WCO Report for Erie County 02/14/2007: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: February 13, 2007

Conditions:

Erie's ice fishing season is in full swing with hundreds of anglers braving the elements this past weekend to tap the ice and try their luck. Ice conditions in and around Presque Isle Bay varied from 8 to 14 inches with a mix of black ice and some softer white ice in areas heavily blanketed with snow. Regardless of reported ice conditions at Presque Isle Bay, anglers are always advised to use caution as ice thickness can vary greatly on such a large body of water. Plenty of "gills" were pulled through the ice at the west end of Presque Isle bay and off the Chestnut street launch. Marina Bay was a virtual city on the ice with countless ice huts spread across the frozen water. Catches in the Marina Bay area were fair with a number of steelhead caught. Gills are plentiful with a few smaller perch and crappie mixed in. All in all, ice season is off to a good start. A few anglers have been spotted at the Manchester hole and the Walnut Creek basin in search of steelhead.

Support Your Local Sportsmen's Clubs:
The PA Steelhead Association will have their monthly meeting Wednesday February 14th at 7:00 PM. (be sure to bring your sweetheart) at the American Legion Post on Route 5 just East of the Airport. Nominations for officers will be accepted at this meeting. Heavy snow and harsh weather is expected through out the day Wednesday. Cancellation notice if necessary will be given to WJET TV 24 locally if necessary. Your support at this meeting is appreciated and as always, the public is welcome.

The Big Show Reminder:
The 23rd annual Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held March 2nd through the 4th at the Family First Sports Park, 8155 Oliver Road in Erie (I-90 at Peach Street, Exit 24)
With 23 years under its belt, this expo has developed into the definitive cabin fever event for area hunters and anglers. The expo is a fabulous mix of the latest in hunting and fishing information and gear blended with exhibits by local clubs, bait shops and sport and travel stores. Great buys, informative demonstration, and noted guest speaker clinics round out the expo. Area PFBC officers and representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as always will be on hand through out the weekend to answer questions and listen to your comments. See you there..... For more information go to Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo

Safe Boating Class Coming Up, a Great Cabin Fever Buster:
Area officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will be conducting a safe boating class on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 20th and 21st from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM each evening. The class will be held at the new Tom Ridge Environmental Center at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park with plenty of room for anyone interested. This comprehensive 8 hour class is designed for the novice boater or boater to be, as well as the experienced boater who would like to refresh his knowledge. The class covers basic boating safety, boating laws and regulations, and equipment. Successful completion of the course qualifies the individual for a Pennsylvania boating education safety certificate (card). There is no charge for the course or materials, although registration is required. This class typically fills up quickly and early sign up is recommended. Upon successful completion of the course , the Agency will require a processing fee for your Basic Boating Safety Card if one is desired.
To register for this class, email DWCO Randy Leighton at rglerie@msn.com with your name, address, phone, age, and number of people you would like to register or if necessary you can phone Keith Edwards at the PFBC Northwest Region office at 814-336-2426

Northwest Pennsylvania Region Annual Deputy Meeting:
This past weekend Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers from the Northwest Region met in Meadville for their annual meeting with Bureau of Law Enforcement Officials from Harrisburg as well as local Regional Management.. These meetings are held for each region of the Commonwealth and supplement the many training meetings throughout the year. This is an opportunity for area DWCOs to meet as a large group and share experiences and training. Agenda items included regulation updates, comprehensive training schedules for the year, outstanding service recognition and awards, refresher training as well as continuing education in police and law enforcement skills. Specific presentations this year included Hazmat training, updates and detailed training on the new point of sale fishing licenses. Training for both DWCO's and WCO's is a never ending process through out the year to keep officers on top of the latest law enforcement polices, tactics, regulations, and required annual certifications.

All Deputies are recertified annually in CPR and every two years in First Aid. Training throughout 2007 is scheduled to include tactical shooting skills development in addition to required sidearm qualifications. Refresher instruction also includes use of force techniques, self defense, and OC (pepper spray) training. Regulation and law are also included as part of regular refresher training and is on going throughout the year. A number of Deputies were recognized for their many years of dedicated service and outstanding commitment.

Local Weather:

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST WEDNESDAY 1/14/2007

Local Radar from the National Weather Service

Tonight

Snow...Heavy at Times. Areas of blowing and drifting snow. Additional snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches. Cold with lows around 10 above. Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent. Wind chill values as low as 10 below.

Wednesday

Cloudy. Snow showers in the morning...Then a chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Areas of blowing snow. Additional snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches. Highs around 20. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent. Wind chill values as low as 10 below.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows around 5 above. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Wind chill values as low as 15 below.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with highs around 10. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Wind chill values as low as 15 below.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow showers. Brisk and cold with lows around 10 above. West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Wind chill values as low as 15 below.

Friday

Partly sunny with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Brisk with highs around 20. Wind chill values as low as 15 below.

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy. Cold with lows around 10 above.

Saturday

Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 20s.

Saturday Night

Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows around 15.

Sunday

Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the lower 20s.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow showers. Cold with lows around 10 above.

Presidents Day

Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. Cold with lows 10 to 15.

Tuesday...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.