The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has given final approval to regulation changes for boating on portions of the Allegheny Reservoir.

The action was taken during the PFBC’s quarterly meetin.

“Many of the controlled areas on the lake are indicated in PFBC regulations and are marked with aids to navigation – i.e. buoys – by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” the Commission said in a statement.

“The area near Elijah Run, in the southeastern portion of the reservoir in McKean County, is currently marked

by USACE as a slow, no wake zone to protect the boat launch area,” they explained, “however, it is not part of the PFBC’s regulations.”

So the action taken Monday would add Elijah Run to existing McKean County regulations on the reservoir “so that these speed restrictions may be enforced by PFBC Waterways Conservation Officers.

“Additionally,” the y said, “a generic subsection referring to other coves, bays, inlets, arms, and areas marked with slow, no-wake buoys, will be added to the PFBC’s McKean and Warren County regulations to allow the USACE to respond quickly to areas that become problematic by marking them accordingly.”

Executive Director Timothy Schaeffer highlighted precautions to safely recreate as the weather turns.

“Pennsylvania is fortunate to have year-round fishing and boating activities, and because of those constant opportunities, anglers and boaters need to be prepared for every season,” Schaeffer said.

“Wearing a life jacket is the number one thing we can all do to stay safe on and around the water this time of year. Falling into cold water can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly, but wearing a life jacket will keep your head above water until help arrives.

“So, enjoy every moment out there on the water or ice this upcoming season — just remember that a few safety steps before and during each trip will ensure that you’ll be around to make more great memories for years to come.”