December 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 5, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Loren Fitzgerald, Bob Elliott, Doug Lang, Stephanie Gerhart, Terry Gerhart, Denny Neal, Gerald Duffee, Terry Gerner, Paul Lilja, Bill Sallade, Mike Heindel, Larry Samick, Robert Faust, Annette Faust, Richard Lyman, Kevin Gledhill and Tiffany Gledhill
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the November 7, 2025 meeting were read. A correction to the dates for trap signups was noted and changed to Dec. 14-16th. Report was approved as amended.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The balance of the checking account stands at $8276.50. The Edward Jones account is $79,513.64. The CD is $21,859.67. The report was approved.
Correspondence: After discussion regarding the Game Commission’s member access program for public hunting, it was moved by a motion from Loren Fitzgerald and seconded by Larry Samick to not participate any further in this program. Hunting on clubhouse grounds will only be open to members. Motion passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archery: No report
Rifle: The members thanked Gerald Duffee for installing the OPEN and CLOSED signs on both ranges.
Handgun: No report
Trap: No report
Hunter Ed: No report
Conservation School: No report
Gun Show: The spring gun show will be held one week later due to the Easter holiday. It is scheduled for April 10-11, 2026.
House: No report
Events: No report
Federation: No report
Membership: Upon a motion by Terry Gerhart and seconded by Bill Sallade, it was moved to accept the new membership application for Krupesh Patel of Morrisville, PA. Total membership stands at 168 with 19 life members.
Cowboy Action: No report
Youth Field Day: No report
Youth Trap: Loren Fitzgerald reported that Portville has joined our conference which will total seven (7) teams in the Southern Conference for 2026. Signups will be held Dec. 14-16 at 7pm.
Conservation Committee: Terry Gerhart reported the orders for trees will be held in January. The committee will meet mid-January to discuss varieties and numbers.
Old Business: No report
New Business: Stephanie Gerhart reminded all committee chairs to get their year-end reports to Tom McDonald as soon as possible.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:34pm following a motion by Larry Samick and seconded by Bob Elliott.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
November 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Paul Lilja, Stephanie Gerhart, Bob Elliott, Terry Gerhart, Loren Fitzgerald, Bob Faust, Annette Faust, Luke Mentzer, Mike Heindel and Richard Lyman.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the October 3, 2025 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance stands at $11,052.63. The Edward Jones account is $78,506.83. Report approved.
Correspondence: Upon a motion by Bob Elliott and seconded by Paul Lilja, it was approved to purchase raffle tickets from the Potter County Anglers.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: Upon a motion by Terry Gerhart and seconded by Tom McDonald, it was approved to support a request for $1200-$1500 to replace targets damaged by the bear.
RIFLE: The range OPEN and CLOSED signs have arrived and will be installed on both the rifle and pistol ranges.
HANDGUN: No report
TRAP: No report
HUNTER ED: Luke Mentzer reported that 2 people became certified in the cable restraint class held recently.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: No report
GUN SHOW: Paul Lilja reported a profit of $3443 this year.
HOUSE: No report
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: Terry Gerner updated the members on Federation news. Upon a motion by Loren Fitzgerald and seconded by Richard Lyman, it was approved to purchase four (4) guns at $500 each through the Federation. Two for the trap team and two for the club to be used for fundraising as needed.
MEMBERSHIP: No new membership applications were received. Current members stand at 167 with 19 life members.
COWBOY ACTION: No report
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: Loren Fitzgerald reported that the new thrower is in. Sign-ups for the 2026 season will be held on December 6 at 7pm (dates corrected at Nov. mtg. to Dec. 14-16th) at the clubhouse. A trap meeting with election of officers will be held in December.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: Orders for trees will begin in January. The members thanked Terry Gerhart for mowing the apple tree field.
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Elections were held for all officers. The election committee reelected all current officers. Bob Elliott was re-elected to another 5-year term as trustee.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
October 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 3, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Stephanie Gerhart, Paul Lilja, Terry Gerhart, Denny Neal, Bob Elliott, Mike Heindel, Sherry Hoffman, Nick Theodorou, Cathy Theodorou, Luke Mentzer, Don Heiner, Bob Faust, Annette Faust, Bob Rees, Gerald Duffee and Terri Duffee.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the September 5, 2025 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance stands at $18,468.18. The Edward Jones account is $77,737.53 The CD is $21,784.36. The report was approved.
