Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: PF&BC conducts extra BUI checks July 4-6

Harrisburg — During the extended Independence Day weekend, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission focused on boater safety by keeping impaired boaters off the water.

From July 4-6, waterways conservation officers joined other law enforcement agencies across the country in conducting Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated campaign that included enhanced boating under the influence – or BUI – enforcement on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints.

In partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the Fish & Boat Commission is working to increase boater awareness of the hazards associated with impaired boating, and to decrease the number of accidents and deaths attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Pennsylvania law set to remove abandoned, derelict boats

Lawmaker grills Pennsylvania Game Commission on land swap

Popular access on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River still open, at least for now

Pheasants Forever Unveils Refreshed Brand

St. Paul, Minn. — Pheasants Forever, North America’s leader in upland habitat conservation efforts, unveiled a refreshed brand identity and logos to inspire and exemplify a unified effort for wildlife habitat conservation amongst its members, partners and supporters.

This evolution – the first official change to the organization’s brand in the history of Pheasants Forever dating back to 1982 – sets the stage for greater organizational presence, member engagement and mission growth throughout the  country.

Upper Woods Pond Access to Close 4 Days

Harrisburg —The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission  recently announced that the parking lot and boat ramp at Upper Woods Pond in Lebanon Township, Wayne County, will be closed from July 21-24.

During this time, improvements will be made to the access road and boat ramp.

While work is being completed at Upper Woods Pond, anglers and boaters can continue to find local fishing and boating access at Lower Woods Pond nearby.

Park Manager Honored for Off-duty Save

Harrisburg — A park manager with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who helped to save the life of a swimmer at Tobyhanna State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania has been recognized by Gov. Josh Shapiro with a Governor’s Award for Excellence.

DCNR Park Manager Justin Waid was honored for his actions on the evening of July 7, 2024, during a critical emergency when a swimmer went underwater at the lake and failed to resurface.

A DCNR Ranger promptly responded, pulling the victim from the water. Although off-duty, Waid arrived on the scene and without hesitation, joined the ranger and an EMT in providing critical emergency care.

Together, they administered CPR, used an AED, and maintained the victim’s airway until emergency medical services arrived. Their calm, coordinated efforts were instrumental in the victim’s successful resuscitation and full recovery without neurological deficits.

Tick Bite Prevention Best Practices Shown

Newport, Pa. — Representatives from the Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection visited Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County to highlight the importance of taking precautions to prevent Lyme disease and tick bites.

Pennsylvania typically ranks among the top 10 states in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Last year, the Department of Health recorded 16,620 lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease.

Most cases can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics, but if left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

To help residents plan outdoor activities safely, the Department of Health launched an online dashboard that shows where ticks are prevalent, so people can take appropriate precautions.

Mentored Hunt Opportunity in Southwest

Bolivar, Pa. — Apply now to join the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Iron Senergy for a mentored archery deer hunt in Waynesburg Oct. 17-18.

The mentored archery deer hunt provides children and adults aged 12 and over with little to no hunting experience an opportunity to participate in a managed deer hunt under the guidance of experienced mentors on private land owned by Iron Senergy.

All gear, including crossbows, ground blinds and antlerless deer tags will be provided.

Participants will need to purchase a mentor permit or general hunting license for the 2025-26 license year. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The deadline for the lottery application is Sept. 5. Apply here.