CONSTITUTION OF BLAIR COUNTY GAME, FISH AND FORESTRY ASSOCIATION, INC.
Article I
Name and Location
The Association shall be known as the Blair County Game, Fish, and Forestry Association, Inc.
Location: Riggles Gap, Antis Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
1. The purpose of this Association shall be the preservation and conservation of our game, insectivorous birds, fish, and our forest.
2. The promotion of good sportsmanship.
3. The encouragement of a greater respect and appreciation of the outdoors and all forms of wildlife.
4. The enactment and enforcement of legislation to protect these heritages.
5. The suppression of forest fires.
6. The promotion of all phases of sportsmanship.
No amendment or alteration of the Constitution or By-Laws of this Association shall be permitted that will in any way cause the above objects to become secondary to any other.
ARTICLE III
Government
Section 1. - OFFICERS. The officers of the Association shall be President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, Solicitor, and nine Directors, each of whom shall be a citizen of the United States of America, and reside in Blair County, Pennsylvania.
Section 2. - The foregoing Offices shall constitute the Board of Management and shall perform the duties and have the power of Corporate Directors. It shall elect its own Presiding Officer at the first meeting of the Board following the annual election of Officers, and shall hold at least one meeting each month in addition to the regular monthly meeting of the Association.
Section 3. - ELCTION OF OFFICERS. The annual election of Officers shall be held on the first Thursday of each October, Nomination of Officers shall open at the September meeting of each year and be closed at that meeting.
Officers, excepting Directors, shall be elected for the fiscal year. Directors shall be elected for a period of three fiscal years in such manner that the office of three directors shall be filled each year.
No person shall be eligible for election to any office except those nominated at the September meeting.
No person shall be nominated unless he or she has agreed to serve in writing or is present at the nomination of officers and agrees at that meeting to serve.
Section 4. - VACANCIES. When an Officer shall have been absent for THREE consecutive meetings of the Association, or of the Board of Management, without sufficient excuse, the President shall declare the office vacant. Any vacancy of an office shall be filled by the Board of Management and shall be in office until the completion of the term for which the office declared vacant was elected. Such appointment shall be approved by the Association before same shall be effective.
Section 5. - STANDING COMMITTEES. The Conservation Committee, Activities Committee, Property Committee, and Budget Committee shall be standing committees. At the November meeting following the election, the President shall appoint a Chairman of each of the Standing Committees. The members thereof shall be appointed by the Chairman of each committee. Any committee failing to function at any time during the year, may be replaced by the President at his discretion.
The Chairman of each Committee shall make a report at the regular monthly meeting of the Association.
Section 6. - FISCAL YEAR, The fiscal year shall begin on the first Friday of each October immediately following the election of Officers.
ARTICLE IV
Meetings
Monthly meetings shall be held on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 PM. Such meetings shall be held at the Association Lodge, unless weather prevents, or meeting place is changed by the President, and due notice published.
ARTICLE V
Memberships
Section 1. - Any person 18 years of age or over may become a member of the Association by presenting a signed application card in regular form recommended by a member in good standing.
Section 2. - JUNIOR MEMBERS. Persons undr 18 years of age may become Junior Members, and shall have limited privileges subject to the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations prescribed by the Board of Management.
Section 3. - HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. Persons who have accomplished some noteworthy achievement in the line of Science of Conservatiion may be elected honorary members and shall be exempt from paying dues, but shall not have a vote nor hold office.
ARTICLE VI
Amendments and Alterations
No amendments or alterations of the Constitution shall be made unless the proposed amendments or alterations shall have been presented and read at THREE consecutive regular meetings and notice of same published in a newspaper of general circulation ten days or more prior to the meeting at which final action shall be taken.
BY-LAWS OF BLAIR COUNTY GAME, FISH AND FORESTRY ASSOCIATION, INC.
ARTICLE I
Section 1. - The regular meeting of the Board of Management shall be held on the third Friday of each month, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Management and notice thereof provided to the membership by posting on the Bulletin Board. Special meetings can be held as necessary, when the members of the Board of Management have been properly notified.
ARTICLE II
Duties of the Officers
Section 1. - PRESIDENT. The president shall see that the business and activities of the Association are conducted in the interest of the members of the Association, and that the property of the Association is maintained and operated for their benefit and pleasure.
