Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper John Zaktansky has written a special report on the need for more protections for the Eastern Hellbender in a new e-magazine and published the article as a blog post on his website.

The post features interviews with Hellbender and clean water experts Peter Petokas and Matt Kaunert of Lycoming College and Mizuki Takahashi from Bucknell University.

Click Here to read the special report.

Sign The Petition

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is now considering naming the Hellbender a threatened or endangered species under federal law.

While the Hellbender was named Pennsylvania’s state amphibian and clean water ambassador, the designation provides no protection.

Zaktansky also points to incidents where a coffer dam on the Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County built during the construction of a shale gas development water withdrawal point failed and sediment buried pristine Hellbender habitat. 

The special report provides the background needed to understand why this is so important.

Click Here to sign the online petition For Hellbender Protection.

Resource Links:

-- Bay Journal: Hellbender Habitat Slammed By Pollution From Shale Gas Development In PA's Loyalsock Creek - By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal  [PaEN]

-- Rare Eastern Hellbender Habitat In Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming County Harmed By Sediment Plumes From Pipeline Crossings, Shale Gas Drilling Water Withdrawal Construction Projects  [PaEN]

-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approves 8 Shale Gas Drilling Water Withdrawals - 1 In Exceptional Value Loyalsock Creek, Home To The Hellbender  [PaEN]

-- Game Commission Board OKs More Shale Gas Drilling In Lycoming County, Home To The Hellbender, And Sullivan County  [PaEN]

-- Agencies Celebrate Eastern Hellbender License Plate Recognizing PA’s Clean Water Ambassador; Shale Gas Development On DCNR Land Threatens Habitat  [PaEN]

-- Legal Victory Puts Hellbender Back On Track For Federal Endangered Species Protection - By Waterkeeper Alliance   [PaEN]

[Posted: September 17, 2024]

9/23/2024