Last week, a broad coalition of conservation and outdoor organizations delivered over 12,000 petition signatures to Governor Corbett, who has considerable power to prevent gas drilling in the Clarence Moore lands within the Loyalsock State Forest in Lycoming County.
The petition specifically requests that Corbett and his Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) hold public hearings and open a public comment period on Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's proposed development plans for the Loyalsock. DCNR has unusually strong powers to protect this extraordinary part of the state forest.
Rep. Greg Vitali, Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, joined the groups and stated that, "Anadarko's plan, if enacted, would destroy the wild character of the Loyalsock State Forest. Public hearings are crucial. Greater public awareness will result in a better outcome."
The coalition working to save the Loyalsock also unveiled a new website (www.saveloyalsock.org) to educate the public about the threats posed by gas development to the unique resources of the Clarence Moore lands of the Loyalsock.
These resources contain Exceptional Value streams including beautiful Rock Run, often hailed as Pennsylvania's most beautiful stream; the Old Loggers Path, an acclaimed hiking trail; a National Audubon Society-designated Important Bird Area; and the Devil's Elbow Natural Area.
Please take the time to sign the Loyalsock petition to Governor Corbett, take action through the web site of PennFuture or one of our coalition partners, attend a forthcoming event, contact us to join the fight, or all of the above.
