Even the most ardent and literal conservationist would have to admit that feeding bread to the carp at the Linesville Spillway is good fun. Sometimes in a creepy, "B" horror film kind of way, but fun nonetheless.
Which is why the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' proposal to ban feeding bread to the carp isn't going over well with Linesville businesses and residents and longtime visitors to the spillway at Pymatuning State Park. They see the decision to allow only feeding of fish pellets -- for sale at the site -- after Jan. 1, 2009, as a money grab by the DCNR, and an unnecessary end to a nearly 80-year tradition.
The DCNR initially said the rule would be imposed to limit the types of food thrown into the water for the swarming carp, and to largely do away with the bread bags and other trash that unfortunately and unnecessarily end up in the drink, too. If you're too lazy or unconcerned to throw trash in a garbage can, or to stow it until you get home, then maybe a day in the out of doors isn't for you.
Anyway, at a public meeting Monday in Linesville, the reasoning for the proposal was changed: A problem with Canada geese overrunning some of Pymatuning's public areas could be combatted only by instituting a strict policy of not feeding wildlife, as is the case in every other Pennsylvania state park. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, brought in by the state to help with the goose problem, said the proposal has been under review for four years.
None of which sounds very much like the original reason presented to the public for such a change. In fact, the DCNR's Pymatuning Web site still includes this language about the spillway: "Where the 'ducks walk on the fishes backs.' 300,000 visitors come each year to feed the fish and view the wildlife in this area. Located two miles south of Lineville on the Hartstown Road, concession has refreshments, souvenirs, and fish food for sale. Generally open weekends mid-April to Memorial Day then seven days per week through Labor Day and weekends again in September. Although fish feeding and wildlife viewing is the main attraction, the scenery and sunsets are gorgeous on this causeway between the lake. For more information, contact the park office at 724-932-3142."
Lots of ducks could walk on these mixed messages.