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8/22/11 I am going to try and put a few things right and in to their proper prospective. Firstly, I have tried to keep from mentioning names in most of my comments, the reason being, is that I tend to be forgetful and do not wish to leave anyone out. Well I ignored my own advice and in the latest Newsletter I, true to form, forgot someone. I will rectify that omission now. I would like to thank Mr. & Mrs. David Sieminski (LIFE), for their time and efforts during the “Live Tank Spawning” project. During the duration of the project they worked the second shift. They made sure everything was buttoned down and secure at the site almost every evening. The Club thanks them now. Newsletter, for the past few years Jeannie & David Carl have been doing a great job in publishing the Newsletter, unfortunately the last issue was not what it should have been. David & Jeannie put in a lot of time and effort compiling and editing the Newsletter and some where between the Editors and the Printer it went awry. The latest issue of the Newsletter is by no means a reflection on the Editors or the Printer, as President it is my responsibility to make sure that this type of thing does not happen. As on a ship everything that happens on board is the responsibility of the Captain, so please direct any and all comments in my direction. The Casino bus trip, at the 6/15/11 monthly
meeting it was decided by the attending members to put together a bus trip as a
Fund Raiser for the Club, a motion was made and carried to move forward and a
date was set. Well that date is approaching and to date not to many Club members
have signed on? This is a very important event for the Club and I would think
that a few of the members who had so enthusiastically endorsed it would at least
plan to attend it, but that’s just me. Please sign on and get in touch with
Jeanine and send her a check. rm 7/10/11 I was listening to some very early Eric Clapton and one of the tracks was the “CROSS ROAD”, which got me to thinking. The DRSFA in my opinion is at a very critical “CROSS ROAD”, the leadership of the DRSFA is getting very long in the tooth. Two of us are looking at the high side of seventy years. The Club has four elected officers and five appointed Board members. I am appreciative for their input and physical help. The Club has many irons in the fire at this time. We have Shad in Schools, annual Raffle sales, Newsletter, Flea Market, Youth Fishing & Education Day and a very big stake in the United States Fisheries & Wildlife Services “Live Tank Spawning Project”. I am happy to report that all of the projects mentioned above have been very successful, thanks to the efforts of DRSFA. The Club had to raise membership dues and we anticipated a drop in memberships, but thanks to a membership drive orchestrated by Bill McWha and Charlie Furst, we were able to add more then fifty new members. The DRSFA, despite the economic conditions, is still finically sound. The DRSFA is too big and important to let all of this fall on the shoulders of so few members, we need more volunteers and dedicated members to stand for positions of leadership. I’m too tired and old to keep this up much longer. The Club needs younger people to take up the reins and continue the battle for the Shad in the Delaware River Basin. As stated at the beginning, the DRSFA is at a very important “CROSS ROAD”. I might take Clapton’s advice and head on down to Clarksdale. rm 6/21/11 The Youth Fishing Education Day on June 18, 2011
went off with out a hitch again. The weather was great (HOT). A very big well
done, to David Carl and his committee, and to all of the Club members (men &
women) who volunteered. It is very gratifying to me when I see all of the Club
members and the children working together for the common good. RM
6/13/11 Gentlemen, As the President of the Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc. I would like to make the following comments concerning the proposal to add the Susquehanna American Shad, to the Wildlife Action Plan. I would like to remind the PF&BC there are a few more rivers in Pennsylvania that support American Shad other than the Susquehanna, namely the Delaware, Lehigh and Schuylkill Rivers. To omit any of these Rivers from an action plan concerning American Shad in Pennsylvania would be a grave injustice. The Delaware, Lehigh and the Schuylkill Rivers can and are supporting a good Shad population, but we would like the PF&BC to share the wealth proportionately between the four rivers currently supporting American Shad populations. The DRSFA supports the addition of ALL American Shad to the Wildlife Action Plan. Ron Marks, President:
