Bill Clarke was named Conservatioinist of the Year by the Susquehanna County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. From left are Joel Whitehead, Thomas Hardisky, Bill Kasten, Ed Price, Clarke, State President Brian Mohn, District-9 Director Bill Kalinauskis, Butch Mislevy, Jessica Barrows and L.D. Barrows.

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Bill Clarke, a member of the South Gibson Conservation Club and treasurer of the Susquehanna County Federation was named Conservationist of the Year at the Federation’s Spring Sportsmen’s banquet held on April 14, in the Jackson Baptist Church Hall.

This honor is bestowed annually on a local member of SCFSC who pledges to save the natural resources of our country, adheres to the principles of sportsmanship and is a dedicated member of the organization.

Wildlife Biologist Thomas Hardisky was the guest speaker for this year’s banquet that was chaired by members of Pennsylvania Trappers Association, District 9.

Each member club of the county federation takes a turn chairing this annual event. Assisting with the banquet arrangements were Joel Whitehead, Bill Kasten, Ed Price and federation officers: President Rich Greenwood; Vice-President Ace Cuevas; Secretary Joe Morrison; Immediate Past President Bob Tiffany; Delegate to PFSC John Ord; Alternate Delegate Joel Whitehead.
Other clubs in the county federation are: Hallstead/Great Bend Rod and Gun; Harford Rod and Gun; New Milford Rifle and Pistol; Canawacta Rod and Gun; Rush/Middletown Sportsmen; Silver Lake Rod and Gun; South Gibson Conservation; United Sportsmen’s and QDMA, Susquehanna Branch.
Hardisky spoke on the state’s furbearing management program that is said to have begun in the 1500’s with beaver trading with Native Americans. Other furbearers covered by Hardisky were fishers; coyotes; bobcats; wolf; mountain lion and otters. The furbearer population has increased and decreased according the popularity of certain furs, food supply and the greed of fur traders, the speaker said.

Many local businesses and individuals generously gave door prizes that were awarded following the program.