PLEASE - S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie

S.O.N.S. of LAKE ERIE,
SAVE OUR NATIVE SPECIES, INC.
PO BOX 3605
TIME DATED MATERIAL
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 16508
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization
“The Bucket” published monthly
by the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie
NONPROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE PAID
ERIE PA
PERMIT NO. 480
North East Marina
11950 East Lake Road
North East, Pa. 16428
Reminder: if you have not sent in your membership renewal, this will
(814) 453-6387
VHF CH 16
34 STATE ST
ERIE, PA 16507
DOCKAGE - STORAGE
TACKLE - BAIT - ICE
SERVICE - GASOLINE
FISHING LICENSES
BOAT SALES
UNLIMITED ON-THE-WATER TOWING
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
LICENSED - INSURED - ACCREDITED
(814) 725-8244
Fax (814) 725-2957
be the last issue we will mail to you.
Volume 12 • Issue 1
JANUARY 2015
www.lakeshoretowing.com
North East Marine
Services, Inc.
ONLY $70 PER SEASON FOR S.O.N.S. MEMBERS
Beals-McMahon
Painting
WOLVERINE PARK MARINA
& SHIP’S STORE
Richard A. “Mickey” McMahon
Proprietor
• TRANSIENT DOCKAGE
• BOATING SUPPLIES
• NAUTICAL CHARTS
• BOOKS AND GIFT ITEMS
454-3676
34 STATE ST - ERIE - PA - 16507
(814) 874-0698
“A Replenishing Species”
219
Fishing
Report:
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Monday January 26
7:30 P.M.
THE POLISH FALCONS CLUB
431 East 3rd Street, Erie, PA
David Kacprowicz, a certified Marine Investigator, will talk about his
experiences while investigating marine related mishaps. We will also
have a short presentation by Margaret Martens. director of the Water
Systems Council, about an upcoming Children’s Water Festival.
PLEASE
The ice is forming
as this newsletter is
being put together.
Enjoy but be careful!
PLANNING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER
GEM CITY
OUTDOORSMEN
CLUB
6701 Van Camp Rd.
Fairview, PA
DON’T LITTER.
814- 474-3126
814- 474-2492
since 1967
1540 West 26th St.
Erie, PA 16508
(814)459-0666
814/825-3456
Presque Isle Auto
Paint & Collision
owners
Screen Printing • Embroidery • Advertising Specialty
Promotional Products & Awards
West End Hardware, LLC
1912 Liberty Street
Erie, PA 16502
Jeff Earll, Jr.
Phone: 814/452-2342
Fax: 814/461-1289
Cell: 814/881-4569
westendhardware@truevalue.net
Presque Isle Passage
CAMPGROUND
Just 500 feet N of I-90 (Exit 18)
Full Hookups • Pull-Thru Sites
30 & 50 AMP Service • Modern Restrooms
Laundry Facilities
Cabins • Store • Rec Room
ULTRACRAFT
FISHING
BOATS
MISTY
HARBOR
PONTOON
BOATS
1701 West 8th St
Erie, PA 16505
814.453.4543
800.724.1683
fax 814.455.3911
www.silkscreenunlimited.com
(814) 838-2850
814/833-3233
713 West 26th Street
Phone 455-1007
www.thomasleeprinting.com
JOHN FRIES
3027 WEST 12th ST • ERIE, PA 16505-3892
(814) 833-7749
• Specializing in Automotive Repair •
• Tune ups and Carburetor Service •
• Fuel Injection Cleaning • Dayton Tires •
• Towing Service • PA State Inspection •
USED CARS & TRUCKS
Jeffrey Howell
Owner
Gary & Dottie
Heubel
Tohatsu Outboard
Silkscreen Unlimited
317 Peninsula Dr. • Erie, PA 16505
AUTO SALES, INC.
1500 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16501
BEST LITTLE
LURE HOUSE
IN PA
Paid for by Friends of Dave Brennan
Proud to support the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie!
John Fries Paul Fries Bill Goodwill
John (Scotty) Szkotnicki
Erie’s New Perch Fishing Head Boat
“The O’Danny O”
Get $3 off with this coupon
Docked in the East Slip, foot of State St
Bait included
Call 814-450-3571 for more info
On line at http://Tinytimfishing.com
PETER S. HOWARD
CAI,AARE, S/CRPA
Realtor • Appraiser • Auctioneer
Lake Erie Custom Charters
Office (716) 769-7300
Fax (716) 769-7341
Cell (716) 499-7447
Toll Free 1 (888) 876-4999
The ultimate Lake Erie experience...
