Moraine State Park is asking the public to comment on a proposal to add 200 acres to park land that is opened for late-season archery deer hunting, Dec. 16-Jan. 9. The proposed area is between North Shore Drive and Lake Arthur and includes part of the bike trail. Park staff say the proposal is designed to reduce deer-human conflicts on the trail, to help maintain a healthy balance of deer and habitat in the park, and to increase recreational opportunities. Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 22 at 724-368-8811 and Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd., Portersville, Pa., 16051.

Next week, park staff will begin reducing water levels at Laurel Hill Lake and Kooser Lake. Laurel Hill will be drawn 5 feet for 45 days while workers inspect boat launches, and evaluate and repair boat docks and buoy lines in the swimming areas. Kooser Lake will be lowered 5 feet through March, 2010, to control aquatic vegetation. While the lakes are down, fishing and boating will be permitted, but anglers and boaters are advised to exercise caution.

Last week's report about the relocation of fish from North Park Lake to Deer Lakes was inaccurate. The fish, including one 24-inch largemouth weighing over 8 pounds, were electro-shocked and replanted in North Park's smaller Marshall Lake and in another section of North Park Lake. Dwight Yingling of North Park Bait and Tackle said he expected to see some big bass and lots of panfish, but was surprised at the absence of big trout netted by Fish and Game officials at the trout-stocked impoundment.

Moraine State Park is asking the public to comment on a proposal to add 200 acres to park land that is opened for late-season archery deer hunting, Dec. 16-Jan. 9.

The proposed area is between North Shore Drive and Lake Arthur and includes part of the bike trail. Park staff say the proposal is designed to reduce deer-human conflicts on the trail, to help maintain a healthy balance of deer and habitat in the park, and to increase recreational opportunities.

Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 22 at 724-368-8811 and Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd., Portersville, Pa., 16051.

Next week, park staff will begin reducing water levels at Laurel Hill Lake and Kooser Lake. Laurel Hill will be drawn 5 feet for 45 days while workers inspect boat launches, and evaluate and repair boat docks and buoy lines in the swimming areas.

Kooser Lake will be lowered 5 feet through March, 2010, to control aquatic vegetation.

While the lakes are down, fishing and boating will be permitted, but anglers and boaters are advised to exercise caution.

Last week's report about the relocation of fish from North Park Lake to Deer Lakes was inaccurate.

The fish, including one 24-inch largemouth weighing over 8 pounds, were electro-shocked and replanted in North Park's smaller Marshall Lake and in another section of North Park Lake.

Dwight Yingling of North Park Bait and Tackle said he expected to see some big bass and lots of panfish, but was surprised at the absence of big trout netted by Fish and Game officials at the trout-stocked impoundment.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.