Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023 - 4

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
The opening plenary of
the conference will feature
a session entitled The Power
of Partnerships. That title
applies to nearly everything
we do and helps explain
how the PFBC is able to
accomplish so much. We
don't do it alone.
On behalf of our Board
of Commissioners and
Boating Advisory Board,
thank you to all of the
partners-many of whom
are regularly featured in
the pages of Pennsylvania
Angler and Boater-who
collectively make our
successes possible.
We ask that everyone be
THE POWER OF
PARTNERSHIPS
by Timothy D. Schaeffer
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
T
he Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(PFBC) is a relatively small state agency, which,
using a boxing metaphor, punches above its weight.
Our nearly 420 full-time and approximately 200 seasonal
staff statewide deliver incredible results on behalf of the
Commonwealth's anglers, boaters, and aquatic resources.
In all corners of Pennsylvania and during every season
of the year, PFBC employees work daily to implement
our mission to protect, conserve, and enhance aquatic
resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.
Some of this work will be highlighted April 30
through May 2, 2023, when we join our colleagues at the
Pennsylvania Game Commission to host the 78th Annual
Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Hershey. This
event rotates among the northeast states from Virginia to
Maine and comes to Pennsylvania about once every 10
years. It offers an opportunity to interact with and learn
from fish and wildlife professionals throughout the region.
For registration information, visit www.neafwa.org.
4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
our partner in the pursuit
of safety. You can do that by
wearing your life jacket.
At a recent meeting of
our Boating Committee
chaired by Commissioner
John Mahn, our staff
reported compelling
statistics showing that the
10-year-old cold weather
life jacket regulation is
working. Most boating accidents happen in the summer
when more people are on the water, but a disproportionate
number of fatalities happen when the water is cold and the
chances of survival dramatically drop. In response, since
2012, boaters are required to wear a life jacket on boats
less than 16 feet in length and on any canoe, kayak, or
paddleboard from November 1 through April 30.
While the number of accidents during the cold weather
months have remained steady over the past 10 years, fatalities
have been cut in half. The regulation is saving lives and is a
poignant reminder that life jackets work.
Do not be fooled by a warm day this winter or when
boating during the opening day of trout season on April
1, 2023. Despite the air temperature, the water is still
dangerously cold. Wearing a life
jacket can save your life, and it is
the law this time of year.
As thoughts start to turn toward
more time on the water with the
changing seasons, appreciate the
power of partnerships for aquatic
resource conservation and renew
your commitment to being our
partner in boating safety by
wearing your life jacket.
fishandboat.com
photo-Carl Kimmel
http://www.neafwa.org http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2023

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