Proposed Redesignation of a Section of Kettle Creek, Potter County [27 Pa.B. 4515] The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission), acting under 58 Pa. Code Ch. 65, is considering the deletion of 1.7 miles (from 500 ft. downstream of SR0144 upstream 1.7 miles) of Kettle Creek, Potter County, from the list of Catch-and-Release Areas (designated under 58 Pa. Code § 65.5) and adding the same stream section to the list of Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only areas designated under 58 Pa. Code § 65.6) effective January 1, 1998.
Under 58 Pa. Code Chapter 65, the Commission designates certain streams and stream sections as being subject to special trout fishing regulations. Since 1988, a 1.7 mile section of Kettle Creek has been managed as a biomass Class B water under Catch-and-Release regulations. Catch-and-Release regulations were designed for waters supporting either Class A wild trout fisheries or Class B waters where a substantial portion of the population consists of wild trout. Recent inventory information has confirmed that this section of stream no longer maintains a viable biomass Class B wild trout fishery, primarily due to changes in the instream habitat. Therefore, in order to manage this water closer to its biological potential, the Commission is considering placing this stream section under the Delayed Harvest Artificial-Lures-Only program. The change would provide for additional seasonal angling opportunities through an increase in the spring hatchery allocation along with the addition of a fall stocking consistent with Delayed Harvest management. However, under Delayed Harvest management, emphasis will continue to focus on recreation rather than harvest.
The Commission is soliciting public input concerning this proposed change in designation. Persons with comments, objections or suggestions concerning this proposed redesignation of this stream section are invited to submit comments in writing to Executive Director, Fish and Boat Commission, P. O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000 by no later than October 2, 1997. In addition, the Commission will conduct a public information meeting on the proposed change in the designation of this stream at 7 p.m. on September 18, 1997, at the Cross Fork Fire Hall, Cross Fork, PA.
PETER A. COLANGELO,
Executive Director[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-1416. Filed for public inspection August 29, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]