5/24/11 On Sunday night, May 22, 2011 the PF&BC made it possible for us to deliver eggs to our participating Shad in Schools teachers. Daryl Pierce, Dave Arnold, and the rest of their crew managed to catch enough Shad to fulfill our egg requirements. They did this under very poor conditions. It was very cold, rainy, and the Delaware was high and not very safe. We managed to distribute all of the eggs Monday morning, May 23, 2011. I would like to thank everyone who helped us out. It still amazes me that we manage to pull this off at times it reminds me of a “Chinese Fire Drill”. Regardless it gets done, again thanks to all of you. Ron Marks: DRSFA 5/21/11 The egg taking at Smith field Beach as been cancelled. 5/17/11 Jerre Mohler has asked if we can help out again. He would like us to fish for more Shad in the Easton area. I told him that we could probably muster up a few boats and anglers. Jerre will be at the monthly meeting at the Se-Wy-Co Firehouse on Wednesday evening. The time and place are as follows, Easton boat ramp, May 19, 2011 at or around 9:00AM. This is short notice but we only need about twenty fish. Let’s see if lightning does strike twice. I hope to see you there. Ron Marks: DRSFA
5/15/11 The DRSFA, in the past few days has received some very positive publicity in the Media. I would like to draw everyone’s attention to them. The first is an article printed in the Morning Call Sunday Edition May 15, 2011 by Samantha Marcus concerning the “Live Tank Spawning System”. LINK The second is on the web site HERE. There members can find photographs of the “SHAD SHUTTLE”. This type of PR creates a very positive image of the Club and its members. RM
5/13/11 On May 12, 2011, I put out a short notice call for volunteers to help Jerre Mohler of the USF&WS get some Shad for the Live Tank Spawning program. The response was very gratifying, the membership came thru. We had at least five boats on the River and at times six. All of the boats had at least two anglers on board. We had four to six members helping on shore. I spent the day ferrying Shad back and forth from boat to shore. Unfortunately, I also had to ferry a wounded angler to shore to have a hook removed from a finger, our emergency First Aide responder Jerre, responded and saved the day. Responder and patient are doing fine. Jerre was more then pleased with the way everything turned out. This is the first year for the project and we all learned some very important lessons. We will apply these lessons in the future. The DRSFA should be very proud of it’s self for the time and effort, that it expended to help out a friend, I know that I am. As a foot note the DRSFA put many Shad into the holding tanks. A very big “Thank You” to all of you, you all came thru and made good on the promise to help in anyway possible. People know that when the DRSFA promises to help, it does. Ron Marks: President, DRSFA
5/11/11 On Thursday, May 12, 2011 the DRSFA will try to catch enough Shad to stock the "Live Tank Spawning System" at Hugh Moore Park. We are calling on the Membership to help. We are going to fish the Easton, P-Burg area. Anyone wanting to help out with the fishing should be on the River around 8:30 AM. The starting time is not really important anyone wishing to help can arrive at anytime. We will run a Shad shuttle between the boats and the holding tanks. As an added incentive anyone helping out will receive a "FREE" USF&WS volunteer hat !! RM
5/5/11 On Tuesday March 16, 2010 John Berry, David Bittner and myself participated in a conference call meeting with members of the Delaware River Fisheries and Wildlife Management Co-Op. Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the DRSFA were all represented. The meeting moved along with various topics being discussed. The agenda also included a section concerning “Shad”, that is when it really got interesting. After most of the usual things were gone over the phrase Tank Spawning came up. The DRSFA has been lobbying for three or four years just to have tank spawning mentioned and here it was on the table and being discussed openly by the various representatives of the four states. Mike Stangle, representing Delaware, offered his help with cost break downs and blue prints and offered to help with anything else that he could. I can not recall who offered but there are three 12’ foot tanks available for use as spawning tanks. Things went as far as discussing possible locations. The city of Easton was mentioned with its proximity to the Delaware River and Bushkill Creek. Adult Shad would not have to be transported over any great distances to the spawning tanks. It was agreed that this would be an excellent Pilot Program. After all of the discussions reality seemed to set in. Pennsylvania and New Jersey would be the biggest shareholders in this program and therefore bear the highest financial burden. The Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc. wholeheartedly endorses this pilot program and will help out in anyway that it can. The Club is aware of the obstacles that this program will be facing but we are 100% in favor of it. Ron Marks: President The live spawn shad tank at Hugh Moore Park in Easton, PA
4/18/11 ATTENTION: If you own a GPS here is the address for the SE-WY-CO Firehouse. 3621 Old Philadelphia Pike Please try to attend the annual "SPRING MEETING & RAFFLE". The meeting starts at 7:00 PM. - RM 3/22/11 Calvary Church Outdoor Expo, Saturday March 26,
2011.The Club will have a table at the Expo. Any member interested in helping
out can contact me at (610) 791-0987. Admission to the Show is free. The Show
hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 820 Route 113 We could use a few new faces at the table for this Show. ALSO: The Live Tank Spawning Pilot project cleared another hurdle
