Can any surface activity be controlled if DCNR does not own the subsurface rights?
DCNR has a much more limited ability to control surface development or exploration activity where it does not own the subsurface rights. About half the gas drilling activity on state forest lands each year occurs on land where the Commonwealth does not own the oil and gas rights. When such activity occurs, DCNR requests that the oil and gas developers enter into an agreement with the department that includes measures to ensure protection of the surface of the state forest.
