Plan to drill for gas in Breaks Interstate Park is abandoned
That’s the headline in a recent Lexinton Herald Leader sent to American Whitewater’s office by local activist, attorney J. Brent Austin, and coming on the heels of another great Russell Fork season the timing is perfect. Brent alerted American Whitewater to this imminent threat early this year and implored us to petition our members to help protect the park from gas drilling and inevitable road building. If you are familiar with the Breaks you know that this is truly a gem of unspoiled Appalachia. Were it not for the challenging whitewater and warm hearted local population that routinely opens its arms to boaters, the scenery alone would be worth the visit and preservation. It is clear that popular sentiment is strongly against drilling, however, it is worth noting that when land for the park was originally offered by the owner along with mineral rights in the ’70s, the park bought the land but ignored the mineral rights setting the stage for the current controversy. Thanks to Brent and all our members and interested potential members who signed petitions and wrote legislators.