Correspondence: No report
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: No report
RIFLE: RANGE CLOSED signs have been ordered for both the rifle and handgun ranges.
HANDGUN: No report
TRAP: No report
HUNTER ED: A cable restraint class will be held here on Oct. 11th at a cost of $15. Registration is on-line.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: No report
GUN SHOW: No report
HOUSE: No report
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: Terry Gerner updated the members on current issues and bills and discussed the certified hunter program in SW Pennsylvania.
MEMBERSHIP: Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Gerald Duffee, the following new applications were approved. Jesse Eaton, Port Allegany, Lewis Kunkel of Dover, PA and Bill Kunkel of Wellsville, PA. Annual members total 167 with 19 life members for a total of 186.
COWBOY ACTION: The final shoot of the year will be held on Oct. 18th.
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: No report
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: Terry Gerhart stated that he will mow around the apple trees and clean up the field. Numerous projects for next year were mentioned. The conservation committee welcomes all members to come out and join up for projects over the course of the next several months.
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Upon a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Gerald Duffee, it was approved to purchase lime to spread on the clubhouse grounds.
The meeting was adjourned at 8pm following a motion by Luke Mentzer and seconded by Sherry Hoffman.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
September 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Paul Lilja, Tom McDonald, Stephanie Gerhart, Robert Faust, Annette Faust, Bob Elliott, Doug Lang, Terry Gerhart, Jake Taylor, Luke Mentzer, Richard Lyman, Greg Brink, Jim Babcock, Bill Sallade, Tom Nye, Gerald Duffee and Kyler Rider.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the July 11, 2025 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking accountbalance stands at $16,676.23. The Edward Jones account is $76,645.35. Report approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ARCHERY: Kyler will hold the last archery event on September 27th with the course closing the next day.
RIFLE: No report
HANDGUN: Stephanie Gerhart reported on another successful program in August with 9 women participating. Jordan Leete brought new ideas and a ton of enthusiasm to this year’s class with target competitions and a dueling tree which was new to the program. A huge thank you to the instructors again…Bill Wenzel, Jordan Leete, Sean Batterson, Eric W and Terry Gerner.
TRAP: Upon a motion by Terry Gerhart and seconded by Tom McDonald, it was moved to purchase a new PAT trap machine at a 50% cost split between the trap team and the BFCA. Motion approved.
HUNTER ED: Luke Mentzer reported that a cable restraint class will be held on October 11th at the BFCA clubhouse. Registration is on-line.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: Paul Lilja reported that 13 kids attended this year’s event. 12 donors contributed $5600 and expenses totaled $4812.26. The weather for the week was ideal!
GUN SHOW: Window cards and raffle tickets are available. Terry Gerhart will handle the advertising on Solomon’s.
HOUSE: An outhouse is in place near the trap range. Leslie’s Septic Service will continue once a month clean-out from July-Feb at a cost of $100/month. Then it will be weekly during the busy season.
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: Terry Gerner reported on Federation updates.
MEMBERSHIP: Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Bill Sallade, 4 new applications were approved. Brett Klein of Port Allegany, Michael Lyman and George Bollinger of Coudersport and Matthew Bollinger of Spring Grove, PA. Annual members total 164 with 19 life members.
COWBOY ACTION: No report
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: No report
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: All members and guests are invited to attend the stream bank restoration project recently completed on the property of Terry & Stephanie Gerhart at 800 Southwoods Rd. Austin, on Sunday 9/7 at 4pm. A grant was received from the Potter County Conservation District Stream Project Funding for this. Terry Gerhart thanked Lorrie Lang for her help with the wildflowers on the clubhouse grounds.
