Next PGC BOC member ??

Local woman seeks seat on Game Commission board
August 14, 2011
By JESSICA WELSHANS jwelshans@sungazette.com , Williamsport Sun-Gazette
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Nancy Craft, who lives near Hughesville, wants to become a board member on the state Game Commission.

"I believe that the Game Commission has a major role to play in the preservation of the hunting traditions in Pennsylvania, and I would like to have a part in this mission," Craft said.

She has considered the idea for several years and now is taking steps to secure a nomination for the northcentral region seat, which is held by Thomas Boop, of Sunbury.

Boop's term expired on July 28. His region - District 5 - covers Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.

A voice for Sullivan County

Under state law, Boop "can serve up to an additional six months, until a successor is a qualified," said commission spokesman Jerry Feaser.

That means that an individual must be nominated by Gov. Tom Corbett and confirmed, he said.

Craft has sent a letter of intent to the governor and is waiting to hear if she will make the cut.

If she moves on in the process, the governor will submit her name to the state Senate, which must vote to appoint her.

"District No. 5 is my 'home' district because I live in Sullivan County. (It) and other Northern Tier counties in this district need to have a voice on the commission," Craft said. "In Sullivan County alone, more than 30 percent of the land is owned by the state."

Years of experience

Craft has a lengthy history of serving the state in conservation and wildlife issues.

Her resume overflows with countless organizations in the area and state that deal with the outdoors. She is a decorated conservationist, a high school shooting coach, retired teacher and a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. She also has been a licensed taxidermist for more than 24 years.

Should she secure the commissioner position, Craft plans to be able to represent her area in a very positive light.

"I understand that there are many, many factions that must be listened to very carefully and the information that those factions may provide needs to be carefully examined prior to any decisions being made that will affect the hunters and wildlife of Pennsylvania," she said.

If elected, Craft wants to help more youth become interested in the sport of hunting.

She also would like to see the Hunting and Trapping Digest - the booklet received when a hunting or trapping license is purchased - be rewritten and produced in a more user-friendly format, "which can be easily used and understood by the average citizen."

"Answers to questions concerning game laws need to be easily found in the digest and need to be clear and concise," she said. "Answers to many questions which hunters may have concerning game laws are not easily found or easily and clearly understood in the current digest format."

Representing the hunters and non-hunters in her district means being a "good listener," Craft said.

"I will attempt to listen to and forward information from the residents of the district to the other commissioners on the board prior to having any decisions made concerning game laws," she said.

No answer yet

Kirsten Page, deputy director of communications in the Governor's Office of Press and Communications, confirmed that her office has received Craft's request to be named a nominee.

"The governor's office reviews all candidates who are seeking a nominations to any board or commission in Pennsylvania, and she will receive full consideration," Page said.

All that will matter on here is her position on deeer management.

ORIGINAL: DanesDad

All that will matter on here is her position on deeer management.