Ohio's Beautiful Parks at Risk: Demand Action Against Fracking Now

Ohio's parks and wildlife areas are under unprecedented threat as the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission (OGLMC) considers allowing fracking in protected lands. The Salt Fork State Park and Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, two of Ohio's most beloved natural treasures, could see up to 8,749 acres turned over to oil and gas companies for extraction purposes. This alarming prospect has elicited strong reactions from conservationists, residents, and activists throughout the state.

The Details of the Fracking Proposal

The OGLMC's upcoming meeting is critical, with key comments due for various parcels of land by March 7 and March 15. Notably, the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area—a location abundant in hiking trails and fishing opportunities—could have nearly 6,639 acres opened up for fracking. Additionally, Salt Fork State Park, revered for its natural beauty, faces a potential loss of 513 acres, with another 1,596 at Egypt Valley also at risk.

Fracking—a controversial process of extracting oil and gas—has already seen significant expansion in Ohio. Since 2023, the state has approved over 11,603 acres of its state parks and wildlife areas for similar activities, indicative of a broader trend prioritizing industrial profit over public health and environmental concerns.

The Call to Action

Rebecca Malik, a board member at Save Ohio Parks, emphasizes how vital it is for every Ohioan who values these protected spaces to voice their opposition. She states, "Everyone who cares about keeping our pristine natural lands from being industrialized and wants to protect our health, our clean air, water, and biodiversity in Ohio has a responsibility to act now and tell the OGLMC to say NO to fracking these beautiful, unspoiled lands."

Fracking in Ohio poses serious risks, evidenced by past incidents. Research by Save Ohio Parks has highlighted a staggering 1,900 incidents related to gas and oil operations since 2015. This equates to an accident nearly every 1.5 days—a statistic that not only raises eyebrows but demands urgent attention. The consequences of fracking include potential contamination of groundwater and air pollution that could adversely affect Ohioans' health. Moreover, the proposal to use billions of gallons of fresh water from the region for fracking operations further complicates the issue, as this precious resource will be forever converted into toxic waste.

Local Backlash

There has been vocal opposition to these plans, particularly after a notable explosion at the Groh well pad near Salt Fork State Park in January 2025, causing significant safety concerns among locals. The aftermath forced the evacuation of an entire township and led to calls for a moratorium on fracking in state parks. However, despite public outcry and overwhelming opposition (with 98% of public comments against fracking), government responses have been lackluster at best. Administrative inaction on these pressing environmental matters has many questioning the motives behind decisions affecting Ohio’s landscape.

Additionally, groups such as Washington County for Safe Drinking Water are cautioning against the risks of groundwater contamination from waste produced by fracking. Their requests to halt new injection wells have also gone unheeded by state officials.

The Necessity of Public Support

For every Ohioan, the time is now to stand up for their parks and express discontent with these damaging fracking proposals. Advocacy efforts from organizations like Save Ohio Parks aim to keep citizens informed about the dangers of fracking and its implications on health, wildlife, and the environment. Citizens can access information on the nominations and submit comments to make their voices heard.

Conclusion

As the deadline to submit comments draws near, the call for action is crucial. Fracking not only puts Ohio's environment at risk but also disregards the values that led to the establishment of these parks for public enjoyment. The state's natural resources should not be sacrificed for profit, and residents must join forces to protect the lands that define Ohio's natural heritage.

For more information about the proposals and to learn how to submit your comments, visit the Save Ohio Parks website. Take a stand; our parks deserve better than to be threatened by industrial activity.