The AFS 2010 Planning Committee is working diligently to develop a diverse and intellectually inspiring program as well as relaxing, enjoyable social events where you can renew old friendships and meet new colleagues. The meeting theme - “Merging our Deeper Currents” - couldn’t be more appropriate for the city at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. We are developing a meeting that will bring together diverse interests and experiences to enrich participants. Beyond the meeting, I’m sure you will be impressed with Pittsburgh and our Commonwealth.
As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania has a deep and enduring history. Its expansive forests encompass, even today, more than 60 percent of the terrain, and there is an associated diversity of aquatic life. For example, the French Creek watershed just north of Pittsburgh, a drainage within the Allegheny River basin, hosts some of the richest aquatic resources in the Northeastern United States with over 80 species of fish and 27 native species of freshwater mussels. From headwater streams with eastern brook trout to large rivers with catfish, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, Pennsylvania can accommodate the most discriminating angling interests. In 2005, the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society held its hallmark event, the BassMasters Classic, in the Three Rivers Area of Pittsburgh and the Forrest Wood Tournament was held here in 2009.
In addition to its robust natural resources, Pennsylvania’s cities are equally rich in history and culture. You will find our host city of Pittsburgh to be welcoming and diverse with fine dining, many cultural venues and, in addition to fishing, a broad range of recreational opportunities.
Rarely do natural resources, history and a modern metropolis come together quite like Pittsburgh. There’s a reason the “Group of 20” world leaders, Society of Environmental Journalists, the Society of American Foresters, the Ecological Society of America and the American Fisheries Society have selected Pittsburgh for their national and international conferences. It’s simply a great place! Every AFS member should experience firsthand how Pittsburgh has maintained its roots, overcome its problems and embraced its aquatic environment.
On behalf of AFS President Don Jackson, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, I heartily welcome you to Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and look forward to seeing you in September.
Leroy M. Young, Jr.
General Meeting Chair