Natural Gas Development and State Forests
DCNR is charged with managing the state forest system for many uses and values—including natural gas development—all while protecting its ecological integrity and wild character. Since 1947, DCNR has overseen controlled natural gas extraction on state forest lands. Recently, the discovery of Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania has generated significant interest in the state forest system for developing natural gas resources. Approximately 1.5 million acres of the 2.2 million-acre state forest system are underlain by Marcellus and other shale gas formations, making it a key venue for developing this important energy source in Pennsylvania. DCNR is committed to managing natural gas development in way that ensures long-term forest health and its third-party “well-managed” certification.
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Learn more about DCNR's balanced approach to natural gas development, best management practices and guidance documents. |
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DCNR manages state forests for many different uses, including natural gas extraction. The department works to manage the effects to the environment before, during and after drilling occurs. |
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Shale Gas Leasing Statistics
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Download this fact sheet about natural gas development and its effects on recreation and public access. |
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Shale Gas and Publicly Owned Waterways Beds of navigable waterways are publicly owned. Download a summary of DCNR's policy related to natural gas agreements and these waterways. View a map of publicly owned waterways in Pennsylvania. An interactive map is also available. |
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Act 13 of 2012 provides for a drilling impact fee administered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. |
