The Game Commission opened two new sections on its website this week, a Wildlife Media Resource Center and an online Business Center.

Looking for the perfect photo of a porcupine for your school report? Interested in changing your computer screen-saver to highlight Pennsylvania wildlife? Then check out the latest addition to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website the Wildlife Media Resource Center.

"This resource center provides information, photographs and streaming videos that showcase Pennsylvania's amazing wildlife resources," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "The reference materials and photographs may be used to promote and/or learn more about wildlife. They are available to news media, students and others interested in wildlife and may used in articles, school reports and as a desktop display or screen-saver on your computer."

The website offers visitors 46 photos that can be used as screen savers; as well as 60 bird and 60 mammal photos. There also are more than 50 video downloads featuring information about various wildlife species, hunting safety tips and important Game Commission programs to promote hunting, trapping and wildlife education.

The Media Resource Center also links to the Game Commission's news releases, research reports and statistics, the popular Wildlife Note series and information about the state's wildlife on the endangered and threatened birds and mammals.

In an effort to save money, increase the competitive bidding process and meet the public's expectations for open government, the Game Commission also launched its online "PGC Business Center" to serve as a one-stop shop for companies looking to do business with the state wildlife agency.

"This new business center will reduce our postage and printing costs while, at the same time, enable more companies to become aware of opportunities to submit bids to do business with the Game Commission," said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. "Additionally, this new site will provide the public with information about those companies awarded contracts, and reduce the time our employees spend on the telephone talking to bidders and potential bidders."

Information about various Game Commission procurement and service contracts can be viewed, from the purchase of herbicide used on State Game Lands to road-killed deer removal from local roads. Companies also may view timber, oil and gas bid packages being offered by the Game Commission.

The PGC's Business Center also provides links to the Department of General Services' surplus equipment, forms, procurement handbook, supplier registration and PA Supplier Portal.

5/16/2008