Jul 7, 2013 2 min read

I am happy to hear that the fish are doing well in Morraine State Park in Butler County. I was raised on property that borders the park and have many great memories of fishing, hiking, and hunting in and around the park. Thanks for the update.

I do, however, find it disturbing that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has decided to allow oil and gas exploration on the game lands. These are so called “public lands,” not game commission lands. Was the public asked how they felt about allowing this to take place? Will there be any trickle-down effects on the environment? If they are going to receive money for this, what is the return to the sportsmen or other members of the public who use these areas for recreation? What is the plan for these funds?

I feel that these areas were set aside for wildlife and should not be destroyed by anyone. They say there will be little or no impact. I disagree. They have to have access to bring in their equipment, which means they will have to bulldoze in a road. They will be drilling, which is not a quiet process, along with possibility of fuel and chemical spills. What happens when they contaminate the water table or springs that may feed streams or ponds that supply life to the wildlife in these areas? How much will it cost them? Is the money really worth the chance? These are just a few questions I have as a concerned outdoorsman and part of the public that these lands supposedly belong to.

Joel Plaisted

Butler