Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 4

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
ENJOYING PENNSYLVANIA'S
RESOURCES TOGETHER
photo-Carl Kimmel
by Timothy D. Schaeffer
Executive Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
I
hope that by the reading of this issue, you have found great
success on the water this summer. Whether success to you is
making your biggest catch, enjoying a great day with friends
or family without a single bite, or engaging in a boating journey
that treats you to an experience of gorgeous Pennsylvania
scenery and wildlife, there are endless experiences you can enjoy
with fishing and boating in Pennsylvania. May you enjoy the
bounty that July and August bring with warm water fishing,
like bass and catfish. And, water temperatures are perfect for
fabulous paddling sojourns.
This issue highlights some of the variety of opportunities. For
example, you can make your fishing experience as simple as a
campground pond (pages 12 and 13) or as involved as a Lake
Erie charter (pages 10 and 11). They are different opportunities,
but the reward-a fish on your hook-still fun! In these pages,
I am reminded that it doesn't matter where you live in the state,
in a rural area or a busy urban center, you can jump into fishing
and boating. Check out tips on fishing for " city bass " in " A Guide
to Bass Fishing in Pennsylvania's Urban Areas " on pages 5, 6,
and 7. Then, find some remote areas to paddle and fish with our
features on French Creek (pages 28 and 29), Tionesta Recreation
Area (pages 32 and 33), and Juniata River (pages 18 and 19).
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
As I travel across the state, I am also struck by the diversity
of experiences and how committed outdoor enthusiasts
are about sharing with those who have never enjoyed
our waterways. Check out (page 45) the initiative by our
partners, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Parks and
Forest Foundation, to ensure Pennsylvanians with limited
mobility aren't limited in their ability to fish and paddle.
Their work adds to the many accesses the Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission owns and is improving with limited
mobility accommodations. Also, learn about the work the
Outdoor Inclusion Coalition (page 15) is doing to bring
underrepresented communities into activities like fishing and
boating. And, learn how Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
(pages 34 and 35) is doing its part to bring as many people to
fishing in Pennsylvania as possible.
You and all the partners featured in these pages bring our
mission to life. In carrying out that mission, you enhance
communities and the lives of its citizens while doing your
part to help ignite passion and concern for the natural
resources we are charged with protecting. I am grateful
to you all and encourage you to continue to cultivate new
fishing and boating enthusiasts. You don't have to be a part
of a big group or initiative either. A simple hello to a fellow
angler or offering a fishing tip or favorite water trail can make
a difference. Our resources are vast, so there's plenty to go
around. Let's enjoy together!
I look forward to seeing you on the water.
fishandboat.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023

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