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Senate Committee Unanimously Supports Richard Allan For DCNR
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The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week unanimously supported the nomination of Richard Allan for Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

            A video of the hearing is available on the Committee webpage.
            A resident of Cumberland County, Allan has served as executive director for the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, members of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, and on the boards of the Recycling Markets Development CenterPA Environmental Council and PA Resources Council
            Acting Secretary Allan was a founding member of Back Mountain Recreation, Inc., a recreation and environmental facility in Luzerne County. He was also a founding member of the North Branch Land Trust, which provides management to more than 10,000 acres of land in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
             In an opening statement before the Committee, Allan said, "The agency’s programs and services are steeped in history, with parks and forests programs dating back more than 100 years.
            "Our mission is just as important now as it was then, and will continue to play a vital role in the future of Pennsylvania: maintaining and improving State Parks; managing State Forest lands to assure their long-term health, sustainability and economic use; administering grant and technical assistance programs that promote land conservation and sustainable communities; and providing outdoor connections for our citizens and visitors.
             "DCNR has transitioned itself from a land management model to an agency that not only protects and enhances the state’s irreplaceable natural treasures, but also improves the health and quality of life of our citizens and supports communities, economies and industries.
             "We are not without out challenges.  Being from the coal regions, I understand how resource extraction can have a long-term impact on people and landscapes.  I know that we will need to continue to be vigilant about managing and monitoring natural gas activities on our public lands, and to the greatest extent possible limit its impacts on our sustainable community and conservation landscape efforts."
            He called to the attention of the Committee the fact that the state's forests were recently re-certified as well-managed by an independent organization, the Outdoor Recreation Plan will be recognized at the end of May as the best in the nation by the National Association of Recreation Planners and Pennsylvania's State Parks were given the national Gold Medal Award.
            Recent studies, he said, concluded for every dollar invested in State Parks and Forests, it returns $9 in economic activity generating more than $928 million in local visitor expenditures.  In addition, Pennsylvania's certified well-managed State Forests support a multi-billion timber and energy industry as well as providing clean water and air, hiking and other outdoor activities, scenic beauty and habitat.
            "My vision for this department is to hold it up as the best conservation agency in the country, because how we manage our lands; protect our open spaces; grow our communities; inspire our citizens; and preserve precious habitat will shape our future as Pennsylvanians," said Allan.
            Here is a quick summary of issues were brought up in questions by Committee members--

Closing State Parks: Allan said he does not anticipate closing any State Parks due to budget cuts.  Although there were cuts to the State Parks' operating budget, expenses will be made up with a proposed transfer from the Oil and Gas Fund.

Marcellus Shale Leases: The DCNR budget anticipates receiving about $27 million in royalties from Marcellus gas leases by June 30 and another $65 million in the next fiscal year and those revenues will be available to help keep up with operational expenses.
            Allan said revenue estimates have been very conservative given the volatility of the natural gas market, but he expects the revenues could double in the next few years.

Marcellus Drilling Coordination With DEP:  Allan said DCNR did an environmental assessment on State Forest lands before any leasing was done by the agency.  He called a recently rescinded drilling permit policy the Rendell Administration had adopted for DEP and DCNR redundant because the environmental assessment already done by DCNR.  He noted DCNR recently developed detailed guidelines and best management practices to cover drilling operations.

Heritage Area Funding: Even though the line item for Heritage Areas is proposed to be zeroed out next year, Allan said they are still eligible to apply for Community Conservation Partnership Grants.

Ridley Creek State Park Upgrades: In response to a question about upgrading facilities in the park and rented out to the PA Resources Council, Allan said he was very familiar with the Park because he was there many times as a member of the PRC board.  He said he hopes to be able to expand environmental education opportunities and make repairs to other buildings at the site.

Moratorium On Drilling:  Allan said there have been no discussions about changing the moratorium on Marcellus drilling on State Forest lands [enacted a month before the November election by the Rendell Administration].  He said he and his staff have been focusing on developing best management practices and a better drilling monitoring program.

State Park Drilling: Even though the state only owns 15 percent of the mineral rights under State Parks, Allan said they will be able to control the impacts of drilling under Parks through agreements with drilling companies.  He noted the state owns 85 percent of the mineral rights under State Forest lands.

Natural Gas Pipelines: Allan said any pipeline companies seeking to run gathering or interstate pipelines through State Forest land will have to follow all the guidelines and best management practices DCNR has developed for drilling operations so they can avoid or limit those impacts.  He noted the environmental assessments already done on State Forest lands will help avoid averse impacts on sensitive areas.

State Park Use: Allan noted State Park visitation is increasing, in part because of the economy is discouraging citizens from travelling out of state.  He said the agency is focused on giving visitors a variety of experiences.

            The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is responsible for maintaining and preserving the 117 State Parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas.
            Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.
            Copies of amendments and a video of the hearing are available at the Committee webpage.


5/9/2011

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