From the President's Desk - Summer 2026 Update

Dear Members,

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer and has been able to spend some time outdoors with family and friends. Although our regular meetings take a break during the summer months, your club has remained active behind the scenes. I wanted to take a few moments to update you on what we’ve been working on and share a few items as we prepare for another busy fall season.

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Supporting Our Veterans

One of the highlights of the summer was meeting with a local veteran who organizes an annual fishing event for fellow veterans each May. I would like to thank Rick, who introduced me to him and helped make the connection.

We had an excellent discussion about his program and the positive impact it has on those who have served our country. Supporting our veterans is something that aligns closely with the values of the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club, and I look forward to exploring ways our club may be able to assist with this worthwhile event in the future.

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Supporting Those Who Support Us

In July, I attended a Steel Town Corvette Club event to represent the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club and show our appreciation for one of our long-time supporters. Building relationships with organizations that support our club helps strengthen our ties within the community, and it was a pleasure to thank them for their continued friendship.

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Supporting Our Community

The club was pleased to provide a letter of support for Shaler Township’s grant application to purchase property adjacent to Fall Run Park. The project includes plans for an accessible fishing platform, pavilion, and parking area. We believe this project will benefit anglers of all abilities while expanding outdoor recreational opportunities within our community.

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Protecting Pine Creek

Many of you may have heard reports that elevated levels of E. coli were detected during recent water quality testing in Pine Creek. Because Pine Creek is one of our adopted streams and an important local resource, the club sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requesting that they investigate the source of the contamination.

Protecting and improving our local fisheries has always been one of our club’s priorities, and we will continue to monitor this situation while advocating for the health of this valuable waterway.

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Maintaining Our Access Road

Earlier this summer, a large tree fell across the gravel access road opposite Allison Park Church. Not only did it completely block the road, but it also struck the cable that marks the beginning of the Walk-In Fishing Only area, shearing it from its support post.

Fortunately, a group of dedicated club volunteers responded quickly to the situation. The tree was removed, the damaged post was replaced, and the cable and Walk-In Fishing Only sign were reinstalled, restoring the area to its proper condition.

A sincere thank you goes out to Mike, Scott, Ronan, Jim, Rod, Tom, John, and Rick for volunteering their time and hard work to complete the project. Your willingness to step up and lend a hand is greatly appreciated and is another example of the volunteer spirit that makes the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club such a special organization.

I would also like to express our appreciation to Allison Park Church for continuing to allow the club access to this property. Their generosity is something we value and never take for granted.

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Financial Update

Earlier this summer, Eric, Mike, and I met to review the club’s financial position.

I’m pleased to report that the actions taken over the past year have produced a very positive result. The club finished the year with a healthy operating surplus, representing a significant turnaround from where we stood not long ago.

While we must continue to manage our finances carefully, I believe we’re moving in the right direction. If the 2026–2027 fiscal year produces similar results, we can begin discussing ways to reinvest in our club and further improve what we offer our members and the community.

Eric will provide a more detailed financial report during our September meeting.

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Looking Ahead

As we return from our summer break, there are several important items I’d like to bring to your attention.

Club Elections

One of the most important items on the agenda for our September meeting will be the election of club officers and members of the Board of Directors.

If you are interested in serving the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club by running for one of the following positions, please let me know no later than August 25:

* President

* Vice President

* Treasurer

* Secretary

* Board of Directors

The Board will meet the following week to review the list of candidates and prepare the election ballot.

Serving as an officer or board member is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of our club, support our conservation and community efforts, and ensure the continued success of the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club. I encourage anyone interested in serving to consider becoming a candidate.

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Pickup Truck Volunteers Needed for 2027 Trout Stockings

As we look ahead to next year’s trout stockings, we have one important need. For many years, Rick has generously provided his pickup truck to help transport fish during our stockings. Unfortunately, he will be traveling during the 2027 stocking season, so his truck will not be available.

We’re looking for one or two members who would be willing to volunteer the use of their pickup trucks during our scheduled stockings. Having pickup trucks available allows us to transport the fish more efficiently, making the stocking process faster, smoother, and less stressful on the fish.

If you own a pickup truck and would be willing to help, please let me know at one of our upcoming meetings or contact me directly. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

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DHALO Workday – Saturday, September 26

Weather permitting, we will hold a DHALO workday on Saturday, September 26, from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

Our primary objective will be to clear and improve the footpaths along the creek to ensure safe and efficient access for our October trout stocking. We will also be trimming weeds, brush, and low-hanging tree limbs along the access road that could potentially scratch or damage our vehicles.

If you have work gloves, loppers, hedge trimmers, a chainsaw, or other suitable tools, please bring them along. The more helping hands we have, the quicker the work will go, and we’ll be well prepared for another successful stocking season.

I hope you’ll consider spending a few hours helping us maintain one of our club’s most important fishing resources.

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Closing Thoughts

Although we don’t meet during the summer, your club continues to stay active on behalf of our members, our fisheries, and our community. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the past few months, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as we begin another year together.

Thank you for your continued support of the Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club. I look forward to seeing everyone at our September meeting. Until then, enjoy the remainder of your summer, stay safe, and, if you get the chance, spend some time outdoors.

Warm regards,

Stephen C. Plut

President

Allison Park Sportsmen’s Club

412-956-0539