The Coalition for a Healthy County includes such area groups as The Sierra Club and the Central Indiana Water Council. Along with PenEnvironment they will be participating in the Waltz for the Wilds on June 14 @ College lodge.

Please encourage your organization to officially join our coalition by supporting our Coalition’s goal, to rewrite the zoning ordinance for the conservation zones to ban fracking.http://www.petitiononline.com/CHCind11/petition.html

The Indiana Gazette Reports that MDS Energy  “will not be allowed to drill a shale-gas well near Yellow Creek State Park unless it can show how it will ensure the park and its lake will be protected, the Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board has ruled.” There is the possibility for a reapplication or appeal.  Friends of Yellow Creek and a loose coaltion of community groups provided essential testimony to the County Commissioners and Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board.

Read the full story “Panel Denies Drilling Permit,” Sam Kusic May 3, 2011

April 13, 10:30am @ the County Courthouse

Hydraulic fracking is a dangerous process, but it is a process that is here in our state, and in particular in Indiana County, and not going away in the short-term. Our County Commissioners can take steps to ensure public safety and environmental preservation that is clearly threatened by this hazardous process. The proposed Marcellus Shale vertical well that was illegally started in the conservation zone that surrounds Yellow Creek Park is a clear consequence of this negligence. 

Community organizations are joining with local land owners and concerned citizens to ask the County Commissioners to act immediately to stop the Yellow Creek well, and to take common sense steps to protect our county from unintended environmental damage.

Please join us on April 13, 10:30am @ the County Courthouse, 2nd floor Commissioners hearing room. Contact G. Smith @ 724-910-0690 if you would like further information, or will be able to attend.

Dear Friends of Yellow Creek:

We would like you to be aware that MDS Energy has proposed a Marcellus gas well within the Yellow Creek convservation zone.  This proposed drilling is approximately 1500 feet from the shore of the lake, and within 1/2 mile of both Boy Scout Camp Seph Mack and the DCNR cabins.   Many years ago, Indiana County established a buffer zone around the state park, thus the need for an exception before MDS could drill in this area.  

Public Notice from the Indiana Gazette 3/11/2011: Notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 2011, the Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board will meet to consider an application from MDS Engergy, Ltd. for a special exception permit to drill a gas well in the Yellow Creek Park Zoning District. The hearing is scheduled for  7:00pm in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the Indiana County Courhouse ANnex (827 Water Street, Indiana, PA ) and is open to all concerned citizens.

FOYC has taken no formal position on Marcellus gas exploitation outside the park.  The zoning hearing board would, however, benefit from receiving public input from friends of the park.