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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Victoria L. Stanish |
State Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna’s elk deterrent bill voted out of House Game and Fisheries Committee
HARRISBURG, May 14 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, said his bill (H.B. 1078) that would increase funding for deterrent fences for deer, bear and elk, and establish a $300,000 Elk Damage Fund to reimburse people for property damage caused by elk was recently voted out of the House Game and Fisheries Committee.
The state Department of Agriculture and the state Game Commission would be responsible for implementation of the program. Under current law, there are regulations and assistance for deterrent fencing, but no specific regulatory standards for the elk deterrent project or a specific fund allocated to pay for it.
“A fund would help reimburse people whose properties have sustained damage from elk roaming in the area,” Hanna said. “Additional fencing is needed to protect both animals and people from the safety hazards caused when animals cross highways to forage for food. This kind of fencing in strategic areas would also prevent elk from eating up crops and causing damage on farmland.”
Hanna also co-sponsored H.B. 1214, which would shorten the term served by members of the state’s Board of Game Commissioners from eight to four years. The change would take effect for future Game Commission appointees.
The bill would make game commissioners more attuned to the current needs of outdoors enthusiasts and more responsive to current legislative and administrative policy in Pennsylvania, Hanna said.
“A lot of things can happen over an eight-year period, so it’s important that the people in these positions remain flexible in dealing with changing or different issues that come up during their term,” Hanna said.
Commissioners serve on an unpaid, voluntary basis, and Hanna said the position is often time-consuming and challenging.
“It’s a long-term commitment that’s hard for a lot of people to make. More people might be willing to seek appointment to the position if the term of service was shorter,” he said.
Both bills have been sent to the full House for consideration.
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