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
