Study: PGC/PFBC will run out of funds by 2034

[fcarp]

Wrong. The state legislature gave the fish commission the authority to set license fees in 2020. They used their new found, and unconstitutional authority, to raise the cost of a fishing license by a whooping $2.50.

I remember this clearly because I am staunchly opposed to giving the power to raise taxes to unelected bureaucrats. A fishing license is a tax and the power to tax is only constitutionally permitted by elected officials. This is how “we the people” are able to oppose unfair taxation, by being able to vote them in or out. We can’t vote the fish commission out so they shouldn’t have to authority to take any money from us. We just need our elected officials to do their jobs instead of building in bureaucracy's to hide behind.

Act 56 of 2020 allowed the PAFBC to set their license prices. I stand corrected!

 

[DaveKile]

Next steps:

Rep. Anita Kulik (D-45) is seeking legislative support to direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine shared administrative, operational, and law enforcement services between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).

Her proposal comes on the heels of a study by the Wildlife Management Institute which identified potential cost savings through greater coordination between the commissions. This comes on the heels of both commissions announcing the end of their respective deputy warden programs, eliminating more than 100 positions.

Lawmaker wants to explore blending operations for some PA game, fish and boat services

A Pennsylvania lawmaker has expressed interest in probing whether some of the state's outdoor commissions could save money by blending some of their services.

local21news.com

 

[jifigz]

If you access any water at a PFBC launch a permit is required. They are not required in State Parks if ingress or egress from the water is not done at an approved launch site. If you put in with anything at PFBC owned launch you must have a permit.

This is the truth.

A float tube is NOT considered a boat, an inflatable boat, an un-powered watercraft or a vessel in PA because it's primary purpose is NOT transportation but providing a fishing platform.

I have used my float tube on DCNR lakes, PFBC Lakes, and any number of PA State Parks and was never challenged or asked for a launch permit despite have several conversations with law enforcement when checking me for other compliance requirements (fishing license, PFD, multiple air bladders).

The above information is incorrect. If you launch a float-tube at a PFBC launch, it needs a permit or sticker on it. Maybe DCNR launches don't care, but I assure you the PFBC can and will ticket you for it.

 

[Bamboozle]

This is the truth.

The above information is incorrect. If you launch a float-tube at a PFBC launch, it needs a permit or sticker on it. Maybe DCNR launches don't care, but I assure you the PFBC can and will ticket you for it.

Please direct me where this requirement appears in the regulations or PA Code with language that includes float tubes.

I have never seen it or heard of it despite numerous inquiries.to the the PFBC over the years and if you LOOK, you won't find float tubes mentioned anywhere you see launch permits mentioned.

058

In the meantime I emailed PFBC Boating Registration & my Regional Law Enforcement office for further clarification.

 

[tomgamber]

Please direct me where this requirement appears I the regulations or PA Code with language that includes float tubes.

I haver never seen it or heard of it despite numerous inquiries.

I have been challenged at a State park. DCNR. And that was before they changed the rules to include float tubes as they have now done.

 

[tomgamber]

3. The Distinction (Boats vs. Swim Aids)
Because a float tube is treated by the law as an angling device rather than a standard hull vessel (like a kayak or canoe), the strict letter of the text under 58 Pa. Code § 53.19 does not explicitly detail the words "launch permit."

However, enforcement and permit mandates apply to float tubes through two connected rules:

The Inflatable Rule: The PFBC explicitly dictates that "Inflatable boats may carry their numbers and validation decal or launch permit lashed to each side of the bow". [1]

The Access Rule: It is unlawful to launch or retrieve "swimming aids" or "casual inner tubes" at PFBC access areas. Because a float tube is legally allowed only because you are an actively fishing angler, you are operating as an unpowered watercraft user at that access point, subjecting you to the standard access area regulations

In practice, PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs) enforce the permit rule for float tubes at state-controlled ramps and docks to ensure everyone utilizing the state-maintained access facilities contributes to their upkeep.

So basically, you can get one and fish or be told you can;t fish and have to go home or be fined or possibly arrested.