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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Agency Overview

    ​​The mission of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is: to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. 

    Contact Us
    Close-up of a flowing stream with PFBC Biologist sampling fish from the stream in the background.

    Governance

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is an independent Commonwealth agency comprised of 10 Commissioners appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. The Boating Advisory Board advises and makes recommendations to the Commission on all matters related to boating.

    Funding

    The Commission is a user-funded agency receiving no PA General Fund tax revenue to support its programs. The Commission operates out of two special funds: the Fish Fund and the Boat Fund. Revenue for the Fish Fund is generated from sales of fishing licenses, permits and fees (about 65%) and federal funds (about 25%) obtained from taxes on fishing-related items. Revenue from the Boat Fund is predominantly generated from boat registration and titling fees, the sale of launch permits, refunds of liquid fuels taxes on gas used by motorboats and federal funds.

    The Fish and Boat Commission is also supported by generous individuals interested in helping the Commission acquire, maintain and enhance access to Pennsylvania's waters by donating to the Conservation Acquisition Partnership Program (CAP). 

    Your Fishing License Dollars at Work

    Funds from fishing license sales and associated federal funds help improve and maintain water quality and aquatic resources, maintain and operate 12 state fish hatcheries, manage and protect fish reptiles, amphibians and other aquatic life; track endangered, threatened and rare animals under the PFBC’s jurisdiction; and manage species restoration efforts and habitat protection and improvement.

    Your Boat Registration, Titling and Launch Permit Dollars at Work

    Funds from boat registration, titling and launch permit sales support boat access area development and maintenance, watercraft enforcement, boating incident investigations, aids to navigation, and boating safety education.  These funds also facilitate the development and delivery of water rescue training for emergency responders. 

    Grants

    The Commission supports and administers an extensive grants program aimed at conserving and enhancing opportunities for fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation. The program aims to develop and support local partnerships, leverage Commission funds with other funding sources, and result in positive economic and environmental impacts in local communities.

    Reports

    The Commission’s quarterly and annual reports provide an overview of activities in support of our mission and strategic plan. Programmatic reports are also produced for public information.

    Review Agency Reports Here

    Commission Offices & Locations

    Agency Headquarters

    1601 Elmerton Avenue
    Harrisburg, PA 17110
    The public can buy fishing licenses, launch permits and register boats at this location.

    717-705-7800

    Executive Office (Headquarters)

    Executive Director
    Chief Counsel
        Public Access and Property Services
    Policy, Planning, and Communications
    Bureau of Law Enforcement

    Office of Administration (Headquarters)

    Bureau of Administration
    Bureau of Boating
    Bureau of Information Technology
    Human Resources
    Bureau of Outreach, Education, and Marketing

    Centre Region Office

    595 E. Rolling Ridge Dr.
    Bellefonte, PA 16823
    The public can buy fishing licenses, launch permits and register boats at this location.

    814-359-5124

    Office of Field Operations (Centre Region Office)

    Bureau of Engineering
    Bureau of Fisheries
    Bureau of Hatcheries