Outdoors-related clubs and organizations can submit items to be considered for publication in “Outdoors Briefs” by emailing to outdoors@republicanherald.com.
DCNR improves
state park booking
Improvements have been made by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to its online system for state park campsite, cabin and pavilion reservations. This new system went into operation last week, and one of the key new features is the ability of customers to make a state park reservation on a mobile device.
Launched in 2006, features of the new update include better campsite descriptions, easier site navigation, an upgraded map view, mobile reservation capabilities, availability notifications, a simplified check-out process and increased security. This improved system allows for searches of available campsites, picnic pavilions and other facilities on-line. Then, reservations can be made at Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks.
DCNR has a one-year contract with renewal options for an additional four years with ACTIVE Network for the cloud-based reservation system. To make online reservations, access the website at www.visitPAparks.com and click on “Reservations.”
Park reservations can continue to be made by calling the toll-free number 1-888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), but this service is available only Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for major holidays. Additional information on state parks and forests in Pennsylvania is available on the DCNR website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
Conservation director
is radio show guest
Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education director Michele Kittell is today’s guest of Republican-Herald/News-Item outdoors editor Doyle Dietz on “Experience The Outdoors,” 7-7:30 a.m. on WLSH 1410-AM, 9:30-10 a.m. on WMGH, Magic 105.5-FM, and on the Web at www.wmgh.com by clicking the “Experience The Outdoors” link.
Banquets
Saturday, Feb. 28: Schuylkill Chapter Pheasants Forever Banquet, 5 p.m., Community Fire Company, Landingville; for reservations, contact Lou Dallatore at (570) 345-4337.
Saturday, March 14: Schuylkill Spurs NWTF Chapter Heritage Banquet, 5 p.m., Community Fire Company, Landingville; for information and tickets, contact Jeff Post at (570) 366-7783 or Mike Corbin at (570) 929-1622.
Shows
Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show: Friday-Sunday, March 6-8, Agri-Plex, Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown; for information, call (610) 395-5280 or access the website at www.lehighvalleysportsmanshow.com. Hours: Friday, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Today’s events
Sporting clays, 9 a.m., Friedensburg Fish and Game, 169 Stone Mountain Road, Pine Grove; for information, call (610) 763-4925. Great American Outdoor Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg; for information and tickets, access the website at www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.com. Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association Sportsman’s Auction to benefit youth outdoors education events, 1 p.m., Great American Outdoor Show, Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg.
This week’s events
Wednesday: Bird Walk, 1 p.m., Blue Marsh Lake visitor center, Bernville.
Saturday: Pine Grove Area Archery Boosters Club Archery Tournament, 9:15 a.m., grades 6-8, Pine Grove Area Middle School; for information, call (917) 217-4098. Fly tying for beginners, noon to 3 p.m., Gordon Borough Hall, ages 8 and older; for registration and information, contact John Towey at (570) 205-2682. Family Fun Day Mid-Winter Adventure, 1 p.m., Blue Marsh Lake Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Bernville; for registration, call (610) 374-2944 Sauerkraut Supper, 3-7 p.m., Friedensburg Fish and Game, 169 Stone Mountain Road, Pine Grove. Good Will Gun Club Roast, 6 p.m., Good Will Fire Company, 34 South Sillyman St., Cressona; for tickets and information, call (570) 294-1360.
Sunday, Feb. 22: Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area Turbotville and Washingtonville flushing survey, 1-4 p.m., volunteers meet at Turbotville National Bank, 4710 Route 54, Turbotville; to register, contact Colleen DeLong by calling (570) 380-0833 or email cdelong@pa.gov.
— Compiled by Doyle Dietz