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Tom McDonald will revise the current range rules and include them with the membership application. Tom will also send out an email to current members asking their opinion on changing the meeting night to a more preferred weekday evening. Paul Lilja spoke on the passing of Betty Klingel of Port Allegany who was very involved with the Conservation School meal preparation for many years and was also a life member. A monetary donation to the club was recently received in her memory. It was suggested that club members take over a portion of Rt 155 for highway trash pick up in her honor. Members present were in agreement.
The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
July 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Stephanie Gerhart, Paul Lilja, Bill Boyd, Janet Smith, Richard Lyman, Bob Engelsman, Terry Gerhart, Luke Mentzer, Kyler Rider, Dalton Bliss, Bob Elliott, Terri Duffee, Gerald Duffee, Doug Lang, Denny Neal, Mike Heindel, Brad Empson and Cheryl Empson. Guest present was Lorrie Bastain.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the June 6, 2025 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance stands at $17,562.30. The Edward Jones account as of July 11th is $75,195.94 and the money market account is $21,564.37. Report approved.
Correspondence: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: No report
RIFLE: No report
HANDGUN: Stephanie Gerhart will advertise on Solomon’s Word to draw interest for the women’s handgun program in August. A huge thank you to Gerald Duffee for installing new background sheets on the pistol range.
TRAP: On July 25th at 8am, clay birds will be delivered and help is needed.
HUNTER ED: Luke Mentzer reported a successful class in June with 14 youth in attendance. Another class will be held on September 6th at the Brooklyn Club.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: Paul Lilja reported that 12 kids have registered so far.
GUN SHOW: No report
HOUSE: No report
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: Terry Gerner reported on Federation news with regards to hunting. The Sunday hunting bill has passed. The Elk Expo will be held the last weekend in July. The Federation will have a photo contest for 2026 instead of a drawing contest.
MEMBERSHIP: No new applications received. Total membership stands at 180.
COWBOY ACTION: The August shoot has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. Last shoot will be in October.
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: Brad Empson reported that 31 shooters reported to Elysburg, PA for the State Championship. Tom McDonald sent out an email to all members with the exceptional shooting results of the trap team. We wish them well as they head to Ohio for Nationals next week.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: No report
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Upon a motion by Stephanie Gerhart and seconded by Luke Mentzer, it was moved not to charge the Legion Auxiliary for the use of the clubhouse and grounds for their fundraiser in August. A port-a-john is needed for the grounds. The meeting was adjourned at 8pm following a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Doug Lang.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
June 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF JUNE 6, 2025
The meeting was called to order by Tom McDonald, Vice-President at 7pm. Tom led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Tom McDonald, Stephanie Gerhart, Paul Lilja, Bob Elliott, Sherry Hoffman, Don Heiner, Luke Mentzer, Terry Gerhart, Gerald Duffee, Denny Neal, Pat Jackson, Bill Sallade and Doug Lang.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the May 2, 2025 meeting were read and approved following the guest name correction. Guest present at the May meeting was Joe Porcu.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance is $15,505.28. The Edward Jones account as of 6-1-25 is $72,208.73. Report approved.
Correspondence: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: No report
RIFLE: No report
HANDGUN: The scheduled June class has been postponed until August 11-14th. A notice for registrations will be posted on Solomon’s Word and also on our website and Facebook page.
TRAP: Tom McDonald reported that one thrower will need to be replaced. Sunday shoots are still bringing in a steady crowd.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: Paul Lilja reported that 6 applications have been received so far.
GUN SHOW: No report
HOUSE: During Homer Township clean up days, volunteers assisted on the clubhouse grounds and cleaned out sheds and the clubhouse of unused items. Thank you to Gerald Duffee for supplying the trailer.
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: No report
MEMBERSHIP: Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Bill Sallade it was moved to accept the two new memberships of Doug Lang of Coudersport and Craig & Maureen Nelson of Cheltenham, PA. That brings the total to 160 annual members and 20 life members.
COWBOY ACTION: No report
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: Tom McDonald reported that the Black Forest Falcon Trap Team won the league by a whopping 29 birds this year. They will be heading to Elysburg for states returning as State Champions from last year. Nationals will be next in July. The April fundraiser netted approximately $33,000 for the trap team.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: No report.
OLD BUSINESS: The shooting range grant deadline for June 1st has passed with no action this year, but we will submit it for next year.
