U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman recently announced that the Air Force and National Guard Bureau have canceled their proposal to establish a low-flying training zone called Duke Military Operating Area (MOA), which would have allowed pilots to fly as low as 100 feet above ground level.
After receiving concerns from organizations and residents in North Central Pennsylvania about the possible risks this plan would create for the Pennsylvania Wilds region’s economy, environment, and quality of life, Casey and Fetterman have persistently urged the Air Force to drop the plan.
“Since the Air Force’s proposal was announced, I've been very worried about how low, loud, and frequent flights could disrupt the tranquil region that has built its identity on outdoor recreation,” said Sen. Casey, D-Scranton. “After years of pushing the Air Force to abandon this plan, I’m glad that they are respecting the wishes of the people of North Central Pennsylvania. I will always fight to preserve the PA Wilds and the rest of the natural resources that make our Commonwealth so beautiful.”
Sen. Fetterman, D-Braddock, said this decision is a huge win not just for the beloved natural resources in the Pennsylvania Wilds, but also for the many Pennsylvanians who call this region home.
“I’m proud to have fought and delivered for these too often forgotten North Central Pennsylvania communities alongside Sen. Casey,” Fetterman said. “I’m also committed to working with our partners in the Air Force and National Guard to ensure our military remains strong and prepared — and I know we can do this while making sure Pennsylvanians’ voices are heard.”
Since its initial proposal, the Duke MOA low-flying training zone has faced strong opposition from Pennsylvania state officials, local leaders, conservation groups, and community members, who highlighted the potential negative impacts on local economies, public health and safety, and outdoor recreation.
After hearing constituent concerns, Casey and Fetterman have strongly advocated to prevent the Air Force from adopting this plan.
DEP begins 2024 Black Fly Suppression Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has started its 2024 Black Fly Suppression Program, monitoring and treating 48 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,800 miles.
“As the weather gets warmer, Pennsylvanians will be spending more time outdoors, and black flies (biting gnats) are a nuisance that can make being outside a lot less fun,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “This annual treatment program reduces this nuisance so that Pennsylvanians and visitors can fully enjoy outdoor activities.”
The program involves aerial and backpack spraying. Spraying activities will be performed both by helicopter and ground crews. Helicopter treatments involve aircraft flying low over waterways and dispersing treatment material that looks like chocolate milk.
DEP uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium, to treat the larval stage of four specific black fly species. This bacterium degrades quickly in the environment, is not toxic to fish, and does not harm the aquatic ecosystem, humans, birds, or other insects.
How often the treatments happen depends on the weather and the condition of living things. Treatments can't happen when there's a lot of rain or the water levels are high because these conditions make the treatment less effective and raise the cost of the control operations significantly.
Before any spraying happens, DEP tells county and local emergency management officials. Helicopters may be seen flying over water and ground crews using backpack sprayers from bridges and working in streams to control black flies for DEP’s Black Fly Suppression Program.
If someone sees a helicopter or workers and is worried, they should call the county emergency management office to check if a black fly treatment is happening in their area that day.
Information about spray notifications can be found on the DEP’s Vector Management Program website Vector Management (pa.gov) by clicking the link for 2024 Spray Notifications. This schedule might change based on weather and water conditions.
Pa. Game Commission names Smith new Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has chosen a new executive director.
Stephen Smith, who has been the deputy executive director since February, was appointed to his new position this week by the Board of Game Commissioners, who met privately.
Smith takes over from Bryan Burhans, who was the agency’s executive director since 2017. Burhans left his position on Monday, and the board approved his resignation in a private meeting.
In appreciation for Burhans' work, Commissioner Scott Foradora explained the changes.
“Not every hunter will agree on every issue or every change that affects them, but with Bryan, and the decisions he had a hand in, you always knew his heart was in the right place,” said Foradora, the board’s president. “He cares immeasurably about Pennsylvania’s wildlife and habitats, and especially about hunters and those who work to carry out the Game Commission’s mission, both now and in the future. He did a lot for all of them during his time with the agency.
“That said, the board became aware of circumstances beyond job performance that caused us to raise questions about whether a change in leadership would be appropriate,” Foradora said. “It recently came to light Bryan had a business relationship with several Game Commission employees and received income through that relationship. That’s not to suggest there were any ethical violations on his part, but there were questions about the appropriateness of those business relationships, and ultimately he chose to resign.”
Burhans said his resignation will create more time for him to spend with family, including a newly born grandson.
“Every wildlife agency director has a lifespan, with the national average about three years of service,” Burhans said. “My seven-year tenure is longer than many. I learned from so many great leaders that you must recognize when it’s time to go. Now is my time.”
Smith said that in taking over as executive director, he will call for an independent third party to review the Game Commission’s supplemental employment policies to assure, for agency employees and all citizens of the Commonwealth, that any questions about appropriate supplemental employment will be answered ahead of time.
Additionally, Smith stated that he will put in a lot of effort in his new position to ensure that Pennsylvania's hunting tradition continues, and that the agency's work of managing and protecting wildlife and habitat persists.
Smith emphasized the importance of the current period for the Game Commission and the future of hunting, trapping, and wildlife conservation. He stressed that the actions taken now will have long-term effects for future generations, ensuring that they can enjoy the same opportunities that have existed for centuries. He expressed his honor in serving in this role.
Born in Berks County, Smith graduated with high honors from West Chester University with a Political Science degree. He then obtained a law degree from Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Smith began working at the agency in 2008, following several years as a lawyer.
Before becoming the deputy director, Smith was the director of the Game Commission's Bureau of Information and Education.
DCNR launches ‘Remake Learning Days’ at state parks
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced this week that the agency will organize over 30 educational programs in 24 state parks from May 2–22 to support “Remake Learning Days.”
Remake Learning Days is an international learning festival that brings together children, families, community cultural centers, and educators to promote the benefits of collaborative, hands-on learning.
Established in 2016 by Remake Learning, this event highlights transformative experiences and opportunities for youth to foster their creativity, determination, curiosity, and enjoyment in the company of others.
“Our state parks and forests are available for healthy outdoor activities in all four seasons, and we hope that people will take advantage of Remake Learning Days to explore the offerings of our public lands,” Dunn remarked. “We appreciate the DCNR staff who make these events and programs engaging and enjoyable for both new and returning visitors.”
The following Pennsylvania state parks are participating in Remake Learning Days 2024:
Bald Eagle State Park
Beltzville State Park
Chapman State Park
Frances Slocum State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Hills Creek State Park
Hyner Run State Park
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Lackawanna State Park
Little Buffalo State Park
Little Pine State Park
Memorial Lake State Park
Nescopeck State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pymatuning State Park
Ralph Stover State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park
Sizerville State Park
Susquehannock State Park
Swatara State Park
Vosburgh Neck State Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park
