Goal to Keep Industrial Activities Out of Ohio’s State Parks and Forests

WHAT: A Press Conference will be held to announce the launch of the Coalition to Protect Ohio’s Parks. The goal of the coalition is to preserve Ohio’s parks and forests as places of recreation, enjoyment and reflection by keeping industrial activities (such as “fracking”) out of Ohio’s state parks and forests.

Recent e-mails released by ODNR show that state officials have consulted with the oil and gas industry on lease terms and conditions, while ignoring the concerns of park users and advocates.

WHO: Jed Thorp, Chapter Manager, Sierra Club Ohio Chapter

John Makley, Mohican Advocates

Nathan Johnson, Buckeye Forest Council

Ohio Environmental Council

Loraine McCosker, Sierra Club, Athens, OH

WHERE: Ladies Gallery, Ohio Statehouse, (first floor)

WHEN: Thursday, May 17, 1:00PM

VISUALS: Maps showing public lands that are on ODNRs short list for fracking. “Before” and “after” pictures of drilling in Ohio parks.