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”

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.

By Charles Christen, DrPH, MEd – Director of Operations, Center for Healthy Environments and Communities, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health

In August and November of last year, we reported on the start up of the Citizen Surveillance Project targeting surveillance and water monitoring of the industry developing the Marcellus Shale deposit for natural gas. I would like to update you on the progress of this project.

Currently this is a two phase project beginning with attendance at a Visual Assessment training followed by an optional Water Monitoring training. Since the start up of this project three visual assessment trainings have been held: Connellsville, Washington and Greensburg, PA as well as a water monitoring training.

To aid in the visual assessment training, a manual has been developed by the partners forming the core of the Citizen Surveillance project. The manual uses information from the Society of Petroleum Engineers in order to provide a detailed description of the well pad selection, drilling procedures, fracturing and well completion. There are also detailed descriptions of water and air related issues and how to perform surveillance with the senses of sight, smell, sound and touch. A section of the manual is also devoted to safety issues when performing surveillance on industry operations. The manual concludes with instructions for a full visual assessment of an industry site and surrounding area.

The project started as a pilot in the fall of 2009 in Fayette County, with the intention of expanding the project into all areas where Marcellus Shale gas industry develops. This project was developed out of the realization that as the number of wells grew the necessary enforcement officials from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) to provide oversight on the industry would be lacking. The realization of the need for additional “boots” on ground developed into a project to provide education and empowerment to individuals living in and around these gas industry sites. The content for training citizens in surveillance of the industry is provided by the manual for the Visual Assessment training. View the Visual Assessment Manual. You may print and use this manual freely.

If you would like to participate in visual assessment training or water monitoring training you can contact Veronica Coptis, project coordinator for the Citizen Stewardship project. Her contact information is (724) 455-4200 extension 4# and veronica@mtwatershed.com.

Project Partners

On Wednesday March 2, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency will be hosting a webinar regarding its hydraulic fracturing drinking water study plan from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. If you are interested, you should register for the online event now, as space is limited to 1,000 participants.

This is a part of the public comment period before the draft of the study plan is reviewed by the Science Review Board, which is a group of independent scientists that works with EPA in an advisory capacity.

Hosted by The Episcopal Urban Caucus National Assembly
February 23-26, 2011
Doubletree Hotel – Pittsburgh, PA

Reverence ~ Justice ~ Beauty. Focusing on social justice, creation care, and peace, we will explore in plenary sessions, workshops, and site visits the way so many issues are inter-connected. “The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one.” An awareness of the links between environmental degradation and urban poverty will help us move forward in effective advocacy, strategy, and action for a more just and peaceful world, as agents of hope – motivated by faith – not fear. More Info | Registration Form | Agenda

Special DISCOUNT rate of $70 for college students and young adult leaders are available (though this does not include meals.) Limited number of such scholarships are available. Contact Carol Gonzalez to request the discount.

One of the Eight Workshops Available:

Friday, February 25 at 2:00 pm – Holy Water, Sacred Breath: Eco-Justice & Creation Care: “Do unto those downstream what you wish those upstream had done to you”

Dr. Conrad Dan Volz and Mark Dixon will present and host a conversation on issues around water (the new oil) and Marcellus Shale drilling, an urgent regional issue with links to national & global energy, economic, and environmental issues. The concerns surrounding gas and oil extraction and related water contamination are directly related to both intra- and inter-state political problems and open conflict around the world, making this a serious issue for faith groups interested in environmental justice and peace. Climate change, Transition Town, and other related topics will be included as we connect the dots in our search for sustainability.

Facilitators:

Mark Dixon, Co-Founder of YERT, Your Environmental Road Trip. Mark left a career in Silicon Valley to visit all 50 states and film the weird, wild, and wonderful world of environmental sustainability throughout the country. Now working on a feature film based on that project, Mark is a Pittsburgh resident with an eye on the nation’s environmental movement. (www.yert.com)

Dr. Conrad Dan Volz is Director of the Center for Healthy Environments & Communities at the Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), Univ. of Pittsburgh where Dr. Volz is also an Asst. Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at GSPH. With over thirty years experience in occupational-environmental health and having worked in twenty-fours countries, Dr. Volz’ research has primarily been focused on how industrial and municipal toxins and carcinogens move through the air, water, soil, and groundwater to reach people and how to block this movement. Serving on several advisory boards, the author of numerous publications, and a frequent presenter, Dr. Volz is a passionate advocate for the environment. (www.chec.pitt.edu)

Mike Schut, Environmental Affairs Officer at the Episcopal Church Center, will be Final Plenary Speaker on Saturday, February 26 – 9:00 am.

Eco-Justice & Green Faith

The Episcopal Church recently launched a collaboration with Green Faith’s Green Certification Program, a comprehensive, holistic two-year program to express creation-care throughout parish life and ministry, including an emphasis on environmental justice and community outreach. This interactive presentation will describe this exciting opportunity and briefly introduce the eco-justice work of The Episcopal Church.  More Info | Registration Form | Agenda