October ASMFC meeting that PFBC is hosting in Philadelphia.

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Press

• Responded to approximately 80 media inquiries representing 36 print, TV, radio, and Internet media outlets.

• Issued approximately 30 press releases/media advisories/public notices related to 20 active projects.

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