Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces eagle watch volunteer training

Nov. 14—Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our magnificent national bird, help protect eagles in their habitat, and assist in educating the public about sharing our region with eagles.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy announces winter 2022 Eagle Watch Volunteer Training Days on Saturday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 11.

New and returning volunteers are invited to attend a virtual training by Zoom on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. New volunteers are also invited to attend the following Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Conservancy's Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake for an in-person training and opportunity to pick up training manuals and other materials for the winter season. Following the gathering, volunteers are invited to visit the Eagle Observation Areas.

Volunteers are trained to monitor and collect data about the large population of eagles that migrate to this region every winter. Volunteers also learn how to help the thousands of people who want to view the eagles in the safest and least intrusive manner, and share "Eagle Etiquette" tips.

Binoculars, spotting scopes, training manuals, data forms, and hand warmers are provided by the Conservancy. The winter Eagle Watch program runs through January and February, weekends only. Volunteers may cover morning or afternoon shifts.

The main monitoring areas are the Mongaup Reservoir, and the Delaware River at Minisink Falls, and the Zane Grey boat launch at Lackawaxen.

Trained eagle volunteers are also needed throughout the year to help staff booths, participate in workshops, and be a part of other eagle-related Conservancy events.

Advance registration for the Volunteer Training is required.

Register online at — www.DelawareHighlands.org/events; or send an email to — [email protected], or call 570-226-3164 ext. 8, or 845-583-1010 ext. 8.

For more information on this training day and other upcoming eagle events, visit www.DelawareHighlands.org. If you cannot attend but are interested in volunteering, please contact the Conservancy to make alternate arrangements. Volunteers should be able to withstand cold temperatures and enjoy interacting with the public.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy works in partnership with landowners and communities to protect the natural heritage and quality of life of the Upper Delaware River region. For more information, call 570-226-3164/845-583-1010 or visit www.DelawareHighlands.org

Romanowski honored

Joe Gruszkiewicz, Jr, immediate past president of Stanley Cooper Sr Chapter Trout Unlimited — a conservation organization dedicated to preserving cold water fisheries and the habitat surrounding them — reported that the late Mike Romanowski, was awarded a conservation award.

Romanowski, a lifelong resident of the Wyoming Valley, educated at Penn State and Wilkes universities, was a mathematics teacher for many years at Wyoming Area High School until his sudden passing in June of 2019.

The presentation was given by the PA Council Trout Unlimited, along with the award for his lifelong conservation efforts. Romanowski's family accepted the award.

Gruszkiewicz said Romanowski had a few passions in life — teaching, fly fishing, fly tying and conservation. He was also passionate about baseball and the New York Mets.

Romanowski was part of the driving force that formed Stanley Cooper Sr. Chapter Trout Unlimited and, as a board member, held many positions, including President. He taught fly tying to the community and assisted at the SCTU Youth Camp. Romanowski was the Annual Conservation Banquet Chairperson for most of its existence.

He loved fly fishing the Upper Delaware River system and the streams in the Catskills, as well as many Pennsylvania trout streams. He also made numerous fishing trips to Montana, Wyoming and other destinations.

Romanowski gave his time freely. In addition to SCTU and their projects, he was a member of the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum and the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild. He was invited to many Fly Fishing Shows as a Celebrity Tyer.

He also helped in the establishment of, and remained active with, the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, a conservation organization dedicated to maintaining the Upper Delaware River Eco System and cold water fisheries.

He was highly regarded by the fishing and fly tying community. As a mathematics instructor at Wyoming Area High school, he was beloved by his students and respected by his peers.

"Romanowski never sought reward or recognition for his deeds and would be humbled in receiving the Ken Sink Memorial Conservation Award, today, from Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited," Gruszkiewicz said.

Game Commission office open on Friday, Nov. 26

Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region Director Daniel Figured announced the Northeast Region Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, to accommodate persons wishing to purchase a hunting license.

The Game Commission Northeast Region Office has traditionally been closed for license sales on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

"There is an annual rush to purchase general hunting licenses just prior to the regular firearms deer season and we try to accommodate the increase in demand by offering additional office hours for license sales," Figured said.

Normal business hours of the Northeast Region Office are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located at 3917 Memorial Highway in Dallas.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.