Susquehanna Township near Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ralph W. Abele
(1921-1990)
Conservation leader and Pennsylvania Fish Commission executive director, 1972-87. Abele’s “Resource First” philosophy strengthened the agency’s mission to protect, conserve, and enhance water quality, improve fish passage, and increase youth conservation education. Notable achievements included modernizing the Fish and Boat Code, emphasizing conservation enforcement, and leading efforts to restore American shad to the Susquehanna River.
Erected 2012 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list.
Location. 40° 17.535′ N, 76° 51.731′ W. Marker is near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Susquehanna Township. Marker can be reached from State Farm Road south of Elmerton Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located near the entrance to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg PA 17110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harrisburg State Hospital (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Harrisburg State Hospital (approx. 1.1 miles away); State Arsenal (approx. 1.1 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Freedom Tree (approx. 1.1 miles away); Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.
Also see . . . The Legacy of Ralph W. Abele. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website entry:
In 1972, he was appointed executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and set out to protect Commonwealth waters. He was quoted as proclaiming "If the fish can't survive in the water, there are serious problems for man." Ralph, who believed that public service was a noble career, took his job seriously and believed he an obligation to protect Pennsylvania's lakes, streams and aquatic life from the damaging effects of acid rain, pollution and habitat destruction. He took on the strip mining industry, didn't give up and ultimately won some important victories. (Submitted on August 20, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 20, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on January 19, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on August 20, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.