PGC Urges Caution Regarding Gas Resources on State Game Lands

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today unanimously approved a resolution urging caution regarding development of Marcellus Shale gas resources on the agency’s State Game Lands system. The resolution, proposed by Game Commissioner David Schreffler, reads as follows:

“Whereas, there has been increased activity in the exploration of gas in the Marcellus Shale area of the Commonwealth; and

Whereas, a portion of the Marcellus Shale areas falls under State Game Lands under control of the Pennsylvania Game Commission; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Game Commission does not own all the oil, gas and mineral rights on some State Game Lands; and

Whereas, there is increased pressure for the development of the gas rights on public lands to generate increased revenues; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is an independent agency that receives no appropriated funds from the State General Fund; and

Whereas, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s funding is primarily based on license fees, federal grants and revenues generated from natural resources on State Game Lands; and

Whereas, the long term supportability of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife mission is predicated on long term sustainable funding;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the development of Marcellus Shale gas resources on the State Game Land system will be accomplished with great prudence, minimum disruption to State Game Lands, replacement of disturbed lands, and long term sustainability of revenues for the wildlife mission.

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