Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021 - 46

photos-courtesy of Autumn McEntee

GOVERNOR'S
YOUTH COUNCIL

for Hunting, Fishing,
and Conservation
by Autumn McEntee
One of Pennsylvania's greatest treasures are the 86,000 miles
of waterways that cover the Keystone State. These waterways
hold a different meaning for each angler or outdoor
enthusiast who enjoys them. Some enjoy bobber fishing for
Bluegills, working rooster tails through streams for trout,
or skipping topwater frogs across farm ponds in search of
Largemouth Bass. Others enjoy paddling in or hiking along
Pennsylvania's waterways.
Outdoor enthusiasts and our communities rely on these
waters and the health of these waters, not only for recreation,
but also for drinking water. Like us, many species of birds
also rely on these same waterways for survival. These
waterways are their lifeline. The waterways provide food,
shelter, habitat, nesting areas, and safe havens for birds.
Many of the birds spend a considerable amount of time in or
around these waters.
The ability of our feathered friends to continue to be safe
in and around our waterways depends on how well we take
care of and pick up after ourselves when we are enjoying these
beautiful waters.
Remember, the waterways are not only a recreational outlet
and drinking water source for our communities, but these
waterways are also a home to many other creatures. It is far
too common to see empty nightcrawler containers, discarded
cans of corn, and nests of fishing line-some with hooks still

Pennsylvania's waterways provide food, shelter, habitat, nesting
areas, and safe havens for birds.

46

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2021	

Autumn McEntee

attached-hanging in the trees or littering the banks of our
favorite creeks, rivers, and lakes. Leaving behind trash is an
accident waiting to happen not only for our feathered friends
but other creatures as well.
When thinking about the species of birds who inhabit
these areas, species of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and
swans may be the first that come to mind. Long-legged
waders, like the great blue heron or its smaller counterpart,
the green heron, are at risk of entangling long legs or
large feet in nests of line. In addition to these waterfowl,
waterways are crucial to almost every bird of prey. Over
the summer at Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County, a
young bald eagle got entangled in discarded fishing line.
Unfortunately, because the line was tangled around the bald
eagle's beak and talons, it did not survive. This untimely
death, as well as countless others, could be easily avoided by
taking a few extra steps to clean up discarded fishing line.
When a bird becomes entangled in fishing line, it becomes
stressed, immobilized, and is unable to access food or water
if the line is constricting its beak. If fishing line is ingested,
it impacts its digestive system, preventing the digestion of
food, which leads to starvation.
As anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, we need to be
responsible and pack out our trash and discarded fishing line.
Then, we can properly dispose of it at home. By disposing
of our trash properly, we are beautifying Pennsylvania's
waterways and protecting wildlife. It is important to leave an
area better than you found it, because you would expect the
same from other anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. When you
hit the water this spring, I encourage you to take the extra
step to pack out your trash, and maybe even pick up a few
pieces left behind by others. I wish you a safe, plentiful fishing
season full of tight lines and screaming drags.
www.fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2021

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