Upcoming Event: Biological Impacts Of Hydraulic Fracturing For Natural Gas session at Northeast Natural History Conference

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Conducted by Hudsonia Ltd. and Hickory Creek Consulting
April 8, 2011
Empire State Plaza Convention Center (the Egg), Albany, NY

Hudsonia Ltd. and Hickory Creek Consulting will conduct an important session on the final afternoon of the 11th Northeast Natural History Conference (NENHC) focusing on the potential and known biological effects of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the Marcellus Shale. Presenters will examine the impacts on biodiversity, on forest, wetland, and stream habitats, on large mammals (including those that have economic value through hunting), on songbirds, and on fish, salamanders, and aquatic insects.

Hudsonia’s Executive Director, Erik Kiviat PhD, said that the session is significant because “hydrofracking for natural gas is proliferating in Pennsylvania and will likely begin in New York later this year, yet its effects on biological resources are not well understood. Fracking has the potential to pollute streams and wetlands, fragment upland habitats, and affect populations of endangered species, trout, and other fauna and flora.” The session will engage the topic with a series of influential scientists working in the field.

The Biological Impacts of Hydrofracking Session begins at 3:45 pm, Friday, April, 8th, 2011, in Room 5 in the North East Gallery of the Empire State Plaza Convention Center (the Egg) in Albany, NY.

Press Conference

A press conference will be held at 5:20 pm in Room 5 to enable the media to question the presenters directly. Media can reserve seats for the session – call 845-758-7273.

Speakers and Subjects

  • Erik Kiviat (Hudsonia) and Karen Schneller-McDonald (Hickory Creek Consulting) – “Framework for Assessing Biodiversity Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing”
  • Jacqueline Frair (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry) and Mark Hebblewhite (University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation) – “The Impact of Oil and Gas Development on Large Mammals: Lessons from the West”
  • Richard Horwitz, F. Anderson, J. Mead and D. Velinsky (Academy of Natural Sciences) – “Impacts of Marcellus Shale Drilling in Pennsylvania”
  • Nels Johnson (The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania) – “Potential Habitat Impacts of Current and Future Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania”
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Hudsonia Ltd.
Since 1981 Hudsonia has conducted environmental research, education, training and technical assistance to protect the natural heritage of the Hudson Valley and neighboring regions. A non-advocacy organization, Hudsonia serves as a neutral voice in the challenging process of land use decision-making. Hudsonia’s work includes education, basic and applied research on rare species and their habitats, wetlands and estuaries, and the study of invasive plants and other threats to biodiversity.

Hickory Creek Consulting LLC
Hickory Creek’s mission is to promote conservation of natural resources by bridging the gap between practical, cost effective land use decisions and the information provided by scientific research. This is accomplished through comprehensive planning, zoning and protective ordinances, effective and thorough environmental impact assessment, and application of up to date research information particularly in the areas of watersheds, biodiversity and climate change.

Northeast Natural History Conference (NENHC)
This conference promises to be the largest regional forum for researchers, natural resource managers, students, and naturalists to present current information on the varied aspects of applied field biology (freshwater, marine, and terrestrial) and natural history for the Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. It serves as a premier venue to identify research and management needs, foster friendships and collegial relationships, and encourage a greater region-wide interest in natural history by bringing people with diverse backgrounds together.

The NENHC is made possible through the generous support of the Eagle Hill Foundation whose broad mission involves exploring both the way art and culture have been shaped by the natural world in which they have developed as well as how they have influenced the societal perceptions and understanding of nature through the ages.