StateImpact reported Friday the ownership of natural gas rights under the Loyalhanna State Forest in Lycoming County may be in doubt as heirs to a 19th Century lumber baron stepped forward to claim they own the rights, not the Anadarko and Southwestern Energy drilling companies.
In October 2012, the Thomas E. Proctor Heirs Trust sent a letter to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources formally notifying the agency almost all of the natural gas rights are owned by the Trust based on a deed dated October 2, 1894.
The letter was sent after news articles appeared outlining plans to drill in the area.
Although the Trust has filed lawsuit contesting drilling rights in other areas of Pennsylvania, the Trust has not yet filed a lawsuit in this case.
StateImpact did not report a response from DCNR to the claims. DCNR is now in the process of considering a drilling plan for the area from Anadarko and Southwestern Energy.
NewsClip: Lumber Baron Heirs Claim Gas Rights In Loyalhanna State Forest
