Nicole Faraguna, DCNR Policy Director, told the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council— “The [existing] policy is intended for DCNR to evaluate and manage our oil gas and mineral extraction on DCNR lands.
“Our management of oil and gas development really isn’t changing as a part of this [new] policy.”
“And it also upholds the moratorium as long as that moratorium is in place and does not allow for new oil and gas leases.”
“This [new] policy really is intended to address future types of extraction, establishing protocols, procedures, criteria for other potential forms of extraction, which we’re already receiving inquiries about, including limestone and rare earth materials.”
“We want to make sure we have clear precedence and clarified procedures and best management practices, which we already have in place again for oil and gas development that’s already occurring on DCNR lands.”
“It ensures a senior level evaluation before the Secretary’s final review and consideration;
“It upholds, of course, our science paced and data driven approach to decision making;
“It ensures a higher level of transparency and a fair playing field; and
“Esures that DCNR’s trustee responsibilities [under the Environmental Rights Amendment] and mission are central in any future extraction decisions we make.”
“We will continue to prioritize our ecological, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.”
“We are always deploying strategies that minimize and seek to avoid and minimize impacts on DCNR lands. And we do require mitigation actions to ensure that lands are restored as necessary.”
“And for new forms of extraction, we would not allow for surface disturbance, except in those rare cases where it may be for safety standards or to reduce broader cumulative impacts to the resource.”
“When we think about extraction on DCNR lands, there has to be a strong public benefit that outweighs any impacts and ensures the sustainable management of the lands over time.”
“Public benefit can mean supporting economic growth and jobs, energy security and affordability, but DCNR is looking beyond that.”
“We are looking in terms of how this extraction can lower our carbon footprint, can support local and domestic industries, and how we can keep these industries to a higher level of standards when it comes to sustainability.”
“We will evaluate cumulative impacts, understanding what the potential impact on the resource is and whether that activity will result in additional impacts over time.”
“DCNR will assess extraction activities based on the following criteria, social, environmental, economic, climate and carbon, industry standards, restoration and environmental justice.”
Faraguna said DCNR plans to make the draft mineral extraction policy available for Council review in the next few weeks to get their feedback.
[Visit DCNR’s Natural Gas Management webpage to learn more about how natural gas development is managed on State Forest lands.
[Click Here for shale gas infrastructure on State Forest land.]
Visit DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council webpage for more information on the Council. Questions should be directed to cnrac-admin@growconservation.com.
Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.
Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website. Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter.
(Photos: Documented shale gas development impacts in Tioga State Forest by Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group– top- Tioga State Forest well pads; bottom– Baldwin Run Road 24/7 shale gas highway; Recently cleared pipeline right-of-way between Baldwin Run and Norris Brook.)
Resource Links – State Forest Land Shale Gas Development:
— Guest Comments: How Is PA General Energy Allowed To Destroy Natural Forest Values To Which I Am Entitled To Enjoy With Its Shale Gas Well Pad And Access Road Project In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County? – By Cynthia Bower, Resident [PaEN]
— Guest Comments: Jacoby & Cove Mountains In Loyalsock State Forest Will Be Degraded For Generations By PA General Energy’s ‘Saluda’ Shale Gas Access Road, Staging Area Project In Lycoming County – By Barbara Jarmoska, Resident [PaEN]
— Guest Comments: PA General Energy Shale Gas Road, Well Pads Project Would Close Access To State Forest Land, Threaten Already Threatened Forest Bird Species In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County — By Bruce Buckle, President, Lycoming Audubon Society [PaEN]
— PA Trout Unlimited, Keystone Trails Assn., Responsible Drilling Alliance Request DEP To Hold Hearing On Permit For PA General Energy 3.9 Mile Shale Gas Access Road/Staging Area In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County [PaEN]
— Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group Asks DCNR To Protect State Forest Land From Seneca Shale Gas Drilling Well Pad, Comply With PA Supreme Court Decision, Protect Recreation, Wildlife [PaEN]
— PA Environmental Defense Foundation Files Court Motion To Prevent Unconstitutional Spending Of DCNR Oil & Gas Revenues For Nonconservation Purposes [PaEN]
— PA Supreme Court: Accounting Required For Environmental Rights Amendment Trust Fund Money From State Forest Oil & Gas Drilling [PaEN]
— PA Environmental Defense Foundation Asks The PA Supreme Court To Overturn Lower Court Ruling Challenging DCNR’s State Forest Plan Allowing Gas Drilling [PaEN]
— PA Supreme Court Again Declares Transfers From DCNR Oil & Gas Fund Unconstitutional Under Environmental Rights Amendment [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
— House Environmental Committee To Hold Oct. 5 Hearing On New DEP Conventional Oil & Gas ‘Mineral Brine’ Permit Allowing Unrestricted, Unlimited Road Dumping Of Contaminated Water [PaEN]
— CNX Gas Co. Announces Expansion Of ‘Radical Transparency’ Initiative To Include Disclosure Of Radiation Monitoring Results At Some Facilities; Groups Say Monitoring Is Not Comprehensive Enough [PaEN]
NewsClips:
— Environmental Health Project Blog: So You Don’t Want To Live Near Natural Gas Facilities – A Guide To Homebuying In Southwest PA
— Inquirer Guest Essay: Why Do Pennsylvania Elected Officials Want To Take My Family’s Oil & Gas Rights From Us By Retroactively Changing Laws? – By Jeff Sloan, Thorne Family Member
— Post-Gazette: Home Heating Oil Prices In Western PA Have Ballooned, Diesel Prices Are Highest In 48 Years
— TribLive: Westmoreland Transit Authority Gasoline Costs Went From $55,000 to $92,000/Month, Looking For Alternatives
— The Citizens’ Voice: ‘Skyrocketing’ Diesel Prices Impacting NE PA Businesses
[Posted: September 23, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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