PA DCNR - Natural Gas Exploration

DCNR has adopted guidelines for administering oil and gas activities on state forest lands. If you would like to comment on these guidelines please send them to ra-naturalgas@state.pa.us

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.

Background and History

DCNR has a 60 year history with controlled natural gas extraction, while at the same time balancing multiple uses of the state forest.

Managing Effects of Natural Gas Development

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.

Natural Gas Development, Public Access, and Recreation

Download a fact sheet about natural gas development and its effects on recreation and public access.

Management Challenges

Interest in the Marcellus shale formation will mean increased drilling activity on leased state forest lands. This activity is being controlled and monitored to protect the sustainability of the system.

Gas Leasing Policy and Process

DCNR's approach to natural gas leasing of state forests is to have the least possible impact on the surface.

Leased Acres and Statistics

View a map of state forest areas leased for natural gas development. Download a fact sheet about state forest shale gas leasing statistics.

State Forest Natural Gas Lease

Download a sample copy of our extensive state forest natural gas lease document.

Effects of Additional Natural Gas Development

Analysis of additional natural gas leasing on state forest and effects on biological diversity, wild character, recreational opportunities, and other social and environmental values.

Oil and Gas Resources

For additional information on the Commonwealth's oil and gas resources visit the Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers to the most commonly asked questions about natural gas exploration on state forest lands.

Contact Us

Have a question? Want to report an incident you've seen on state forest land?

Natural Gas Exploration On State Forest Land