Seminar Tonight Covers Gas Drilling On Rural Land

Farmers and other rural landowners from Potter, Cameron and McKean counties have an opportunity to learn about issues related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling during a free workshop later this month in Port Allegany. Ross Pifer, director of the Penn State Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center, will conduct the session tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 30) from 6-8:30 pm at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.

Purpose of the workshop is to help farmers, rural land owners, and other citizens make informed decisions, understand legal issues, and engage in environmental monitoring and local organizing efforts. Focus will be on leasing options, oil and gas laws and split-estate issues, in which the surface rights and mineral rights have separate owners. Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture is partnering with McKean County Conservation District and Penn State Extension to sponsor the workshop. It’s open to the public. Registration is required. More information is available from Leah Smith at 412-977-6514.