PA Environment Digest

Rep. John Evans (R-Erie), who has been active in advancing legislation important to the Lake Erie region, was appointed Majority Chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee this week.

"Hunting and fishing are billion-dollar industries in Pennsylvania, and I am pleased to be able to have a stronger voice in issues regarding our game and fish laws and how they impact our hunters and anglers," said Rep. Evans, who served on the Committee during his first few years in the state House.

"Our sportsmen and sportswomen are very passionate about their activities, and I look forward to working with them to advance issues important to them and our Commonwealth, especially here in northwestern Pennsylvania where these traditions are so strong," said Rep. Evans.

The House Game and Fisheries Committee is involved with both the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission, and addresses all legislation affecting both groups. Rep. Evans and his fellow committee members will be responsible for creating a framework for each commission's organization and providing language detailing all laws and penalties for violations.

Within the past session, the committee spearheaded legislation to toughen the penalties for poaching, protect against unreasonable searches and seizures and allow Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

According to the most recent study conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, more than 1 million hunters spent a total of $1.6 billion in 2006 in Pennsylvania. Nearly 89 percent of those hunting in Pennsylvania that year were state residents. In addition, nearly 1 million residents and visitors participated in fishing activities within our state's borders, and they spent a total of $1.3 billion.

"The impact of these recreational activities cannot be underestimated," Rep. Evans said. "Out-of-state fishing, hunting or recreational wildlife watching, whether as a day trip or a multi-night stay, help fill hotel rooms, local campgrounds and restaurants, not to mention equipment and license purchases and other necessities. And that ultimately translates into a stronger economy, which benefits us all."

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