Monday March 21, when the City of Easton Zoning Board awarded a zoning variance
to the USF&WS 's plan at Hugh Moore Park. This variance was the last piece of
paper work required to get the project moving forward. RM 3/21/11 The first report of Shad being caught in the Delaware River to the DRSFA. Club member Charlie Furst caught very aggressive Shad in the Point Pleasant, Bull's Island area close to shore on Sunday March 20, 2011. Please contact the webmaster or go on to the fishing log section of our web-site and make your daily reports of success or failures. This is very good news to me. RM
3/14/11 I would like to thank everyone who showed on Saturday night and on Sunday to help make my life a little easier. All of your help was appreciated. The Flea Market, from the Clubs stand point was a success. We had 475 people come thru the door. We managed to get through the whole event with a minimum of angst, it did not go smooth as silk but we muddled through. I would also like to give the Se-Wy-Co Firehouse people (Sal & Jeremy) a special thank you. Our relationship with that group has always been good. “THANK YOU ALL”. Ron Marks: DRSFA 3/12/11 Members & Non-Members, As a registered Democrat, a member of the United States
Steelworks of America, and the International Assoc. of Machinists for over 40
years, I have been called many things, but Joe’s description of me being
borderline “HYSTERICAL” is the very first time that phrase was ever used in
reference to me personally, there really is a first time for everything. The purpose of the DRSFA is to protect The Delaware River Basin, and without adequate safe guards, the Energy Companies will run rough shod over anything as they have done in the past. It is not my intention to get into a pissing contest with any of our members. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The DRSFA has and will lose members over this issue. That is the way it is and frankly I am getting tired. For every response I receive for Marcellus, I get as many dead set against it. I will not amend my letter to the Delaware River Basin
Commission. I feel that the letter states the legitimate concerns of the DRSFA
and the majority of its members. The Delaware River is a very valuable asset to
everyone not only the people in Wayne County.
3/11/11 Carol Collier 3/11/11 DRBC PO Box 7360 25 State Police Drive West Trenton NJ 08628-0360
MS. Collier I am writing this letter on behalf of the Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc. (DRSFA). The organization is deeply concerned regarding Marcellus Shale drilling permits. We feel that there are not adequate safeguards in place to protect the headwaters of the Delaware River. The threat to the entire Delaware River Basin is very real. The Delaware River provides drinking water to approximately 17 million people in PA, NY, and NJ. And when the accidents start, there will be no emergency plan in place to protect the citizens of the Delaware River Basin. The Energy Companies have demonstrated time and time again their blatant disregard for anyone or anything that dares to stand between them and their bottom line. We are still cleaning up after the Coal and Timber industries. We as a Club are looking to you, to protect the Delaware River and its tributaries. We must wait until all of the scientific data is gathered and assimilated so we can put adequate safeguards in place. Sincerely,
Ron Marks: President Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc.
3/8/11 Here is a copy of a letter I sent to: Justin Simmins - State Representative If some of the Members wish to use it as guide that would be
good.
Senator, I am writing on behalf of the Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc. The DRSFA is deeply concerned about the seemly cavalier approach that the State’s Governing bodies are taking toward the Energy companies blatant disregard of the State’s woodlands and especially the Head waters of the Delaware River. The Delaware River supplies clean drinking water to more than 17 million people in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The track record of all of these energy companies is abysmal. They have shown thru the years that their only concern is the bottom line. They are not past buying what ever they want or need in Pennsylvania or Washington DC. They have very deep pockets. All we have to do is look back at history to see what this head long rush for energy will produce. We are still cleaning up after the Coal Industry and Logging interests. Every one is aware of the energy and employment benefits that the Marcellus Shale will bring to the Commonwealth, but for every plus we can state two minuses. The Energy companies must be held accountable for all the damage that they will inflict on the head waters of the Delaware River. They have effectively circumvented the CLEAN WATER and CLEAN AIR acts that were passed in Washington, which effectively gives Energy Companies carte Blanc as far as the rules that govern everyone else. The Delaware River is now one of, if not the cleanest large free flowing river in the United States. We need to keep it that way. There must be a moratorium put in place until all of the science is in regarding fracking!!! Sincerely,
Ron Marks President: Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc.
