Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022 - 46

GOVERNOR'S
YOUTH COUNCIL
for Hunting, Fishing,
and Conservation
by Riley Robbins
I recently stated that my friends are not as involved
in the outdoors because of being on their phones
or online. While I stand by this statement, what I
neglected to say was that I am guilty of it as well.
The internet, including social media, has become
increasingly popular and now appears to be the go-to
source of entertainment and communication for my
generation. But, we are missing out. The beauty of
Pennsylvania and all of the natural resources it offers
lies just outside of our doors and beyond our phones.
That said, I am fortunate in the respect that I have been
provided the opportunities to experience the outdoors
of Pennsylvania. I am aware that others may not have
had the same opportunities. I hope to take an active
role in helping change that. My name is Riley Robbins,
and I am one of the newest members of the Governor's
Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation.
My hope is that the council will serve as the catalyst for
the change I hope to see.
Governor's Youth Council
for Hunting, Fishing, and
Conservation is a platform
for the next generation of
Pennsylvania's hunters and anglers
to communicate their ideas and
contribute their perspectives
and recommendations regarding
conservation and youth
engagement to the Governor.
It consists of 20 individuals,
ages 14 to 18, from across the
Commonwealth. The goal is to provide energetic, varied,
and intelligent input on opportunities to engage future
generations in the preservation of our natural resources
and our hunting and fishing heritage.
Riley Robbins
" By teaching and motivating others to take action, we
are doing our part in helping to conserve and protect the
natural places and animals we all love, " said Elizabeth
Bruner, Indiana County, who chairs the council. Bruner
has been a member for 2 years. Her work with the council
includes previous projects with the Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission (PFBC). " The Governor's Youth
Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation has
worked in conjunction with the PFBC to create public
service announcements that talk about cold water safety
and wearing your life jacket, " said Bruner.
Bruner is not the only member who is enthusiastic
about the work the Governor's Youth Council for
Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation is doing. " During the
pandemic, it was difficult for us to meet in person. This
coming year, the Governor's Youth Council for Hunting,
Fishing, and Conservation is looking forward to meeting
in person once again, " said Brenden Leahy, Bucks County,
who serves as vice president.
Recently, the Governor's Youth
Council for Hunting, Fishing, and
Conservation transitioned to new
leadership. Derek Eberly serves as the
new director. Previously, Eberly was
the Pennsylvania Field Representative
for the Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership, where he
worked alongside other hunting and
fishing groups across Pennsylvania to
support conservation.
The Governor's Youth Council for
Some of the members of the Governor's Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation.
46
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2022
Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation
is thrilled to continue to increase
the opportunities for Pennsylvania's
youth hunters and anglers to share
their thoughts on fish and wildlife
conservation. If you are interested
in being a candidate for the Council,
please contact Derek Eberly at
deeberly@pa.gov to learn more about
what experiences are offered.
FishandBoat.com
photos-courtesy of Riley Robbins

http://www.FishandBoat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2022

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