WCO Report for Erie County 9/24/03: Erie area, PA,
WCO Report Posted: September 22, 2003

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Posted by DWCO Randy Leighton on September 22, 2003 at 23:37:52:

WESTERN ERIE COUNTY, DWCO Randy Leighton

Conditions:
Perch fishing continues to be good and walleye are still being brought in. Boat anglers are targeting steelhead both near shore at the tributary mouths as well as along the south side of the first trench. Anglers have been having success "float tubing" just off of Trout Run. Lake Erie water temperature as of this writing is 71 degrees.

Steelhead:
They are here for sure as evidenced by the crowds and the catches. The concession stand is back at the Walnut access on the weekends and ice and licenses can be purchased at the Walnut office 7 days a week. Anglers are doing well along the wall at Walnut Creek, especially at night. The powerbaits, KO wobblers, and cleos have been the hot tickets along the wall. A good number of limits were taken over the weekend. Water conditions have cleared from hurricane Isabel and fish are visible in the channel, through out the Project Waters, and in the Manchester Hole. Crowds are getting large, however there was still elbow room this past weekend. Fish are holding near the tubes under route 5. The rains from Isabel also moved good numbers of fish in and up Elk Creek. Areas up to the Legion Hole area are fishable, although conditions are very clear. The fly boys should do well and spin anglers will need to be using the lightest fluorocarbon lines and the smallest of hooks during the day. Good catches have been reported along the shoreline, especially at Trout Run.

Law Enforcement:
With the large amount of foot traffic, drivers coming into the Walnut Access area are urged to use extreme caution at night until the parking lot lights are installed. There is little to no lighting in the area at present. Those walking in the area are advised to use flashlights to make themselves visible at night.

The large crowds this past weekend brought large amounts of litter to the Walnut Access Area. Officers will be watching and assessing maximum fines for those caught trashing the area.

A good number of snagging violations have been found over the past few weeks with area officers working around the clock and on top the problem. A substantial amount of fines have been assessed already this year for snagging and attempted snagging situations.

Update on PFBC Infrastructure Funding from Dennis Guise Deputy Executive Director, PFBC:
Even as the General Assembly and sportsmen's organizations take steps to address day-to-day operating revenue for the Fish Fund by considering various concepts for future license fees, it's important to recognize that license fees alone will not address infrastructure needs.

The Fish and Boat Commission supports legislation to devote a small portion of state revenue from landfill tipping fees to the construction and rehabilitation of state infrastructure operated and maintained by our agency and the Game Commission. This is a far-sighted approach that would provide funds to meet the need to upgrade state fish hatcheries and rehabilitate state dams. The Commission is grateful for the support of legislators and sportsmen who are keeping this important concept on the front burner. For more information on infrastruction funding through the new Conservation Heritage Account see Tipping Fee Legislation Pending in State House of Representatives


Local Weather:

Monday
Cloudy with a chance of showers early, then occasional showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 70s. South winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
Monday night
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Lows 50 to 55. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with a chance of sprinkles early, then partly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
Tuesday night
Partly cloudy. Lows 45 to 50.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs near 70. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows 45 to 50. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s.
Friday
A chance of showers during the day, otherwise partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s and highs in the mid 60s.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. Lows 40 to 45 and highs in the mid 60s.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 40s and highs in the upper 60s.

CENTRAL COUNTY, DWCO Bryan Brendley

Sacrifices Made in the Line of Duty:
Washington, D.C.- The number of police officers killed nationwide during the first half of 2003 rose by roughly 10 percent over the same period last year.

Seventy-seven state and local law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty during the first six months this year, according to preliminary numbers recently released jointly by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS). This represents roughly a 10 percent increase from the 68 officers who lost their lives during the same period a year ago. Over the last 10 years, an average of 166 officers have died annually. "While the number of police deaths is staggering, the most tragic part of the story is the family left behind," observed COPS President Linda Hintergardt Soubirous. "They need and deserve the prayers and support of their community and their country during this very difficult time in their lives."

"I am troubled by the increasing loss of life represented in these numbers," said NLEOMF Chairman Craig W. Floyd. "Despite all that is being done to make policing safer, including better training and use of the best equipment available, we are still seeing a very alarming rate of fatalities among our law enforcement professionals."

Of the 77 officers, 33 were shot, 23 died in automobile accidents, seven were struck by automobiles while outside of their own vehicles, five officers succumbed to job-related illnesses, two died in motorcycle accidents, two officers were beaten to death, one officer was killed in an aircraft accident, one officer drowned, one officer was electrocuted, one officer was stabbed, and one officer fell to his death.

California was the deadliest state for law enforcement officers with nine deaths during the first six months of 2003. Georgia ranked second with seven fatalities, followed by Virginia with six fatalities, and Florida, Illinois, Louisiana and Texas with four fatalities each. Four of the officers that died during the first half of the year were women.

"We must never forget those 77 courageous officers who sacrificed their lives for their community and country," declared Mr. Floyd. "We owe all of them and their families a huge debt of gratitude."




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