News For Constituents

 
 

From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

March 6, 2009

2009 Trout Stocking Schedule Now Available 

The 2009 Pennsylvania Trout Stocking Schedule is now available on the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s (PF&BC) website.  The Commission reports it will stock more than 3.1 million brook, brown, and rainbow trout between March 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010.  The stocking will occur in 744 streams and 124 lakes.  

Pennsylvania will observe two opening days for trout season in 2009.  Saturday, April 4, 2009 will find fisherman lining the banks of our waterways in Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York counties. The opening day of the 2009 trout season will take place on Saturday, April 18 in the remaining counties.   

Individuals age 16 and over are required to apply for and display on a hat or outer garment a current Pennsylvania fishing license. Consult the PF&BC’s Frequently Asked Questions for details on acquiring a PA fishing license and observing state requirements.   

Check YES for Breast Cancer Research 

With the income tax filing deadline quickly approaching, the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is reminding taxpayers to support breast and cervical cancer research by donating a portion of their state tax refund to the effort.   

Since the program began in 1997, Pennsylvanians have contributed over $2 million to support breast and cervical cancer research, with an average contribution of $8.  One hundred percent of the money is distributed as grants to outstanding researchers across the state. 

Participate by checking line 35 on your PA 40 form to “Check YES” or mark the same line and include a check with your tax form.  Consult your tax advisor for additional information.  

For a broader perspective on cancer statistics, reports, and cancer prevention and control programs, consult the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 

Firewood Restrictions Reach Six PA Counties in 2009 

Whether you are considering a load of firewood to keep your home warm or planning ahead for an outdoor adventure that will require a supply of firewood, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is issuing a reminder on the continuing quarantine of certain firewood.

The discovery in 2007 of an invasive species of beetles known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the Commonwealth has resulted in firewood quarantines in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties.  Most recently, Mifflin County identified the presence of the wood-boring insect and has now been added to the firewood quarantine.  

To avoid the possible further spread of destruction, the PDA is encouraging all homeowners and campers to use only locally-harvested firewood, burn all of the firewood on-site, and avoid transporting it to new locations.  Violators of the quarantine order will face the possibility of summary criminal prosecution and a fine of not more than $300 for each offense, or a civil penalty of up to $20,000, or both. 

Consult the PDA regarding the introduction of the pest responsible for the death and decline of more than 20 million ash trees in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia and Illinois.  

If you suspect you have seen the Emerald Ash Borer, call the department’s toll-free pest hotline at 1-866-253-7189.  For more information about the quarantine, contact Walt Blosser at 717-772-5205, or for more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, contact Sven-Erik Spichiger at 717-772-5229.  

Conference to Shine Light on Solar Energy 

Opportunities for workforce and economic development offered by the solar energy industry will be the focus of a two-day conference to be held in State College on May 6-7, 2009 aimed at state and local government officials, financial institutions, builders, developers, code officials, economic development professionals, and community organizations. 

Misconceptions, questions related to affordability, and laying the groundwork for building new businesses in the solar energy market are key topics for Wednesday’s workshops.  Financing and workforce development are on the agenda for breakout sessions set for Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon the sessions will take a look at policy directions, education programs and challenges and grid/utility impacts.   

Registration fees for this outreach program offered by the Penn State University Center for Sustainability are due by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2009 to avoid an additional charge.  The fee covers all instruction, program materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch on May 7.  All other meals and lodging are the responsibility of the registrant.  A block of rooms is being held for onsite accommodations at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.  Room reservations are required by April 5, 2009 to qualify for the $109/per night rate.   

The Center for Sustainability (CfS) at Penn State was born from a grassroots movement of students and faculty in 1995.  The Center has emerged as an important part of Penn State's efforts to address the environmental, economic, and social challenges of sustainability through the engagement of students. 

DCNR Website User Survey Looking for Respondents 

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who turns to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website for information?  Are you looking for information on state parks, forests, trails, rivers, or for some other conservation or recreational purposes? 

DCNR is conducting a brief survey of its website users to determine who visits the site, how often, and for what reasons.  After responding to eleven questions, participants will be asked to supply their contact information.  Within the next six months, respondents will be asked to participate in a focus group or to complete a more detailed survey.  The findings will assist DCNR with the redesign of its website.   

Results of the website user survey are to be posted on the DCNR website by the end of June 2009.

Winter Weather and You  

While we are setting the clock forward for Daylight Savings Time in early March, winter weather continues to hang on across the Commonwealth.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering the Cool Tip of the Week to help you safely navigate winter weather.

This week’s tip recommends motorists and their passengers stay in their vehicle when stranded.  According to the CDC, this is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice-covered.  The agency urges the following steps if stranded:   

  • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing).
  • Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
  • Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
  • Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
  • Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
  • Do not eat unmelted snow because it will lower your body temperature.
  • Huddle with other people for warmth.

Access a series of tips for safely weathering cold temperatures.  Find solutions to cold weather issues like computing the wind chill factor and avoiding frostbite and hypothermia.  Explore the CDC site for steps to take before, during and after a storm.