Section 2. - The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association except the Board of Management and promote the general efficiency and well-being thereof. He shall appoint all Standing Committees and perform any other duties required of a President.
Section 3. - VICE-PRESIDENT. A Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in his absence.
Section 4. - TREASURER. The Treasurer of the Association shall hold all funds of the Association except Trust Funds and pay therefrom the bills approved by the Association.
No invoice shall be paid by the Treasurer unless having attached thereto a sales slip signed by the purchaser. The Treasurer shall render a report at each regular meeting of the Association and when requested by the Board of Management.
Section 5. - RECORDING SECRETARY. The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Association and the Board of Management, and also a record of financial transactions and any amendments or additions to the Constitution or By-Laws. He or she shall conduct all correspondence as directed and file copies of the same. He or she shall render a report at each monthly meeting of the Association.
Section 6. - MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY. The Membership Secretary shall keep an accurate record of the membership and all data and facts pertaining thereto, collect all new membership and renewal fees, and turn same over to the Treasurer who will issue receipt for same. He/She shall issue a full report at each regular meeting of the Association regarding membership, etc., or when requested by the Board of Management.
Section 7. - SOLICITOR. The Solicitor shall act as legal advisor of the association and transact all business of either requiring legal talent.
Section 8. - BOARD OF MANAGEMENT. The Board of Management shall maintain and administer all the property, effects, funds and other assets of the Association for the best interests of the members thereof, and for their benefit and enjoyment in accordance with the objects of the Association. No committee, group nor auxiliary shall be permitted to expend any funds or purchase any equipment without the consent of the Board of Management. The Board shall formulate all rules relative to the use of all property or equipment. In an emergemcy it may transact any of the business of the Association. Any five Officers may call a special meeting of the Board of Management.
ARTICLE III
Standing Committees
Section 1. - CONSERVATION COMMITTEE. The Conservation Committee shall be divided into three subcommittees, viz:
1. GAME COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of the preservation, propagation and distribution of the various forms of wild life. The release of all kinds of game life shall be under the jurisdiction of this Committee.
2. FISH COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of the preservation, propagation and distribution of all fish to the streams. Shall report all cases of stream polution that come to their attention.
3. FORESTRY COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of the preservation and conservation of all forms of vegetation in our forest. Shall arrange for planting or reforestation, shrubs, plants, trees, etc.
The Conservation Committee shall work in conjunction with the Game, Fish and Forestry Departments of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Section 2. - ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE. The Activities Committee shall be divided into four subcommittees, viz:
1. TRAP SHOOTING COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of all trap shooting: shall provide the necessary ammunition, targets, trappers, etc. for all shooting: shall keep a record of all ammunition and targets sold; shall record scores, etc., and at the end of activities report amount of ammunition and targets sold and proceeds of each day's event and render monthly report.
2. SPORTS COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of all rifle, pistol, and novelty shooting at the different ranges; keep a record of all scores and prizes won, and at the end of each day's events report the proceeds obtained, and render monthly report.
3. ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE. This Committee shall have charge of all dances, games, etc.; shall receive the income from such activities and shall pay therefrom the neessary and proper expenses connected with the same, and render report.
4. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE. The Chairman of this Committee shall have charge of all publicity in connection with the activities and other matters of the Association.
5. BLACK POWDER COMMITTEE.
The Chairman of each of these committees shall pay to the Treasurer all monies received and get a receipt, therefor, EXCEPT the admission fees and membership dues, which must be paid to the Membership Secretary so that an accurate record of the membership can be maintained.
The chairman of each committee shall make a report at the regular monthly meeting of the Association.
Section 3. - PROPERTIES COMMITTEE. The Properties Committee shall see to the maintenance and improvement of the grounds, buildings and equipment under the supervision of the Board of Management. The Committee shall render a report to the Board of Management upon request.
Section 4. - AUDITING COMMITTEE. The President may at any time appoint an Auditing Committee or Committees for such purposes.
Section 5. - The Chairman of the Board of Management, subject to Board of Management approval, shall appoint a Budget Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year. The duties of this Committee shall be to prepare an annual operation budget for the Association for the fiscal year and make their report at the January Board of Management meeting for approval.
