Chairing the House Game and Fisheries Committee involves more than simply dealing with hunting and fishing issues. The Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission cover wide areas of matters that affect most Pennsylvanians.
I recently had the opportunity to delve into issues that may not be readily apparent to many as being part of these commissions. Two matters in particular have been most interesting pertaining to the work of the Game Commission.
Back in Harrisburg I was asked to introduce the Game Commission to the National Aviary. A couple of weeks ago, I was able to meet here in Pittsburgh with several representatives of the Aviary and the executive director of the Game Commission.
We are very fortunate to have the National Aviary located in Pittsburgh. The good people there do amazing work not only showcasing wild birds but also performing scientific research on birds from across the globe. They assist with the preservation of bird species of all kinds.
The Game Commission oversees wild birds in our Commonwealth. The commission also has biologists and scientists who work to preserve our native species. They likewise manage exotic birds brought into Pennsylvania.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore ways that the commission and the Aviary can work together on mutual areas of interest. With resources becoming more and more limited, it is important that agencies and institutions work together to accomplish common goals.
Since taking on the Game and Fisheries Committee, I have had the opportunity to work with farmers across the Commonwealth on issues they have that overlap with wildlife.
Farming is the No. 1 industry in Pennsylvania. If you leave suburban Allegheny County and go pretty much anywhere in the Commonwealth, with the exception of many smaller cities, you are in farm country. And it is beautiful country, providing produce, dairy, meats and other agricultural products to people across the country.
Most farms in Pennsylvania are family run, with farmers taking great pride in what they do. They do not get days off — cows need milked every day; animals need fed every day. They have been facing drought, erratic pricing of their produce and rising costs. The challenges sometimes seem insurmountable, yet our Pennsylvania farmers keep on going.
One dire problem facing farmers in recent years is crop damage and loss from our deer population.
Our deer population is a source of great pride to Pennsylvanians but it is causing farmers to lose sometimes up to 40% of their crop. There are many factors that play into the problem, but the important thing is to help the farmers.
I am pleased that the Game Commission has embraced the issue. Last year I helped organize a meeting between farmers and the Game Commission in Washington County. Over 100 farmers attended. Since then, the Game Commission has developed a new program to help farmers, to go along with its Red Tag Program. This pilot program enables hunters and farmers to work together out of season to address the problem. I am pleased that Southwestern Pennsylvania was chosen to host this pilot program. The Commission will gather more information as the year goes on to evaluate the viability of these programs.
These are all steps in the right direction to help our farmers. They grow the fresh produce, raise the chickens and cattle, and produce the freshest dairy products, all to nourish us. The challenges they face are great and they need our constant support.
As we are at the height of produce season, please remember to buy local and to buy “PA Preferred” products throughout the year.
For more information, contact my office at 412-264-4260 for assistance.
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