A rising tide to protect the Loyalsock

A statewide effort to protect one of the natural and recreational treasures of Penn's Woods from large-scale industrial gas development is gaining steam.

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. 

Send a message on the Loyalsock to Governor Corbett

Please take a moment today to add your voice to the growing chorus urging Governor Corbett and his Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to prevent gas drilling in the Loyalsock State Forest's Clarence Moore lands.

First, sign the on-line petition to Governor Corbett requesting him to direct his DCNR to hold public hearings across the Commonwealth on Anadarko Petroleum Corporation's proposed development plans for the Clarence Moore Lands.  

DCNR has unusual powers to protect this extraordinary section of the Loyalsock State Forest, and it is critical that information about any proposed drilling activity be subject to public review and input. As Rick Carlson, former DCNR policy director under both Republican and Democratic administrations, makes amply and eloquently clear in an op-ed this week, DCNR has yet to meaningfully engage the public and has kept the public in the dark about DCNR's and Anadarko's plans for the forest.

Second, share the petition to Corbett with all of your friends and anyone you know who cares about protecting Penn's Woods.

Third, send a copy of your petition and any comments that you would like to add to DCNR in care of loyalsock@pa.gov.

Fourth, send all or selected portions of your petition to your state representative and your state senator, and request that they use their power to urge the Corbett administration to protect the Loyalsock's Clarence Moore lands and ensure that any decision on gas development takes place only after meaningful public review and input.

Citizens can identify their state legislators and obtain legislative mailing and e-mail addresses by typing in their address at this web site. 

Remember that your efforts are not only on behalf of the Loyalsock. As Rick Carlson points out in his op-ed, this lack of meaningful public input is likely to play out in scores of sites in our forests and parks across Penn's Woods where natural gas development on state lands is possible unless the public demands a change in policy. 

The Loyalsock is a line in the sand.  Please do your part to help keep them out.