ARTICLE IV
Memberships
The admission fee and one year's dues shall accompany application for membership. A vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting of the Association, shall grant membership to the applicant. The membership so granted shall include the use of the facilities, etc. by the spouse and children under eighteen years of age who live with the member.
Any member found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct or violating any of the Association's rules, may be fined or suspended by the Association in the following manner; the accuser shall make the accusation in writing, bearing his or her signature, and present the same to the Board of Management. If the accusations are worthy of action, the Board shall notify both the accuser and the accused to appear before the board for trial. If the accused is found guilty, the Board of Management may fine or suspend the member by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Management present at such trial.
ARTICLE V
Quorum
Fifteen members of the Association in good standing shall constitute a quorum for transacting the business of the Association. Seven members of the Board of Management shall constitute a quorum for transacting the business of the Board.
ARTICLE VI
Order of Business
1. Pledge to the flag.
2. Roll call of Officers.
3. Reading of minutes.
4. Communications.
5. Reports of Officers and Committees.
6. Bill and accounts.
7. Applications for membership.
8. Unfinished business.
9. New business.
10. Good of the Association.
11. Nomination or election of Officers.
12. Adjournment.
ARTICLE VII
Admission Fees and Dues
Section 1. - ADMISSION FEE. The admission fee shall be $5.00 for an adult applicant and shall accompany the application for membership.
Section 2. - DUES. The dues shall be $50.00 per year for adults 18 years of age thru 64 years of age, $25.00 per year for Senior Citizens 65 years of age and older and members who qualify for a worker discount, and $5.00 per year for juniors and shall be paid in advance.
Section 3. - MEMBERSHIP. The membership shall continue for one year after approval. Renewal of membership shall be dated from the date that previous year's membership expired.
Section 4. - NOTIFICATION OF EXPIRATION. The Secretary shall notify each member thirty days prior to the month in which membership expires and if membership is renewed within sixty days after expiration date, the admission fee is waived.
Section 5. - LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Any regular member in good standing for one year or more, may become a life member upon payment of $500.00 and shall not be required to pay any further dues during his or her lifetime.
ARTICLE VIII
Resignations
Any member desiring to resign his membership or office in the Association, shall notify the Secretary in writing. Said resignation shall be read at the following meeting and be accepted by the Association.
ARTICLE IX
Voting
No member shall be permitted to vote by proxy. It shall be the duty of the president to instruct the tellers conducting the voting for the election of Officers to see that all persons present at said meeting are Senior members in good standing with dues paid to date before receiving the ballots. The tellers shall tally the votes in the open meeting, and at the completion of the count shall announce the complete results of the vote.
ARTICLE X
The Association shall place the Treasurer and Membership Secretary under a blanket bond of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Membership Secretary One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) and Treasurer Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00).
ARTICLE XI
No political discussions shall be placed before the Association, nor shall any candidate for office be permitted to use the name of the Association to further his political interest.
ARTICLE XII
No addition or ammendment to the By-Laws shall be made unless such proposed addition or amendment shall have been presented and read in full at a regular meeting at which the proposed addition or amendment shall be submitted to the membership for approval or rejection.
ARTICLE XIII
Ladies' Auxiliary
There shall be a Ladies' Auxiliary in connection with the Association, which will elect its own Officers and Board of Management independent of the Association; assess its own dues and conduct its activities in a manner approved by the majority of its members. The Board of Management of the Ladies' Auxiliary shall be under the jurisdiction of the Board of Management of the Association.
ARTICLE XIV
All properties and articles donated to the Association shall become the permanent property of the Association and be under the jurisdiction of the Board of Management.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF LODGE AND GROUNDS OF THE BLAIR COUNTY GAME, FISH AND FORESRTY ASSOCIATION, INC.
The lodge and grounds shall be maintained for the use and pleasure of the members of the Association.
The following rules and regulations governing the use of same are set up to insure equal rights of all members.
These rules may be altered or amended from time to time as need may arise. Any such amendment shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Management. After approval of the Board, such amendments shall be read at any stated meeting of the Association, when, if approved by the membership, it shall become part of these rules.
The Board of Management shall be responsible for all property of this Association, see to the enforcement of the rules, and may set up rules to cover special occasions.
