Save Our State Forests

Pennsylvania’s State Forest encompasses one of the largest unbroken expanses of forest remaining in the eastern United States.  This land is a central defining characteristic of our region.  Our forests are an irreplaceable public resource that improves our quality of life, provides invaluable protection for drinking water, and gives long-term sustainable economic, ecological, and recreational value.  These woods belong to us.  They are our special places to explore.  These forests offer adventures for families and friends.  They contain hunting grounds, fishing creeks, and favorite trails.  Pennsylvania’s State Forests are places of beauty and solitude where lasting memories are created.

Marcellus natural gas development on State Forest land impacts the integrity of the forest, the water, soil and air quality, and the recreational use of our public lands.  It creates a footprint of forest fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species, both of which are incompatible with forest sustainability. 

Nearly one-half of the State Forest land in the Marcellus Shale region is open to exploitation by the gas industry.  Only ten percent of Pennsylvania’s public lands are legally protected from gas development.  The short term profit from gas drilling will be far outweighed by the long term damage to our forests.

Save our State Forests from destruction!  Take this opportunity to defend our state’s future.

As elected officials pledged to uphold the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the rights of PA citizens to clean water, clean air and quality of life, preservation of these State Forests is both your duty and obligation. (Click here to view our state constitution - Article 1 Section 27)

We, the citizens, demand:

• A legislative moratorium on any additional leasing of State Forest lands for the purposes of natural gas exploration, drilling, production or pipelines.
•  A program to monitor and assess the impact of natural gas exploration, drilling, and production on State Forest land
• Updated laws to protect our forests so as to preserve water and air quality, natural habitats, and recreational use
  
  
  Click here to sign the petition.