NEW BUSINESS: Discussion was held on the purchase of a new tractor. The matter was tabled for later.
The meeting was adjourned at 8pm following a motion by Bill Sallade and seconded by Denny Neal.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
May 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF May 2, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Stephanie Gerhart, Bob Elliott, Mike Heindel, Terry Gerhart, Denny Neal, Bill Sallade, Brad Empson, Cheryl Empson, Loren Fitzgerald, Larry Samick and Ned Thomas, Jr. Guest present was Joe Parr.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the April 2025 meeting were read. The following correction was made. The meetings held at the Roulette Firehall coinciding with the gun shows will be held at the BFCA Clubhouse commencing in October 2025, not April 2026. The minutes were approved following this correction.
Treasurer’s Report: The balance of the checking account is $13,377.20. The Edward Jones account is $70,283.48.
Correspondence: Upon a motion by Bill Sallade and seconded by Mike Heindel, it was approved to donate $50 to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Upon a motion by Larry Samick and seconded by Brad Empson, it was moved to donate $45 to the Potter County Anglers Club for their summer fundraiser.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: All new targets have been purchased and the archery course is open.
RIFLE: It was reported that on numerous occasions, the windows or doors inside the shoot house have been left open. Tom McDonald will send out a reminder to members to please close up after using the range.
HANDGUN: The women’s safety course will be held on June 9-12th this year. Signups will begin next week and information will be posted on our Facebook page.
TRAP: Tom McDonald reported that the Sunday shoots are going well with 7-10 rounds each week. These Sunday shoots are open to the public.
HUNTER ED: So far, 8 students have signed up for the June 7th course.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: No report.
GUN SHOW: It was reported that 755 people came through the door with $3775 collected, $225 for vendor sales, $100 hat sales, $60 raffle sales and $1275 for the gun raffle. Joe Cole was the winner of the gun and J. Moyer was the winner of the knife.
HOUSE: Gutters will be replaced on the back side of the clubhouse soon. A notice will be posted on the clubhouse door when it is rented.
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: No report
MEMBERSHIP: A new application was received from Ryan Jones of Coudersport. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Loren Fitzgerald, the application was approved. The total member count is 157 with 20 lifetime for a total of 177.
COWBOY ACTION: The first shoot of the season was held with 6 shooters total.
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: The Black Forest Falcons ended the season clinching the league title by 29 birds. Thirty shooters will now be heading to states and nationals. Brad Empson reported on the need to upgrade one trap machine. Tom McDonald will get some proposals and present at a future meeting. Brad thanked the BFCA for all their support.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: Terry Gerhart and Paul Lilja handed out oak tree seedlings to the Coudersport 6th grade class. It was mentioned to reach out to the Hebron School district to be included in this for next year.
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Cheryl Empson brought forth some tentative information for the Legion Auxiliary fundraising shoot that will be held August 16th with a rain date of the following week.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm following a motion by Larry Samick and seconded by Brad Empson.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
April 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7pm at the Roulette Fire Hall. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Stephanie Gerhart, Paul Lilja, Bob Elliott, Mike Heindel, Dalton Bliss, Kyler Rider, Terry Gerhart, Denny Neal, Bill Sallade, Bob Engelsman and Loy Engelsman.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the March 2025 meeting were read. The following corrections were made. The Federation state archery shoot is in March 2025 not 2026. Under New Business, the DCNR Habitat bus tour will be on May 4th, not May 6th. The minutes were approved as corrected.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The balance of the checking account is $11,855.48. The Edward Jones account is $69,239.67. The Money Market account is $21,342.23. The report was approved.
Correspondence: Upon a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Mike Heindel, it was approved to donate $250 to the Project Healing Waters for the May 20-23rd event. All approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHERY: Kyler Rider reported that the course will be open starting on April 26th. Quotes will be received for more targets.
RIFLE: No report
HANDGUN: No report
TRAP: Tom McDonald reported that Ron Gill is currently in charge of the open shoots. Several ideas were discussed as to the best way to collect money during the Sunday open shoots.
HUNTER ED: The BFCA will host the June 7th class.