Welcome aboard!
6821 West Lake Road
Fairview, PA 16415
814-474-5623
10438 Main St, #1 Alexander Findley Square
PO Box 496, Findley Lake, NY 14736-0496
findleylakeproperty@gmail.com
www.findleylake-property.com
12 East Dobbins Landing Erie, PA 16507
(814) 459-4440 • Fax (814) 459-4441
ABigImagination@aol.com
We are here for the fishing community.
We strive to keep emerald shiners on hand every day.
We offer a broad selection of fishing tackle.
We offer ice and various items at our concession area.
We offer on the water dock-side boat parking.
We are going to be your preferred Bait & Tackle center.
Edinboro outdoors
Sporting Goods
Buy • Sell • Trade
211 Mill Street • Edinboro, PA 16412
(814) 734-4727 • (814) 734-4927
www.edinborooutdoors.com
Monday, Friday, 9 - 8 • Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, 9 - 6 • Saturday, 9 - 5
814/452-1717
814/452-1804 (fax)
Boat Prop
Repair
www.anchormarineltd.com
Five State Street • Erie, PA 16507
James R. Manges
President
anchormarine@anchormarineltd.com
Party
Boat
Fishing
Aboard
$32 Adults • $27 Seniors • $22 Kids
$3 off with this coupon
All bait is included
details: 814/881-7611
www.EdwardJohnPerchFishing.com
WORKING TO IMPROVE FISHING AND THE FISHERY OF LAKE ERIE FOR 31 YEARS SINCE 1981
The
Official Publication of the S.O.N.S.
VOLUME 12 • ISSUE # 1
JANUARY 2015
Bucket
S.O.N.S. PHONE NUMBER 814-453-2270 (ALSO FAX NUMBER)
sonslakeri @aol.com • www.sonsoflakeerie.org
NOTICE: DRAWING TO BE
HELD AT JANUARY MEETING
You should have received raffle tickets with your 2015
membership package. We will draw the winning tickets for
the ten $100 prizes at our General Membership Meeting.
If you have not yet turned them in, you can do so at the
meeting.
S.O.N.S. MEMBERS ARE
ALSO OLD NEWSIES
For over 75 years former newspaper carriers from Times
News dress warmly and go out into Erie, on the first Friday of
December to pass out a special newspaper and collect money
for the needy. This effort has raised over $2.5 million dollars
over the years.
We are very proud that some of our members are part of this
great program. One of our members, 89-year-old Dick Donnelly,
has been performing this act of charity for 45 years. This year
Dick’s photo and a story about him was featured in this year’s
Newsies featured publication. At our December meeting a
copy of the paper was circulated and signed by over 80 of the
attendees at our meeting. The paper was then given to Dick.
ICE FISHING 101
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear,
newly-formed ice may support one person on foot, while a
foot or more of old, partially-thawed ice may not. Ice seldom
freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and
only an inch or two just a few feet away.
Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often
dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges
and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is
usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster
current.
The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing
process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight
the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be
weaker than ice that is farther out.
Recommended safety equipment: Ice creepers, ice spikes,
rope with boat cushion attached, life vest, compass, whistle,
spare clothes, ice spud, and a fully charged cell phone.
L-R, Pete Repoff, Dick Donnelly, Don Benczkowski, Paul Holtz and Bob
Zawadzki all SONS members and Old Newsies pose with Dick as he
holds a copy of the paper that featured a story about him.
WANTED:
Old photographs of Erie’s Waterfront-Ships, Boats, Buildings,
Fishing and Fishermen, Railroads, etc. Call Jerry at 814-452-6291.
I would like to borrow and scan them for my slide presentations.
Always let someone know where you are going. It is better
to go with a buddy or to an area where others are fishing,
Use your spud to check ice thickness. Wear ice creepers.
Be extremely cautious while crossing intersecting cracks in
the ice. Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from
the shore. This indicates melting is underway, and ice can
shift position as wind direction changes. Stay away from
pilings or piers as heat can transmit to the ice causing it
to melt. Wear a life vest. It will also keep you warm. When
using a heater in a shelter, make sure there is plenty of
ventilation.
JOIN
A
FRIEND
TODAY!
