March 9, 2010

State conservation officials plan to hire 12 new employees to help monitor expanding natural gas drilling on state forest land.

Funding to hire additional professional foresters, including at least two geologists, is contained in Gov. Ed Rendell's budget proposal for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

"These 12 employees will enhance our ability to monitor and manage the forests to ensure their future health, and will assist with DCNR's monitoring of well sites to ensure companies adhere to the provisions of our lease," Acting DCNR Secretary John Quigley told House lawmakers last week.

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