Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2021 - 17

GOVERNOR'S
YOUTH COUNCIL
for Hunting, Fishing,
and Conservation
by Ripley Kindervater
Applying to become a member of the Governor's Youth
Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation has
led me down a path, toward what I want to do in life-
helping Pennsylvania's beautiful lands and waterways. As
a member of the Governor's Youth Council for Hunting,
Fishing, and Conservation, it has been an amazing
blessing to participate in legislation, conservation, and
hunting safety efforts alongside my peers.
Growing up in Pennsylvania's countryside provided
me with many adventures. With a multitude of outdoor
adventures from hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating,
Pennsylvania has it all.
My most treasured memories of fishing in
Pennsylvania take me to the Allegheny National Forest,
fishing for native Brook Trout. I learned about trout
fishing at Farnsworth Fish Hatchery, Warren County.
Downstream, I would frequently catch small, native trout.
In my opinion, native Brook Trout are more beautiful
than stocked trout and more difficult to find and catch.
Sneaking up to the stream is always the hardest part of
catching Brook Trout. One false move and the trout bolt.
Still, I am always able to find fish. It is hard to imagine
what Brook Trout populations have seen over the years
from the impacts of logging, mining, and other watershed
impacts. However, thanks to the efforts of state agencies
and national and local organizations, Brook Trout
populations are in good hands.
I once encountered a remote stream in the Allegheny
National Forest. I hiked a mile into the forest, where I
Ripley Kindervater
found deeper waters as a result of multiple beaver dams.
Along the way, I observed many reptiles and amphibians
including Eastern Red-backed Salamanders and even a
Northern Rough Greensnake. It is always a treasure to
see the diversity of Pennsylvania's wilds. Upon reaching
the beaver dams, I started to catch plenty of Brook
Trout, each displaying trademark colors of orange, red,
green, and blue. The longer I fished, the more I caught. I
have never seen so many Brook Trout before in my life.
Each fish I caught was larger. I decided not to harvest
any as I felt it best to leave the fish in the wild for others
to enjoy. Catch and release is best for all. It keeps fish
where fish are meant to be.
It fills me with joy each time I find a stream with
Brook Trout or a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Preserving Pennsylvania's streams and wilderness is
dear to me. I want future generations to experience
Pennsylvania's waters, parks, and forests. Keeping the
waters clean for fish and other creatures is especially
important for a healthy and diverse environment.
That is why getting involved in conservation efforts
is rewarding. You get to help what you hope everyone
holds dear.
I encourage participating in new things, even if
A native Brook Trout
www.fishandboat.com
you are not sure about the opportunities. I was not
certain about joining the Governor's Youth Council
for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation, but I am
grateful that I made the decision to apply. I have learned
so much about conservation and state regulations.
With that in mind, I implore you to join anything
involved with hunting, fishing, conservation, or the
enhancement of Pennsylvania's waters and lands. Keep
Pennsylvania beautiful.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2021
17
photos-courtesy of Ripley Kindervater
http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2021

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