The Venture Outdoors Downtown TriAnglers this year logged 874 angler visits, 721 fish -- more than three times as many as last year -- and 18 different species fishing Wednesdays at Point State Park and the North Shore of the Allegheny River.

Though its season does not close until Wednesday on the North Shore, the group held its awards ceremony last week, naming Marty Sanders of Overbrook Angler of the Year with 94 catches.

Venture Outdoors will partner with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to sponsor a family fishing derby at North Park Lake 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Included are a clinic, filleting demonstration and prizes for best and most unusual catches. Preregistration is required. Cost is $5 per person. For more details, call 412-255-0564.

Penalties sought

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking at least $8.89 million in penalties from Norfolk Southern for damage caused by the June 30 train derailment that spilled sodium hydroxide, or lye, into Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek, McKean County. The spill killed fish and aquatic life in more than seven miles of the stream and damaged the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning and adjacent wetlands and soil, according to DEP, which has filed complaints with the state Environmental Hearing Board.

Money for fishing

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is making a new round of grants available to schools and other organizations to provide fishing and aquatic resource education. Grants of up to $5,000 will be given for programs slated between July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008. Funds can be used to buy equipment and materials or to help cover the cost of field trips. For more, visit www.fish.state.pa.us or call 717-705-7835. The application deadline is Dec. 31.

Enviro-funding offered

Schools and non-profit organizations can tap into state funding to develop environmental education programs. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is making grants of $2,000 to $20,000 available through its 2007 Environmental Education Grants Program for projects that focus on watershed improvements, sustainable energy sources, air quality and other areas of interest. Pre-application letters must be postmarked by Dec. 15. For more, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us keyword "EE Grants"

Watershed assistance

Grants of up to $,2500 are now available for regional watershed groups through a partnership between Dominion and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Groups seeking funds for watershed improvement projects may apply for $1,000 to cover operating expenses and up to $2,500 for promotion, outreach or restoration projects. For more, visit www.paconserve.org or call 724-459-0953 ext. 103. Grant applications must be postmarked by Dec. 15.

Play it safe

Youngsters ages 4-15 have the chance to promote safe boating through essays, videos and posters in the second annual Boating Safety Sidekicks contest. This year's theme is "I'm a Safe Boater, Are You?" Prizes will be awarded by age groups and will include savings bonds, life jackets and caps. The contest deadline is Jan. 7, 2007. For more, visit www.boatingsidekicks.com.