3/4/11 DRBC extends Comment period on drilling Written comments will be accepted by using a form available on the DRBC website, www.drbc.net which is the preferred method, or by mail, addressed to: Commission Secretary DRBC P.O. Box 7360 25 State Police Drive West Trenton, NJ 08628-0360 The deadline has been extended to April 15, 2011. Make your self heard on this matter. Ron Marks
1/26/11 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission The Monday meeting was not scheduled for any public in-put, but the Commissioners were kind enough to allow everyone present three minutes to comment. There was a large contingent of Susquehanna Bass Anglers commenting on Bass Tournament regulations during the Bass spawn. There were also many comments regarding the condition of the Susquehanna River in general. The DRSFA’s comments in no particular order
were as follows: The DRSFA’s position on Marcellus Shale was also reviewed. We urged Director John Arway and the Commissioners to work diligently to protect the Delaware River Basin and our State Forests. We need enforceable laws to insure the Delaware River and its tributaries are fully protected. Fish passage on the Lehigh River. It was pointed out to everyone in attendance that the three cities Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown are on board regarding a non-binding study of the effects of Dam removal on the Lehigh River. Our Shad in Schools project was outlined. We would like to have an article published in the Pennsylvania Angler & Boater Magazine pertaining to this project. We will be contacting Commissioners Norm Gavlic and Glade Squires to help us to this end. The United States Fisheries and Wildlife Services Live Tank Shad Spawning pilot program was also brought to the attention of the Commissioners and those in attendance. If this program gets off the ground, it will be a huge step forward for the Shad restoration efforts on the Lehigh River. These PF&BC meetings are very important as far as the DRSFA is concerned, when we are in attendance the PF&BC know that we are aware and interested in what they are doing. These meetings give the DRSFA an opportunity to meet with and get the word out to various entities and people. This thing is entirely too long I need a nap. Ron Marks: DRSFA 1/5/11 In the opening paragraph of my 2010 Re-Cap I mentioned the fact, if I made any kind of omission I would be taken to task, well I was. In my 75 years I have been accused of omitting certain facts and fabricating others. But I have always tried to give everyone their rights and opinions, whether I agreed with them or not. Marcellus Shale: The DRSFA is strongly opposed to any of the shenanigans that are currently taking place in Harrisburg. The voters of Pennsylvania have chosen to elect a Governor who does not seem to be concerned about the Delaware River Basin at all. The politicos in Harrisburg seem to think Big Oil will pull out if there is any sort of Severance tax imposed upon them. I am sure they will turn their collective backs on the ZILLION DOLLAR bonanza in our watershed. If you believe that, I can get you a very good deal on a bridge in New York City. The AP (Associated Press) has recently published a very interesting study on the Marcellus Shale Industry and their practices. I suggest anyone concerned about the industry should read it. In the Lehigh Valley area the Morning Call has had some very interesting articles published lately, notably Paul Carpenter’s columns. I am sure anyone with access to a computer can find these articles. I hope that this brief explanation of the DRSFA’s position and my own personal opinion is sufficient to soothe any ruffled feathers. Ron Marks: Pres. DRSFA 1/3/11 2010 First off the DRSFA has a new webpage, drsfa.org . It was set up by Jeremy Smith. Jeremy told the Club he would set it up and run it for one year, the year has passed and now we must find someone who is willing to take the job over. We would like to have a Club member handle it, but anyone with the proper credentials can apply. The Club is flexible as far as compensation is concerned. Jeremy has done a fine job and the Club can not thank him enough for helping us get into the 21st century. CLUB NEWS: Our fund raising efforts in 2010 were hampered by blizzards and a lack of venues. Many of the Shows that we attended in the past no longer exist, and those that we did attend suffered from the same economic pressures that we all are facing at this time. Regardless of the conditions, the Club still managed to keep its head above water (barely). While on the topic of economics, the Board of Directors after much discussion and debate has come to the conclusion that a membership dues increase is necessary. The decision was not taken lightly but it had to be made. I am on a fixed income, as are many of our members, but the mission of the DRSFA is a worthy one. The “SHAD in SCHOOLS” program is still moving ahead. In 2010 we, with the co-operation of the PF&BC were able to supply our member schools with viable Shad eggs. They all had various degrees of success. With the continued help of our partners, PPL and the PF&BC, the Club will continue to expose young school children to the outdoors, and the part Shad play in the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. I am happy to report the “Youth Fishing and Education Day” program is moving forward also. David Carl and his committee, with the help of our partners at the Point Philips Rod and Gun Club managed to put together a fine program again for the children. Through the hard work of David and the committee, I think that in 2011 we will manage to break even with this program. The SiS and YF&ED programs all require a lot of hard work and the DRSFA is delivering two very fine programs for the children, who I hope will pick up the Torch, after we get too old to carry it. The “live Tank Spawning” pilot program is also moving ahead. With the co-operation of the city of Easton, Hugh Moore Park and the PF&BC we may be able see tangible results in 2011. There is some news regarding a non-binding study on Dam removal on the Lehigh River. I can not comment on this with any certainty, but I think all of the concerned parties are on board. We will have to wait until the water clears up a little before we can comment any further. The 2010 Shad run was a good one. I think most anglers targeting Shad were rewarded with plenty of action. I know the new Director of the PF&BC, the Fisheries Committee members and Politicos who we took Shad fishing at Easton on May 17, 2010 caught Shad. I would like to extend a heart felt “THANK YOU” to all of the members who showed up that day, to show the Fisheries Committee members what we are talking about, for some of them it was the first time they ever saw a Shad, let alone catch one. They all had Shad on! In conclusion I would like to thank the
Board of Directors and all of the members who have helped make this job a little
easier in 2010. With a little help the DRSFA can make a difference. We are still
moving ahead and we are still watching. The DRSFA still has much more work to
do. 12/29/10 WANTED VOLUNTEERS Edison NJ. Show January, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th Call (610) 791-0987 E-Mail ronaldmarks2@aol.com
12/13/10 Delaware River Basin Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative Technical Committee Meeting December 14, 2010 Co-Op Meeting 10:00 AM – Port Jervis, NY Town Hall This meeting will have a Public in-put session. David Bittner and my self will be attending representing the DRSFA. We will ask for an update regarding the Live Tank Spawning project at Hugh Moore Park located in Easton, PA. , if we are allowed we will also ask about the Marcellus Shale situation. We ask that any interested Club members or the general public plan to attend, if
possible, the more the merrier. It is important that we let the Technical
Committee know that we as a Club are concerned about the whole Delaware River
Basin. Ron Marks: DRSFA 11/19/10 November Meeting Our main speaker was Kristen Cevoli of the Herring Alliance and Pew Charitable Fund. She had a informative video of the efforts of various New England Clubs to halt the decline of River Herring in that area. There is a chronological coincidence that with the advent of Mid–Water trawling technology, the River Herring runs took a nose dive. We had an unannounced guest, Steve Miserve(?) of the “Lewis Fishery”, he gave us a run down of his Shad netting results at their Lambertville,NJ. site. The Club will have a daily posting of his netting results on our web-site (drsfa.org) during the upcoming Shad season. Steve also told us that anyone interested in the “Lewis Fishery” is welcome to go to Lambertville and help out with the nets. We will have more information, in March as the Shad runs get closer. The meeting was very interesting, but I had hoped for a little
more membership turn out. Ron Marks: Pre. DRSFA
11/10/10 I would like to thank all of the members who showed up and helped out at our recent Bake Sale. The ladies did a fine job preparing some very fine pies and cakes. David Carl did a great job organizing, and as usual the Membership stepped up. Galen and his wife lost what they had to a fire. Galen and his wife have always been a friend of the" DRSFA " and it is good that we can help them in their time of need. Again "THANKS TO ALL THOSE MEMBERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL" - Ron Marks 10/19/10 Walnutport Canal Festival I would like to thank all of the members who helped out at the Canal Festival. The day was perfect and the Club made a very nice profit. Congratulations to David Carl for organizing the Chinese Auction, it was very successful. I usually do not name names but here is a list of members who helped make the day a huge success. David & Jeanie Carl, David & Sue Bittner, David & Irene Jones, Jim & Teri Monroe, Jim & Elaine Strahle, Tom Petrila, Dick Mushlitz, Norb Szmanski(?) Bernie Bast and friend Mary. Please forgive me if neglected anyone. We all had a great day. Thanks to everyone: Ron Marks 9/28/10 American Fisheries Society Meeting: Pittsburgh: 9/14, 9/15, 2010 The DRSFA was represented at the AFS meeting by John Berry, Mike topping and I. The conference had two full days devoted to American Shad and River Herring. This Conference was very technical in nature. Regardless of that, we all came away with a better understanding of many of the problems facing Shad and River Herring restoration. We had the opportunity to speak to and listen to various speakers regarding everything from fish passage to Shad DNA. We also had a chance to speak with our friend Jim Cummins, who addressed the Conference. There is one thing that really impressed me. It was the number of very intelligent young people who are truly concerned with the plight of the Shad and River Herring. We as members of the DRSFA may know how to catch Shad, but these young people know what makes them tick. I think that I can say, with these young people our Shad are in very good hands and I am sure they will be able to solve many of the problems facing Shad. - Ron Marks 8/20/10 If you're concerned about the environmental impacts Marcellus Shale drilling
is having on Pennsylvania's aquatic resources, please join us this coming Monday
when Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway will appear on the
live radio call-in program Radio Smart Talk from 9 - 10 a.m. The program will
air on HarrisburgÂ’s WITF 89.5 FM and may also be viewed and heard statewide at
www.witf.org/news/smart-talk. Listeners may submit questions via e-mail at
smarttalk@witf.org or telephone at 800-729-7532. 8/12/10
8/5/10
8/2/10 For those interested in following the Marcellus Shale issue - The PA DEP has now launched a new E-Newsletter titled "The Marcellus Shale Examiner". Below is a sample image. Sign up to receive the free newsletter via email HERE.
7/22/10 AN OPINION The Club has two sites where members or anybody can comment on the Marcellus
Shale topic. They are as Follows drsfa.org or My Personal Opinion I am sure everyone is aware of the economic pressures that exist in the Northeastern tier of the State. It seems that the area has been invaded by Lawyers, PHD’s, spin doctors and Snake oil salesmen. I think there are huge industries driving the Nations economy. I will just mention three that come to mind. Pharmaceutical (drugs), Insurance (medical) and Energy (oil). All three of these entities are driven by the same Mantra and it is “THE BOTTOM LINE”. The first two have very deep pockets, the third has pockets so deep that I personally can not imagine or comprehend the numbers. The fines levied in Louisiana are chump change. I am sure that these entities have a lot of very smart and good people working for them. That being said, if anyone’s communities infrastructure, Aquifer, creeks, steams or Delaware River jeopardize their precious “BOTTOM LINE”, all anyone has to do is take a trip down to Louisiana and talk to some of the citizens living there, and judge for yourself what the outcome would be. Ultimately the decisions facing everyone will be personal. We as a Club must
consider the costs to the Delaware River Basin. The folks up north who will lead
the way, “Pro” or “Con” must consider the well being of their families and
communities. I just recalled an old saying that I consider to be appropriate,
“money talks and B--- S--- walks “. 6/22/10 A busy week: Mike Hendricks informed the Club of a Shad fry stocking date for the Lehigh River, 6/14/10. The stocking was at the Tri-Boro Sportsmen Assoc. boat ramp. The PF&BC stocked 347,422 Shad fry into the Lehigh River. Mike also gave us some numbers from the Smithfield Beach operation. He received nine shipments of eggs, 85.6 Liters, 4.6 Million Eggs and they had a 42% viability rate. There were no left over Shad fry for the Delaware again this makes two years in a row and counting?? The Club sent out 13 new Life Membership Cards on the 15th of June, they should all have their cards and we thank them for their commitment, to the American Shad and to our Club. We finished the years, programs on June 19th with Youth Fishing and Education Day. The weather was great. A lot of sunshine and the fish were co-operative. We only lost two fish during the fishing event. We can not thank Point Philips Rod and Gun Club enough for their co-operation in making this event a success. We managed to get everything torn down and put away, the same day as the Event. I am convinced that events of this kind are of a great benefit to the Clubs involved and particularly the children. Please do not get the impression that everything came up smelling like roses, we did have our moments, but we must be aware that we are dealing with children. The Committee Chairman David Carl did a fine job in orchestrating the whole day. I must also thank the many volunteers who gave their time and efforts, it was a great day overall. I am including a list of the Raffle ticket winners. 1. Kerry Marsh 6/10/10 The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be stocking Shad fry in the Lehigh River on June 14, 2010. They will be stocking at the Tri-Boro- Sportsmen's Club in Northampton, Pa. They plan to begin stocking around 1:30 PM - RLM 6/04/10 2010 Review: I covered a lot of Club news in the past Newsletter, but there are a few things that bear mentioning about 2010. Youth Fishing and Education Day will be our last project for the year, David Carl and his committee, seem to have everything well in hand. I for one will be glad when we can wrap up this final event. The Shad in Schools program met with various degrees of success. If the old saying “you learn from your mistakes” has any validity, I think we learned a lot. I think we could have done much better in regard to our handling of the Shad eggs and the delivery of them. As I said before we are in a learning stage, along with our students. This brings me to a very wild and wooly May 17, 2010. John Berry, David Bittner and my self (wife included) spent May 16, at Smithfield Beach with Daryl Peirce and his crew trying to get some viable Shad eggs until 3:00AM May 17. My wife and I got home with the eggs around 4:30 AM. We were back on the road delivering the eggs around 7:00 AM. After we finished that I had to be in Easton for the PF&BC Fisheries Committee meeting, things get a little fuzzy after that. Jere Molher gave his presentation on LIVE TANK SPAWNING which was received with much enthusiasm by everyone present. After a brief lunch break the Committee members went to Shawnee Middle School to see the Shad in Schools program in progress, I went home to get my boat. Members of the DRSFA then took some of the Commissioners Shad fishing. I can not speak for John Berry or David Bittner, but as for me I did not recover from all of that running around until May 23rd . I must congratulate club member Charles Furst who applied for a grant to help fund his “Shad in Schools” program down in Buck’s county, his application was successful. I think that his grant award was the first that the DRSFA has ever received. May be he can help us to get a grant for the clubs “Youth Fishing & Education Day “. The Board of Directors is trying to come up with a plan to increase Club revenues. The Club is still in a decent finical position but we will need more revenue coming in so we can continue expanding our projects. I would like to thank John Berry, “Ambassador at Large” for the fine Public
Relations job he has been doing for the Club and the Shad. This Club needs more
members of his kind to become involved. RLM 5/20/10 The DRSFA called for volunteers with boats to help take some of the PF&BC members Shad fishing. This is a list of the people who answered the call. K Koury, M Hinkle, G Magaro, K Wolf, J Strahle, R Miller, D Muschlitz, M Topping, K Quain and R Marks. The DRSFA would like to thank all of these guys for their time and effort. This fishing event was a fine way for the Senator and the Commissioners to end their visit to our Delaware River. The Shad co-operated and a Striper managed to crash the party. RM 5/17/10 The meeting of the PF&BC, Fisheries Committee held in Easton was a great success. The Commissioners got to see our Shad in Schools project at Shawnee Middle School (Easton School District) in action, the children treated them to a great presentation, these are seventh graders and they did a excellent job. Chris Ruhf and Joe Kish are very proud of them, as is the DRSFA. Mr. Wood and Ms. Welker representing PPL, our main sponsor for the Shad in Schools program, were also present for the Shawnee Middle School program. The Wildlands Conservancy, Morning Call and the City Of Easton were all represented at this important PF&BC meeting. The DRSFA and a good number of it's members also made a favorable impression. At the conclusion of the meetings several of the Commissioners were treated to a few hours of Shad fishing on the Delaware by members of the DRSFA. I am glad to report that the Shad co-operated. This meeting was very important for the DRSFA and the Delaware River. The Commissioners got a first hand look at what the DRSFA is all about and what we are trying to get done on behalf of the Shad and the Delaware River. - RLM 5/05/10 Below is a report on the visit to the Nanticoke River Shad Hatchery, by Brian Gish, Chief Planner, City of Easton.
4/30/10 Laurel, Delaware - John Berry & Roger Ratushny (DRSFA), Mike Topping & Brian Gish (City of Easton) and my self made a trip to Delaware to visit Mike Stangle’s LiveTank Spawning facility. Mike gave us the .50 cent tour and it was very informative. His system is very low Tech (cheap) and very efficient. River water pumped in and river water is pumped out. While all of this is going on, the Shad are taking care of business. Mike’s System is natural, he uses the river water which the Shad have been living and spawning in. Very few if any chemicals are used to treat the water. The trip gave an insight as to what is needed to duplicate Mike’s system on the Lehigh or Delaware Rivers. Mike and his crew put 127 Shad in his tank, he has lost only one so far. With any kind of luck he will return 126 back into the river. -RLM 4/24/10 The annual Spring Raffle Meeting went very well. We had a nice turn out of members and friends. The only disappointment was the lack of children present, there were a few but not too many. We had a few guests, Daryl Peirce, Dave Arnold, and Jeff Sabo representing the PF&BC. Daryl gave an up date on 2009 fish passage and also reported on fish passage so far for 2010, which from all indications is promising. The condition of the Delaware River and the good weather seemed to have had a positive effect on the Shad run thus far. We shall all keep our collective fingers crossed. It has been quite a few years since we have had an April like the one we are having presently. The Club has been very busy with numerous projects this year, we seem to be on track with Shad in Schools, and the PF&BC has agreed to provide us with fertilized Shad eggs for the program without to many strings attached, which is very encouraging. I have more promising news but I must save some for the
Newsletter, which we are working on now. Everyone will have to wait until we
send out the Newsletter. I would like to encourage everyone to go to our new
Web-site drsfa.org and click on the link PRESIDENTS MEMOS for more information
and comments regarding Club events and related issues.
Ron Marks: President, DRSFA
4/6/10 ATTENTION ANNUAL SPRING MEETING & RAFFLE APRIL 21, 2010 7:00 PM
I would like to remind everyone to try to attend our Annual Spring Meeting & Raffle to be held at the Se-Wy-Co Firehouse Social Hall located on Rt. 378 south of Bethlehem, Pa. We urge everyone to bring their children and/or grandchildren. The will be door prizes for the children and adults. Soda and other refreshments will be provided. We will move the meeting along as fast as we can in order to get the children home at a decent hour. The meeting will feature Daryl Peirce, PF&BC fish biologist. He will give a very brief report on fish passage and general Delaware River conditions. This meeting will give all attendees a chance to buy their last minute Raffle tickets and also stock up on Darts, Flutter Spoons and any other items from the Club Store. We will also have membership cards available so people can show their support of the Club and what it is trying to accomplish, by joining or renewing their membership. Ron Marks: Pres. DRSFA
3/16/10 The meeting moved along with various topics being discussed. The agenda also included a section concerning “Shad”, that is when it really got interesting. After most of the usual things were gone over the phrase Tank Spawning came up. The DRSFA has been lobbying for three or four years just to have tank spawning mentioned and here it was on the table and being discussed openly by the various representatives of the four states. Mike Stangle, representing Delaware, offered his help with cost break downs and blue prints and offered to help with anything else that he could. I can not recall who offered but there are three 12’ foot tanks available for use as spawning tanks. Things went as far as discussing possible locations. The city of Easton was mentioned with its proximity to the Delaware River and Bushkill Creek. Adult Shad would not have to be transported over any great distances to the spawning tanks. It was agreed that this would be an excellent Pilot Program. After all of the discussions reality seemed to set in. Pennsylvania and New Jersey would be the biggest shareholders in this program and therefore bear the highest financial burden. The Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s Assoc. wholeheartedly
endorses this pilot program and will help out in anyway that it can. The Club is
aware of the obstacles that this program will be facing but we are 100% in favor
of it.
Ron Marks: President
3/15/10 I spoke to a few of the vendors and as a whole, they all responded positively. I am well aware that we can not please everyone all of the time. All we can do is try to do the best we know how, and ignore any negativity that we may encounter. Fortunately, the positive comments far exceed any negative remarks that may surface. Considering the economic conditions that we are facing, the Flea Market must be considered a success. I wish to thank the Club Members who took the time to help move 39 tables from the Beethoven Waldheim Club to the Se-Wy-Co Firehouse Social Hall, on a very cold and wet saturday night, the tables were heavy and the rain was falling hard, but we got the job done. On behalf of the DRSFA, I would like to thank the Beethoven Waldheim Club and it's members for allowing us to use their tables. It was a gracious act and we are grateful for it. The DRSFA saved alot of money. I would at this time like to thank everyone for their help in making this job a little easier for me, "Thank You All". We can accomplish anything we set our minds to with this
kind of co-operation. Ron Marks: DRSFA |
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