Support needed for trout fishery
A newly formed conservation organization based in Jim Thorpe with the purpose of providing additional support of the trout fishery in the Lehigh River , "Five Mile High," is seeking additional volunteers and monetary donations. Funds will be used to stock trout in the river from the bridge on Route 903 in Jim Thorpe to the confluence of Bear Creek, approximately five miles upstream.
This 5-mile stretch of water is recognized as having some of the most scenic and productive fishing waters and wild territory in Lehigh Gorge State Park . A five-member trustee board consisting of Pete Bott, Dave Gasker, Andy Hoherchak, Keith Ramsay and Dave Thomas is overseeing the project and meets the last Tuesday of each month, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at Mauch Chunk Rod and Gun Club, Jim Thorpe.
According to the board, there are no public fundraisers planed at the present, but they are exploring opportunities. All funds now being raised are through private contributions, and interested individuals are requested to make donations in $20 increments.
All donations will be used to stock trout in the Lehigh River as a supplemental program to current stockings by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and other conservation organizations. Trustees emphasized that support should continue to be given these organizations that stockings and environmental issues supporting the Lehigh and its tributaries.
For more information, call Mark Klotz at 570-675-0565 or e-mail unimark@ptd.net.
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Those interested in helping wildlife in their backyard may want to consider purchasing a bluebird nesting box being sold by the Pennsylvania Game Commission at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave. Boxes sell for $7, and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project.
"Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes," PGC Wildlife Diversity chief Dan Brauning said. "These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way.
"Building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other species, including tree swallows and house wrens."
Sales will continue while supplies last, and office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. To order by phone, call the agency 1-888-888-3459.
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Berks Historical Society executive director Sime Bertolet is today's guest on "Experience the Outdoors" with Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz on Oldies 1410-AM, from 7:30-8 a.m., and Sunday, on Magic, WMGH, 105.5-FM, from 9:30-10 a.m. Rebroadcasts are on the Web at www.wmgh.com by clicking on the "Experience The Outdoors" link.
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Here is the schedule of upcoming sports and outdoors shows:
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show: Today and Sunday, Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg. Show hours: Today, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, access the show Web site at www.easternsportshow.com
Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sport Show: Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 25-28, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks. Show hours: Thursday and Friday, 12:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 610-431-4315 or access on the Web at www.sportshows.com.
"Wildlife Art Expo," Saturday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Environmental Education Center, Montour Preserve, Washingtonville. For information, call Jon Beam at 570-437-3131.
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Port Clinton Fish and Game, 16 Clinton St., Port Clinton, will hold its annual coyote hunt, Saturday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 28. For information and registration on both events, call the club at 610-562-4310 or e-mail portclintonfg@wmconnect.com.
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A trap shoot will be held, Thursday, Feb. 18, beginning at 6 p.m., at Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg. For information, e-mail jafone@comcast.net.
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A block shoot for .22 caliber and 12 gauge, will be held, Friday, Feb. 19, from 6-10 p.m., at Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg. For information, e-mail jafone@comcast.net.
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Pheasants Forever Schuylkill Chapter will hold its annual banquet, Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at Community Fire Company, Landingville. For information, call Lou Dallatore at 570-345-4337.
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Muzzleloader shoots will be held, Sunday, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 6, Sept. 12, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 and 10, Sunday, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by the First Frontier Militia, at Bowmanstown Rod and Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 248, Bowmanstown. For information, call Roger Fisher at 610-377-2812.
