John Tokosh of Greensburg has been sentenced to 12 months in prison and must pay the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission $25,000 in restitution for trafficking in wildlife, according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Pittsburgh.

Tokosh was convicted of importing or smuggling Indian Star and Burmese Star Tortoises, which can sell for as much as $1,500 each, and collecting hundreds of Pennsylvania Wood Turtles from the wild and selling them illegally for profit, the prosecutor's office said in an announcement last week.

According to the Fish Commission, Tokosh had been arrested in 1998 and fined $5,000 for his black market turtle activities.

Fly heritage fete

The Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum will hold its 4th annual Fly Fishing Heritage Day with casting lessons, rod and net making demonstrations, fly tying and a colonial angler reenactment at Allenberry on the Yellow Breeches, Saturday.The $12 pre-registration cost includes lunch. Youths under 16 get in free.

For more, visit www.paflyfishing.org.

Grant money awarded

Seneca Valley Senior High School and Pa. Council of Trout Unlimited are among the first round of 14 recipients of Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission funds aimed at helping promote youth fishing. Seneca Valley will receive $4,540 to buy equipment for its Aquatic Ecology Experience, while Trort Unlimited will receive $5,000 to seed fishing clubs and classroom fishing instruction, statewide. For a complete list of recipients, visit www.fish.state.pa.us.

Paddling satellite

Venture Outdoors now operates a branch of Kayak Pittsburgh on North Park Lake out of the boathouse. Like the original Kayak Pittsburgh, which operates on the Allegheny River, this one offers kayak rentals and lessons. For more, visit www.ventureoutdoors.org

Casting champs

Winners of the recent Pa. Southwest Bassmen B.A.S.S. Casting Kids contest at Stapleton's Sporting Goods in Saltsburg are Leona Klingensmith of Avonworth, who won in the 7-11 year old age group, and Tyler Ringeisen of Moon Township, who won the 11-14 year age group title.

More kids fishing

Pa. B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Region One held its 10th annual Blind Kids Can Fish outing recently on Loyalhanna Lake in Somerset, where 10 boats released 50 fish, mostly largemouth bass up to 4 1/2 pounds. The nine children who took part attend the Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind. Participating clubs included Mariners, Pa. Southwest Bassmen, Timberland Bassmasters, Loyalhanna Bassmasters, West Penn Bass Anglers and Holiday Park Bass Busters.

Fish Commission postings

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is looking to fill the position of director of its hatchery program. Applications are due by June 23. Degrees and experience in biology are required of candidates. The job pays $57,193 to $86.925. For more, call 717-705-7820.

The commission also has an opening for a part-time environmental interpretive technician for the northwest region. The job involves educating the public about aquatic resources and boating and water safety and pays $11.97 an hour. For more, contact Keith Edwards, 11528 State Highway 98, Meadville, Pa. 16335.

Manchester Bridge update

The Walnut Creek Marina in Erie will be accessible only from Manchester Road until through June 22 during bridge repairs on Dutch Road.

Net permits available

Anglers can apply for permits for cast, or throw, nets 10 feet in radius and 20 feet in diameter for use at Lake Arthur. Permit holders can take daily limits of 100 gizzard shad or alewife, or a combination of the two. Applications can be printed out from the "forms" section at www.fish.state.pa.us.