“I
am glad the commission saw the error of its ways and decided to keep
these hatcheries open,” said Causer, who chairs the House Game and
Fisheries Committee. “Closing two hatcheries in virtually the same area
of the state would have resulted in decreased stocking in area
waterways, and that would have had a devastating impact on local fishing
opportunities and the local economy.”
The
other hatchery that was scheduled to close is in Bellefonte, Centre
County. Combined, the two hatcheries produce more than 750,000 adult
trout, including brook, brown, rainbow and golden trout.
The commission announced its plan in late January, stating that the closures would save the agency approximately $2 million.
“I
understand the agency is facing financial challenges, but the hatchery
closures would have done more harm than good,” Causer said. “I look
forward to working with the commission to find other cost-saving
alternatives while continuing to provide quality services to our boaters
and anglers.”
