New Commission Gathers Citizen Input on Gas Drilling

The creation of the commission is in response to another created earlier this year by Gov. Tom Corbett, the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.
August 30, 2011

A new commission launching this week will give the residents of Pennsylvania an opportunity to weigh in on Marcellus Shale drilling in a way that could influence lawmakers.
Former state legislators Carole Rubley and Dan Surra will co-chair the Citizens Marcellus Shale Commission, which will hold hearings across Pennsylvania to gather resident perspectives and produce a final report for policymakers.
The first of five hearings will be held Wednesday at South Fayette Middle School in South Fayette.
"Marcellus Shale development will have a huge impact on our commonwealth and it is critical that we get it right," Surra said in a prepared statement. "This commission will give citizens an opportunity to add their voice and bring some necessary balance to this critical debate....MORE

DCNR Secretary: Cameron County Artisan Center Boosts Economy

Artisan Trail Helps Make Pennsylvania Wilds a Tourism Destination
EMPORIUM, Pa., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan today visited the Cameron County Artisan Center in Emporium, a popular stop on the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail.
Allan said the center is making a difference to individual businesses and artisans while contributing to the overall momentum of the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. DCNR has supported the artisan project with Growing Greener grant funding working with the Lumber Heritage Region and other partners.
"This effort seems to be clearly demonstrating the power of a brand that promotes authentic local products, many made with wood and other natural materials, as well as a positive conservation 'buy local' message," Allan said. "The artisan project is becoming increasingly important to the overall Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. The region's many skilled artisans help give the Pennsylvania Wilds its unique sense of place and make it a destination. Several of our state parks are now showcasing local artisan works and promoting the trail." ....MORE

Photo of the Day

We did not expect to see a human specimen in the PPG Aquarium!

Photo of the Day

Photo of the Day

I think these deer can READ

Photo of the Day

The Bradford Flames Gymnastics Team Shows Their Stuff At Festa Italiana

Photo of the Day

Old and young; Gary Clark teaches a young lady the fine art of fly casting