The caretaker shall see that these rules are enforced at all times. He shall be responsible to the Board of Management for all Association property at the lodge and on the grounds, and report any damage, theft of, loss of same. He is authorized to collect any necessary fees and pay same to Treasurer. He shall be consulted by guests and visitors in any manner in which they may be in doubt, and must extend all possible courtesies. The Board of Management shall prepare a set of rules, regulations and duties for the caretaker and serve a copy of same to him.
The caretaker shall receive instructions only from the President of the Association.
The lodge shall be open each day for the use of members, except when building or grounds are rented or during scheduled Association activities. Any such reservations of activity shall be posted on bulletin board in the lodge at least one week prior to the date of such reservation.
Any party or parties, members or non-members who rent the lodge for their use, shall pay a fee in accordance with the schedule as determined by the Board of Management. Renters shall furnish their own cooking utensils and dishes, a deposit of one-third of the entire fee shall be paid to the caretaker ten (10) days in advance of the date requested. The person arranging for reservations, shall be required to sign an agreement of responsibility for any damage to property as well as asuming responsibility for the enforcement of rules of conduct upon the premises. Reservations shall be arranged for at least ten (10) days prior to the date desired. Any party failing to use the lodge or grounds on the date reserved, shall forfeit the deposit and the reservation shall be canceled. The rental of the Lodge does not include the use of the kitchen, the outdoor kitchen or other parts of the club grounds.
Those entitled to use the club premises, excluding trap ranges, are members, spouse, children under eighteen (18) years of age and guests. Range fees for guests must be paid. Association parties shall consist of not more than three guests to a member.
All garbage and other refuse is to be placed in containers provided for that purpose.
At times of Association activities requiring the use of the kitchen, no other parties will be permitted to use those facilities. While the kitchens are in use by regular personnel, no one will be permitted to enter without the permission of the Steward or Stewardess.
No fires of any kind shall be kindled in or out of the lodge without permission of the caretaker, and then only in places designated by him. No gasoline stoves shall be used in the lodge.
No fire wood shall be collected without consent and supervision of the caretaker.
No shrubbery, flowers, trees, berries, or other fruit or vegetation shall be cut, destroyed or removed from the premesis without the consent of the Board of Management.
Dogs will not be permitted inside the lodge.
Cars shall be parked only in authorized places.
Children must be kept under control of the parents.
Wading, playing in and throwing of refuse in the stream is prohibited.
Intoxication will not be tolerated on these premesis nor shall any intoxicating beverages be brought upon or consumed upon the grounds. Any violation of this rule will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Article IV of these By-Laws.
Each member will be held responsible for the conduct of his or her guests.
Unlicensed poker games or gambling of like nature, profanity or indecent conduct of any kind is prohibited.
No person or group of persons shall monopolize he available facilities of the lodge or grounds.
No firearms shall be discharged on the premesis (legal hunting excepted), except at the regular ranges provided.
Persons under the age of sixteen (16) years shall use firearms only under the direct supervision of a person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
Persons under the age of twenty-one (21) may not use a handgun on any range without direct supervision of a person twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
Persons sixteen (16) and seventeen (17) years of age may use the range unsupervised with possession of a valid hunting license.
Firearms must be unloaded and either cased or actions left open when not in actual use. National Rifle Association and American Trapshooting Association Safety Rules shall be enforced.
No shooting matches shall be held without approval of the Board of Management.
Any furniture, equipment, trophies, etc., donated to the Association shall become the property of the Association.
This Association is not responsible for any injuries sustained upon the premesis, nor for any article stolen.
All persons shall have due regard for the rights, safety and privileges of others.
All complaints or suggestions shall be brought to the attention of the Board of Management.
Any member violating these rules shall be tried before the Board of Management, and if found quilty, shall be fined or suspended as the Board may see it.
When in doubt, the caretaker or any member in good standing may require any person making use of the lodge or grounds to show a membership card indicating good standing.
The use or consturction of any tree stand that damages any tree shall not be permitted on Association property. Tree stands found in violation on Association property will be removed and destroyed. All stands should be removed at the end of big game season.
This Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations shall supersede and revoke all former Constitutions, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations adopted by this Association and may be changed or altered only in the manner herein prescribed.
Effective December, 2009.
