How is the establishment of the Natural Gas Leasing and Water Access programs consistent with the Commission’s Resource First management philosophy?
Water access opportunities and non-surface natural gas leases can be developed consistent with the agency’s Resource First policy while ensuring that the Commission – and the anglers and boaters it serves – are equitably compensated for the activity. In the case of water access to our properties, we will be minimizing local impacts by significantly reducing truck traffic and placing strict rules on when and how the water can be withdrawn, including modeling best management practices such as those used to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.All agreements will ensure that natural gas and water use activities do not interfere with the public’s use of PFBC access areas. Projects and partnerships that impact environmental resources or limit, impede, or restrict fishing and boating opportunities will not be considered for further development and implementation under this program.