Shale and the Great Outdoors

Pennsylvania is home to millions of outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Marcellus Shale producers and sporting organizations are working together to ensure that everyone has another good - and safe - season of hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and other activities. Before venturing out, citizens are asked to become aware of any new Marcellus Shale activity that may be in areas that they frequent.

Marcellus Shale natural gas drillers have taken precautions to ensure that drilling sites are clearly marked; that employees wear blaze orange clothing; and have tried to reduce operational hours and heavy equipment traffic, in particular during hunting season.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are working with industry to implement ways to accommodate citizens, in particular during peak seasonal activities. The Commonwealth also asks that citizens try to determine in advance if there is any drilling activity in traditional sporting sites, and to observe drilling site safety zone and other regulation postings. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also maintains detailed maps that identify current Marcellus Shale drilling locations.

The Keystone Energy Forum has announced a partnership with the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsment's Clubs (PFSC) and is in dialogue with the Pennsylvania Snowmobile Association, Both organizations understand the economic value that the Marcellus Shale brings to the state, but are clear in their desire for the oil and gas industry to respect their outdoor activities. Working together, the industry and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds will ensure that the public can continue to enjoy activities safely and with minimal conflict.

Read more about the how the Keystone Energy Forum and the PFSC are working together to create awareness of Marcellus shale operations and to the impacts on hunting, trapping, angling and other outdoor recreation.

Following are additional resources to assist you in understanding the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling activity in your area: