The Clarence Moore lands of the Loyalsock State Forest are the last unfragmented forest lands in Lycoming County. Since 2012, you've been hearing from us at PennFuture warn about the dangers to this area and the work of the Save the Loyalsock Coalition to protect them. The coalition is comprised of statewide and local conservation, recreation, fishing and outdoors organizations. Representing over 100,000 citizens, the coalition has engaged the broader public as well as the previous administration in response to the threat of drilling in this pristine 25,000 acre treasure.We now have an opportunity to engage Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration. Please add your voice by signing this petition saying "no" to gas drilling, which would impact exceptional value headwater streams, rare and threatened wildlife species, and the Old Loggers Path - one of Pennsylvania's finest hiking trails. Gov. Wolf has already worked to protect other state lands, beginning with Executive Order 2015-03 to prohibit new leases for gas development in our state parks and forests. Earlier this summer, the coalition sent a letter to Gov. Wolf asking him to use his power to protect the Clarence Moore tract, to which the previous order does not apply. Our letter was signed by 14 of Pennsylvania's conservation and citizens' organizations. Please join us and sign (and share) the petition today. Visit www.saveloyalsock.org for background, photos, maps, and to sign up to receive more information on next steps you can take.
Kate Gibbons is Northeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Wilkes-Barre.
