Monday, September 27, 2010

DEC considers Leasing State Forest Lands for Gas Drilling

Earlier this month the NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released their draft "Strategic Plan for State Forest Management." 

According to DEC, the state holds 786,000 acres of forested land in trust for the public. "This plan," said Commissioner Pete Grannis, "will provide invaluable guidance for years to come on key issues such as harvesting timber from state forests, strategic planting to ensure diversity of species, protecting soils and protecting forest health against invasive species."

The plan will allow for gas exploration and drilling in the forests, projecting up to one well per 80 acres. However, for wells that are spaced closer that 320 acres apart, there would be additional restrictions and environmental studies before drilling could occur.The plan also calls for public comment on any wells before they are permitted, but relies on the regulations of the 1992 GEIS to guide gas drilling. 

You may read the  draft plan here. You may also request a CD by sending an e-mail to stateforestplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or mail a request to Strategic Plan for State Forest Management, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4255.

Comments are due by 4:45 pm on Friday, October 29
  • e-mail your comments to: stateforestplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us 
  • post them to: Strategic Plan for State Forest Management, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4255.

2 comments:

  1. we fought ten years ago to stop this. All the reasons not to drill still exist, even more so. This land is for 'Public Interests'- not private enterprises.

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  2. Once the subsurface water is contaminated with the methane and fracturing chemicals, what is the plan to restore the water quality lost through the process? If it ain't broke, don't break it!

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