And if you are able to, consider visiting the area. There are great trails for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking very close to these parcels. Check out the Ohio View Trail, the Scenic River Trail, Archers Fork Loop, among others. Go experience for yourself why this area is worth fighting for💚

Consider the climate impacts of both fracking and of forest degradation.

Even if you’ve never been there, consider the environmental impacts. Consider federally endangered species like the Indiana bat. Consider state endangered species like the black bear, which is now making a comeback and has recently left tracks just a few miles from some of these parcels.

If you’ve been to this area, share what you’ve observed, how you’ve enjoyed this forest, and how that could be changed by the sights, sounds, smells, increased road traffic, construction,etc.

If you’re not sure what to say in your comments, consider this. This is your opportunity to comment on the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts.

I’ve only owned 3. 2 of them 90s Volvo 240 wagons, which I still believe are the best cars ever made, unless you’re on unpaved roads. 3rd is a Subaru Crosstrek, which has better clearance and awd, thus not bottoming out or getting stuck in the mud, but I miss almost everything else about the Volvos.

In 2017 I recorded this conversation about concerns around water usage for fracking in OH with Dr Ted Auch, formerly of @fractracker.bsky.social and now at @field notes.co, and Roxanne Groff of @buckeyeenviro.bsky.social, on a group hike with Keep Wayne Wild.

youtu.be/-xH26wQApxY?...

A lot of people concerned with environmental issues know about methane and the threat of water contamination associated with fracking, but we don’t hear as much about the outrageous quantities of fresh water used in the process.

Thank you, @cleveland.com, for your excellent coverage of this important topic that’s gone ignored by most Ohio media outlets.

All the characters are so entrenched in the industry, it’s hard to imagine them being critical of it, but I don’t think it’s portrayed favorably at all.