MAIL TO: S.O.N.S., PO BOX 3605, ERIE, PA 16508
Reminder: if you have not sent in your
RECORD OF MEMBERSHIP
Name
membership renewal, this will be the last
issue we will mail to you.
Address
City
 Renew  New
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Phone
2015
_______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________
$5.00 ADULT
State
Date
___________
Zip ________________
_______________________________
$4.00 SR. CITIZEN (over 65)
$3.00 JR. (under 16)
ERIE COUNTY TO SEEK MARINE SANCTUARY STATUS
On Tuesday, December 9, 2014 a public meeting was held at
the H.O.Hirt auditorium. The meeting was hosted by Erie County
Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. The purpose of the meeting was
to inform the public that for the first time in decades, NOAA is
considering adding marine sanctuaries to the Great Lakes. The
only sanctuary on the Great Lakes is the Thunder Bay Marine
Sanctuary at Alpena Michigan at this time.
Ellen Brody, Great Lakes regional coordinator for the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National
Marine Sanctuaries, addressed the over 100 persons in
attendance. She stated that NOAA is accepting nominations for
communities to be considered for the designation of National
Marine Sanctuary.
These places of national significance are chosen because of their
rich cultural heritage, ecological significance and scenic beauty;
all of which are found in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay.
A marine sanctuary could include the Pennsylvania waters
of Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay and the more than 100
shipwrecks on the Lake’s bottom, a laboratory to study fish and
other aquatic species that inhabit this area; and existing assets
such as Presque Isle State Park, the U.S. Brig Niagara, and the
Erie Maritime Museum.
Mrs. Dahlkemper said a marine sanctuary is a perfect fit for
the region and could become a significant tourism draw. She
has organized an advisory committee of stakeholders including
the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie to put together a nomination for Erie
WALLEYE UNIVERSITY STARTS
MARCH 15th
The Erie Pennsylvania Charter Boat Association (EPCBA)
will be holding their first annual Walleye seminar on Saturday
Mar 15th at the Scottish Rite Building, 4701 Old Zuck Rd,
Erie, PA 16506 from 8:30am - 4:00 pm. The cost is $80. For
more information go to http://epacba.com/school.htm. On
Sunday March 16th the ECPABA will hold a Walleye Expo/
Flea Market Expo at the same location from 10:00am - 5:00
pm. Admission is $8.00. There will be over 24 tackle reps on
hand as well as clubs and other organizations. We will have
a table there also.
County to be considered for the designation and submitted to
NOAA. She is also seeking support from Governor Wolf’s office.
The committee will be seeking letters of support as well as other
community support. Hopefully the nomination will be ready for
submission by late February. There is no guarantee that we could
win this designation. It is a highly competitive process.
A web site is being put together along with a Face Book page
to provide the community with information and an avenue for
comment. The committee decided on Lake Erie Quadrangle for
the sanctuary name. This name allows for a possible expansion
of the sanctuary in the future, which could encompass portions
of OH, NY and Canada without changing the name.
From what has been posted about the Thunder Bay National
Marine Sanctuary at Alpena, Michigan, the fishermen in the
area have supported the project. The Sanctuary has identified
over 100 shipwrecks that have been located and marked with
mooring buoys. The only regulation that affects fishermen
prohibits anchoring over the wrecks but you can tie up to the
mooring buoys.
The designation as a marine sanctuary could result in great
advantages to fishermen. There would be surveys and
exploration to identify wrecks and other submerged assets such
as reefs, habitat and structure. The studies could provide insight
to fish habits and preferences. We will keep you informed as
more information is obtained and the progress of the project.
As soon as the web page is up and running we’ll add a link to
the S.O.N.S. web page.
For Sale:
Car top boat: 7 foot, Ideal for small lake or pond, fishing or duck
hunting. Easy to carry Call Ed at 814-455-0355 9-5:30
One man ice fishing hut and equipment, like new, make offer,
call Gerry at 838-2184
Ice Hut and Auger $130 call Tom at 814-825-7203
Fly Rod Orvis Trident TLS, Mid flex 10ft. 6WT good condition
asking $200 or best offer and a Bootfoot Wader Guide Series
Size 9 like new $40, call Andy at 440-944-4557
S.O.N.S. APPEAL ZONING BOARD RULING
In our November 2014 issue of the Bucket we reported
that we had lost our appeal with the City of Erie Zoning
Hearing Board regarding our opinion that the walkway that
has been built on the former GAF site did not comply with
the public access requirements set forth under the City of
Erie zoning ordinance for the Waterfront District.