CONSERVATION SCHOOL: Paul Lilja reported that applications have gone out.
GUN SHOW: No report
HOUSE: The gutters will need to be replaced on the clubhouse. Calls will be made on this.
EVENTS: No report
FEDERATION: Terry Gerner updated the membership on Federation happenings.
MEMBERSHIP: New applications were received from the following: Justin Coleman, Randy Mussett and Matthew Sallade of Coudersport, Fran Devlin and Butch Burdick both of Genesee. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Stephanie Gerhart, these applications were approved. Membership consists of 154 regular and 20 life members for a total of 174.
COWBOY ACTION: Bob Engelsman reported that the first cowboy action shoot will begin on April 19th and continue throughout the summer on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This is where they dress up as cowboys and cowgirls and shoot cowboy type guns. Come out and enjoy the fun by participating or just to watch!
YOUTH FIELD DAY: No report
YOUTH TRAP: Tom McDonald reported that the team is going strong this year with a 4-0 record so far.
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE: A Sunday work bee was held in March with 4 members of the BFCA and 4 DCNR employees dropping trees at Ayers Shanty. Tree seedlings will be arriving soon for members who have placed orders. Terry Gerhart will send out an email for more information as to the pickup date.
OLD BUSINESS: No report
NEW BUSINESS: Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Terry Gerhart, the April BFCA meeting which is usually held at the Roulette Firehall in conjunction with the Gun Show, will be held at the BFCA Clubhouse starting next year (2026). Motion passed. A scholarship award to a graduating senior was discussed. More information to follow.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm following a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Bob Elliott.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
March 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge Of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Paul Lilja, Tom McDonald, Terry Gerhart, Sherry Hoffman, Meghan Ball, Jake Taylor, Luke Mentzer, Denny Neal, Bill Sallade, Dalton Bliss, Bob Elliott, Mike Reiman, Nick Theodorou, Cathy Theodorou, Randy Bennett, Gerald Duffee and Mike Heindel. Guests present were Tom Murphy and Jordan Rabon.
Secretary’s Report: Terry Gerhart read the minutes of the February meeting. The minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The balance of the checking account stands at $11,608.57. The Edward Jones account is $71,327.41. The money market account is $21,191.49. The report was approved.
Correspondence: Upon a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Luke Mentzer, it was approved to donate $200 to the Potter County Envirothon. Upon a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Luke Mentzer, it was moved to sponsor a $300 ticket to the Great Outdoor Picnic sponsored by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation which is held in June.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archery: Dalton Bliss reported that the season will start the end of April.
Rifle: Jake Taylor reported the range house is in good working order.
Handgun: No report.
Trap: Ron Gill has made the 9 month program into a 12 month program. Birds were delivered and unloaded. Thank you to Brad Empson.
Hunter Ed: Luke Mentzer reported that classes will be held at the Austin/Costello Sportsman’s Club on April 12th, the Black Forest Conservation Association on June 7th and the Brooklyn Club in December.
Conservation School: No report.
Gun Show: Bill Sallade reported that all tables are sold out for the Gun Show which will be held on April 5th-6th at the Roulette Firehall.
House: A huge thank you to Dalton Bliss for providing the meat for the member dinner in Feb. Approximately 25 people attended for a great meal and a good time.
Events: No report.
Federation: The Federation is having a state archery shoot in March 2026 in Manheim, PA.
Membership: Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Bill Sallade, the following new member applications were approved. Stan and Brenda Hess, Coudersport, Tom Murphy, Port Allegany, Luke Rittberg, Roulette, Chase Colby and Janet Smith, Coudersport.
Cowboy Action: The first shoot will be held on April 19th.
Youth Field Day: No report.
Youth Trap: The 55 member team is going strong this year. Ticket sales for the Big Raffle which will be held on April 26th are going well. Terry Gerhart led a private group of individuals shooting trap who contributed $780 to the club.
Conservation Committee: No report.
Old Business: No report.
