HARRISBURG, Pa. (January 25) -- Great fishing locations and a wide variety of fish species have helped make fishing one of Pennsylvania's' most popular outdoor activities. To support this popular activity, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking willing landowners to enter into an agreement to allow public fishing access on their property.
The PFBC is offering landowners a one-time payment for granting a public fishing and habitat improvement easement. The payment is based on several factors including the amount of stream frontage and the value of the fishery. By taking advantage of this program, landowners contribute to fishing access opportunities in their own communities while still retaining ownership and control of the land.
Agreements under this program are a voluntary and permanent legal contract between the landowner and the PFBC. These easements provide a corridor along a stream that allows the public to wade in and walk along the stream bank for the purpose of fishing. Entering into the agreement preserves landowner rights and provides additional benefits. Landowners may still use the property for other activities. Landowners may limit public access for other purposes such as camping or hunting.
Funding for this opportunity is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. The NRCS is a service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Landowners interested in this opportunity or who want more information about this program should visit the PFBC website or contact Scott Bollinger at (717) 346-8196 or scbollinge@pa.gov.
Direct link to website: www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/VoluntaryPublicAccess-HabitatIncentiveProgram.aspx
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717) 585-3076
michparker@pa.gov