Since then we have received a formal written decision from
the City of Erie Zoning Hearing Board confirming that we
had lost our appeal, and saying that the ruling of the City
Zoning Officer, that said the walkway was in compliance
with existing city ordinances, stands. The Zoning Hearing
Board notification did not spell out the rational which
they used to determine that the blatant deviation from
the specifications for the Waterfront District in the zoning
ordinance was in fact acceptable by the Zoning Hearing
Board.
We strongly disagree with this ruling. Therefore, we have
decided to file an appeal to the ruling in County Court which
is a procedure that is spelled out in State law.
Attorney Dan Pastore has volunteered to represent the
S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie through the process. Attorney
Pastore has studied the ruling and has rendered the opinion
that there were many procedural errors that occurred as
well as the obvious deviation from the requirements for the
Waterfront District under the City of Erie zoning ordinance.
The most blatant error in procedure is the fact that Vice
President Ed Kissell was prohibited from cross examining
the opposition witnesses as prescribed by State law.
We expect to receive a certain amount of criticism for
taking this appeal and challenging the decision of the
Zoning Hearing Board. Many people are quite pleased
with the public access way as it is. We admit that it looks
nice. So why do it?
The current zoning process in the Waterfront District
has what some have seen as a significant loophole.
The current interpretation by some at the City, and by
some developers, is that there is no requirement for
developers to seek design approval for projects, or those
parts of the projects, that do not include “structures” even
though the developments cost millions of dollars, and
therefore developers can do what they want without the
approval of City Council. Under their interpretation, they
do not need a hearing or public input. The language in the
zoning ordinance says, “A free public access way must be
regarded as an essential component of all developments in
all Waterfront Districts.” It also says that all developments
located on the “water’s edge” require a public hearing, and
a vote by City Council. We contend that a project that costs
nearly a million dollars is in fact a “development” and should
be subject to review by the people and should comply with
the zoning regulations. There was no public input on the
design of the walkways at the GAF site.
The appeal is not any way a condemnation of the Erie
County Convention Center Authority. In general, the board
members and executives of the Authority do an outstanding
job. They did, however, take a shortcut in their design for
reasons we do not know. They opened up over 800 feet of
access, but included barriers that were designed to prevent
fishing or any other access to the water’s edge over the
majority of the length of the walkway, to the detriment of our
members. We were not afforded a chance to contribute our
thoughts to the project. If there were good reasons why the
clear requirements of the ordinance could not be followed
for the walkway at the GAF property, the Convention Center
Authority should have requested a variance from the terms
of the ordinance and invited all citizens to express their
opinions at a public hearing, which is the usual procedure
for any deviation from the terms of the zoning ordinance.
As I stated before: For over 28 years the S.O.N.S. have
sought and defended the right to free public access to our
waterfront for all citizens, including fishermen, and we will
continue to do so. The problem is that most people take
public access for granted. Our city zoning ordinance is
the only mechanism that we have to promote and protect
public access along our waterfront. The ruling by the Zoning
Hearing Board erodes the very intent of the ordinance
which is to guarantee this right in a uniform manner. Their
decision opens the door for other developers to ignore their
obligation to provide free public access.
We take this obligation very seriously and only do so to
protect the rights of all of our citizens to enjoy our waterfront
now and for our grandchildren in the future.
Or Use these criteria From the Popular History of Erie County 1895
Strength of ice
Two inches thick—will support a man.
Four inches thick—a man on horseback.
Five inches thick—an eighty-pounder cannon.
Eight inches thick—a battery of artillery.
Ten inches thick—will support an army.
STEELHEAD ARE BEING REARED AT THE S.O.N.S. HATCHERY
As part of our
membership
with the
PFBC’s
Cooperative
Nursery
Program we
have been
afforded the
opportunity to
rear steelhead
at our
hatchery.
The project is
sort of a trial
effort. We will
attempt to feed
and hold the
fish until late
March when
they will be
stocked into
Presque Isle
Bay. During that
period we are
hoping that the
steelhead will
imprint to the
bay waters. We
will also monitor
growth during
Top left: Hatchery crew receives briefing by Hatchery Manager, Bob Zawadzki, Top Right: Hatchery that period.
