Why is the public in the dark on gas development plans for the Loyalsock State Forest?
Tell Gov. Corbett, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Richard Allan, and your state legislators that the Loyalsock is too important to allow gas development there — without first consulting the Commonwealth’s citizens. DCNR has been negotiating extensive new gas development with Anadarko Petroleum on an extraordinary 18,870-acre tract of the Loyalsock in Lycoming County — and rejecting calls for public involvement and input — in spite of the fact that an unusual land deed gives DCNR the ability to restrict or forbid any access by Anadarko to the surface of the tract.
Why action is needed right now:
- The public — who hike, fish, hunt, swim, bird watch, and picnic in the forest — has a right to input on this resource belonging to all Pennsylvanians.
- Features include the renowned Rock Run and other streams designated “Exceptional Value,” the highest designation for Commonwealth waterways.
- Home to an Audubon Society-designated important bird habitat area, protecting forest species at risk.
- Includes the popular Old Loggers’ Path hiking trail and Devil’s Elbow Natural Area.
- Due to a special provision in its land deed, the Commonwealth has the legal power to prevent gas development in the areas in which Anadarko Petroleum wants to drill.
Tell the governor, the secretary, and your legislators now — The protection of one of the last gems of our forest depends on them.
Drillers already have access to one-third of our state forest lands equaling 700,000 acres. We need enhanced protections limiting habitat fragmentation and stream impacts on our cherished public lands, not more gas development.
The Loyalsock is one of the last remaining sanctuaries in our renowned state forest system for wildlife, recreation, tourism, and pristine natural beauty. This special place is too important to risk — for us and for the future of all Pennsylvanians.