Several regional nonprofit organizations have partnered with state agencies in another project to help conserve cold-water habitat.

Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds have teamed with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat commission to provided more than $42,000 in grants to seven organizations. The grants will fund development of conservation plans for coldwater initiatives that involve communities.

"This type of grassroots conservation work is vital for the future of the state's coldwater streams and wild trout fisheries," said PFBC executive director John Arway, in a written statement. "We look forward to seeing these conservation plans developed and implemented."

Two groups in southwest Pennsylvania were funded:

• Point Park University received $6,000 for its work in Columbia and Sullivan counties investigating the restriction of native brook trout in Fishing Creek, and developing a plan to improve habitat and water quality for coldwater fishes.

• Somerset County Conservation District, on behalf of Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association, got $6,000 to gather data to protect Little Paint Creek.

As a result of a recent act of Congress, it is now legal to possess firearms at national parks, monuments and wildlife refuges, including five sites in southwest Pennsylvania.

Possession of firearms remains illegal, however, in federal facilities located within those sites including visitor centers, administrative office buildings, maintenance buildings, ranger stations and fee collection stations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stipulated the law does not permit visitors to "fire or discharge the firearms in any way, brandish the weapon in the view of others, or any other use of the firearm."

Biologist Jeff Krause talks about deer management on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land at Raystown Lake. The presentation runs 7-9 p.m. March 22 at Richland High School in Johnstown. 814-659-1280.

Fishing Report Erie steelhead watch, trout stockings and regional fishing. Fridays in Sports, and at post-gazette.com/sports/huntingfishing.

GETout Events Listings In the GETout section and at post-gazette.com/sports/huntingfishing. E-mail events listings to outdoors@post-gazette.com.

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