Dunkirk Pier planning results revealed at meeting
Sportsman’s Journal
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Hope you had a nice Christmas! I was busy visiting family out of state, so I'll try to have an accurate fishing report in the Sunday Sportsman's Journal.
A Dunkirk Harbor Commission meeting took place that coincided with the Dunkirk planning meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 19. Those in attendance were treated to the end results of planning for the City of Dunkirk Pier. The plans include a drive around access for most of the pier, along with numerous improvements, that will include some extensive re-surfacing of the existing pier. Improved lighting and an arch way entrance with some greenscaping will all add to the beautification process. If all goes well, construction may begin as early as February. Finalization is projected for August of this year.
With any construction project, there may have to be some re-routing of traffic and access, including "Music on the Pier" and temporary closing of the boat launch. Several members of the Commission, as well as attendees representing the fishing fraternity, commented that there are several fishing tournaments scheduled in the area for the Summer of 2019, and the project will be fully aware of those time frames.
The prospect of a fishing tournament to coincide with the Winter Festival in February will be a first time ever project. Obviously, like most fishing tournaments, it will be dependent on Mother Nature. The contest will involve an entry fee and signing a liability waiver. Contest duration is still up in the air and may involve a weekend, or possibly longer. The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club has come forward and offered access to their club for a weigh-in during a limited time frame for the event. This event has the potential to be a lot of fun. The Harbor Commission will most likely meet again in January for an update on these projects. But first, let's look forward to a "Happy New Year!"
Calendar: On Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Erie County Trappers Association will be conducting a free trappers seminar at the Collins Conservation Club located at 2633 Conger Road, Collins, NY. The show will have lots of activities pertaining to how to handle your pelts, furs, and similar activities. There will also be other activities like raffles, games for the kids, fur hats and trapping supplies for sale, and the kitchen will be open. This is a free event. For more information contact Patti at 337-2556.
There will be a pistol course on Sunday, at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There is an $85 fee for attending this course. Contact Gary Dudek at 366-3397 for registration and details.
The Greater Niagara Falls Fishing and Outdoor Expo will be held on Jan. 18-20. The Lakeshore Longbeards, our local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, will be having their next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at Liberty Vineyards Winery, located on Route 20 in Sheridan. The agenda will include the introduction of the new Regional Director Brian Gottfried, as well as a look at what will be available for the 2019 membership drive/fundraiser. The banquet date has been set for Saturday, Jan. 19. The meetings are always open to the public.
Tickets are on sale, by contacting Rich Lazarczyk, Gary Dudek, Gary Burmaster, Bob Turk, Leroy Franklin, or Scott Dibble. A ticket would make a great Christmas gift for the turkey hunter(s) on your gift list. Tickets must be paid for and turned in by Jan. 12 for early bird prize consideration.
There will be a Gun Show on Jan. 19-20 at 11861 Sportsmans Road, (off Route 18), Conneaut Lake, PA. The show on Saturday will be from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Adult admission is $5, children under 12 years of age free with an adult. For more information go to LRsportingevents.com or call Larry at (716) 792-9972.
Free Monday night fly tying instruction has resumed on Monday nights at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, located at Mullet Street in Dunkirk. Classes are for all levels of fly tying, but especially for beginners. No equipment is necessary. All participants get to keep their productions. Classes are from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The classes are open to the public. Sometimes they even have homemade cookies! Note that the Monday night fly tyers will be taking a break over the Christmas holiday. Con Club Fly tying will resume on Monday, Jan. 7.
The Children of the Stream Youth Fly Fishing Program will be starting its 18th year of providing weekly free fly tying and fly fishing classes to both youths and adults in our area. Note that classes will switch from Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to Tuesday evenings at the Costello Community Room (P84) in the new addition to the Rockefeller Arts Center at SUNY Fredonia. You do not need any prior experience to attend these classes, and the course is geared towards ages 10 and older. For more information contact Alberto Rey at 410-7003 or alberto@albertorey.com.
If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.
Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.