On December
19, 2014, a
crew from
the PFBC
hatchery
in Fairview
crew unload steelhead, .Bottom left: a 5 in. fish, Bottom right: Sam Brady, part of the bucket brigade
delivered
We had to
transfers the fish to the hatchery.
approx.
modify our
600 5 inch steelhead to the S.O.N.S. hatchery at the
holding tanks by covering them with nets so that the
foot of Chestnut St. in Erie. Hatchery manager and
steelhead cannot jump out. If you would like to join the
SONS director Bob Zawadzki, along with Director Don
crew at the hatchery and help feed and care for the fish
Tombaugh and volunteers Dick Donnelly and Sam Brady
call 814-453-2270 or sign up at our Jan 26th meeting.
were on hand to receive the fish.
THE FRIENDS OF FISH FOUNDATION
CONTRIBUTES AGAIN
The Friends of Fish Foundation has again made a sizable donation to the S.O.N.S. of Lake
Erie. Their support over the last 11 years has been the key to our success in our attempts
to accomplish the goals of the S.O.N.S. which is the improvement of fishing and the fishery
of Lake Erie. They have contributed well over $100,000 over the last 11 years.
The Friends of Fish Foundation is headquartered in Philadelphia. The foundation’s goals
parallel those of the S.O.N.S. that is, to enhance fishing and the fishery. The Foundation
is also a big supporter of Pennsylvania Sea Grant and their programs. We are so lucky
and thankful for all that they have done for the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie.
S.O.N.S. 2015 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
HELP WANTED
The Erie Sport Store is
looking to fill the position of
Outdoor Sports Buyer. They
are looking for someone
with experience in hunting,
fishing, camping etc. They
are also looking for part
time help. You can apply at
the Erie Sport Store, 1920
Keystone Dr. Erie, PA
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Sat. Feb. 7th 10-2
Family Ice Fishing Clinic
on Waterworks pond
Volunteers needed
PICTURES FROM OUR DECEMBER 2014 MEETING
Over 80 SONS members attended our Dec. 23 membership meeting. They were treated
to free beverages and pizza as well as birthday cake honoring SONS member Casey
Nowakowski, who celebrated his 94th birthday that week. (See the upper left hand corner).
There were plenty of door prizes. A special video showcasing sites along the Bay and the Lake
was shown by President Skrypzak along with a vintage cartoon. Photos by Tom Foye.
S u n . F e b 8 t h 11 - 3
Winterfest at Frontier
Park Volunteers needed
Thurs. Feb 26th 9-7
Set up for the Erie Sport
& Travel Expo at the
Erie Bayfront Convention
C e n t e r Vo l u n t e e r s
needed
Fri & Sat Feb. 27& 28th
and Sun. Mar. 1st Erie
Sport and Travel Expo
at the Erie Bayfront
C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r.
Volunteers needed
Sun Mar 15th 10-5
EPACBA Walleye Expo/
Flea Market Expo at the
Scottish Rite Building,
4701 Old Zuck Rd,
Sun. Mar 29th 1-5 The
S.O.N.S. Ice Out Party at
the Erie Shrine Club
MEMBERSHIP
DRIVE
So far we have only signed
up about 1500 members
during our 2015 membership
drive. We would like to join
at least 3000 members as
we did last year. Let’s do
it again. Sign up friends or
family today.
FIN AND FUR
INFORMATION
ON THE WAY
Wa t c h y o u r m a i l f o r
information and materials
to participate in our annual
Fin and Fur Drawing.
S a t . A p r i l 11 t h 9 - 2
Presque Isle Cleanup. We serve lunch to
clean up volunteers at
the Rotary Pavilion.
Volunteers needed
Upcoming Shows
Below is a list of gun shows and Erie Promotions Expos where we have been invited to set up a table to
sell memberships and raffle tickets and promote our club. We make hundreds of contacts and meet some
great people. Director Bob Zawadzki is organizing the crews to man the tables. If you would like to help,
give Bob your name at our January meeting.
Erie Promotions Convention Center Shows
Auto Show Jan 29 to Feb1
R.V.Show Feb 5-8
Golf Show Feb 14-15
Sport and Travel Expo Feb 27 to Mar 1
Home Show Mar 19-22
Gun Shows
Lake Erie Fan Fare Feb 7 at Rainbow Gardens
Elks Lodge Feb 28 at Rainbow Gardens
F.O.P. Swanson Memorial Lodge Mar 19 at Rainbow Gardens
Waterford Lions Club April 11 at Rainbow Gardens