New Business: It was approved to donate $250 to the Women’s Wing Shooting Program again this year. DCNR Habitat bus tour will be May 6th.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
February 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Paul Lilja, Stephanie Gerhart, Denny Neal, Gerald Duffee, Terri Duffee, Terry Gerhart, Bob Elliott, Luke Mentzer, Mike Heim, Jack Naylor, Eric Monger, Kyler Rider, Brad Empson and Josh Torrey.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the January 3, 2025 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance is $12,882.77. The Edward Jones account stands at $72,808.76. The money market account is $21,191.49. The report was approved.
Correspondence: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archery: Kyler Rider is hopeful for an April start to the season.
Rifle: No report
Handgun: No report
Trap: Tom McDonald reported that Ron Gill is in charge of the Sunday shoots which have tapered off for the winter. The new speakers are in place and working well.
Hunter Ed: Luke Mentzer, reported that the first advertised class is scheduled for April 12th at the Austin-Costello Sportsman’s Club. If low attendance, the class will be rescheduled with a future club date.
Conservation School: No report
Gun Show: Bill Sallade reported that flyers will be printed in the next two weeks.
House: No report
Events: No report
Federation: Terry Gerner updated us on current issues.
Membership: Three new membership applications were brought forth. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Luke Mentzer, the application from Timothy Bennett, Coudersport was approved. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Kyler Rider, the application from Kaden Sullinger, Coudersport was approved. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Bill Sallade, the application from Anthony Cochran, Coudersport was approved.
Cowboy Action: No report
Youth Field Day: No report
Youth Trap: Brad Empson reported that 59 students have begun the trap season. On Feb. 28th, a load of birds will be delivered and volunteers are needed to help unload boxes.
Conservation Committee: Much discussion was held regarding the purchase of red oak seedlings and other native trees and shrubs. There will be a meeting held by this committee on February 12th at 6pm to confirm the purchase of trees and shrubs. Eric Monger representing the Forestry Dept. spoke on working with us to further enhance habitat on forestry land.
Old Business: No report
New Business: No report
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm following a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Stephanie Gerhart.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
January 2025 Meeting Minutes
BLACK FOREST CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF JANUARY 3, 2025
Terry Gerner, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Terry led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge.
Members Present: Terry Gerner, Tom McDonald, Paul Lilja, Stephanie Gerhart, Denny Neal, Gerald Duffee, Terri Duffee, Terry Gerhart, Bob Elliott, Jake Taylor, Larry Samick, Sherry Hoffman, Luke Mentzer, Kyler Rider, Dalton Bliss and Michael Heim.
Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the December 6, 2024 meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Paul Lilja read a list of the debits and credits. The checking account balance is $9619.94. The Edward Jones account stands at $71,289.48. The money market account is $21,000.30. The report was approved.
Correspondence: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archery: Kyler Rider reported that Jim Distol donated another target. Numerous ideas and plans for next year are in the making.
Rifle: Jake Taylor reported that the heaters were left on in the shoot house. A reminder to all to turn off lights and heaters when you leave.
Handgun: No report
Trap: Tom McDonald reported that targets have been ordered and will be shipped in February. A donation was received for $1000 from the Galeton Moose Lodge #826 for the BFCA.
Hunter Ed: No report
Conservation School: No report
Gun Show: No report
House: Just a reminder that the annual member dinner will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 6pm at the clubhouse.
Events: No report
Federation: Terry Gerner updated us on current issues.
Membership: Tom McDonald reported of a 10% increase in membership in 2024. Membership renewals for 2025 are in the mail. Hard copies of new member applications will be placed in the mailbox located at the rifle range. Upon a motion by Tom McDonald and seconded by Larry Samick, the new member application for the Potter County Sheriff’s Office (Kevin Siska) was approved.
Cowboy Action: The last shoot was held on October 19th. The new season will begin April 19th - October 18, 2025.
Youth Field Day: No report
Youth Trap: 55 students have signed up to shoot this year. Practice will begin on February 7th.
Conservation Committee: No report
Old Business: No report
New Business: The Big Raffle Committee will hold their first meeting on January 7th for the annual fundraiser held on April 26, 2025 at the Coudersport Consistory.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm following a motion by Paul Lilja and seconded by Larry Samick.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Gerhart, Recording Secretary
