by Jim Foster, Secretary, Board of Directors
I was recently asked by an employee of state government if KTA would be interested in meeting with someone from the oil and gas industry. After talking to my fellow officers of KTA, I responded that I would indeed be interested. Within a few weeks, I was in an office in downtown Harrisburg, meeting with an official of an industry trade group. Josh told me that he is an avid hiker who participated in our Super Hike a few years ago.
During our conversation, Josh asked me if KTA was an “anti-fracking” organization. I responded that KTA, as an organization, is not opposed to fracking or other means of petroleum production. However, it is probably true that a number of our members consider themselves to be anti-fracking. In addition, I suspect that there are also KTA members who share my personal view that there is nothing wrong with responsible energy development. I added that, in my opinion, it is best to say what Keystone Trails Association is for, rather than what it is against. KTA is for hiking and trails (particularly, hiking trails). In some instances, oil and gas developers have, in the process of developing these resources, harmed our trails as well as the wilderness experience that so many hikers crave. An example of this is the development activity on and near the Old Loggers Path. We are also opposed to the present Administration’s policy of signing leases in our state forests and parks, as opposed to other ways to raising revenue. But, no, KTA, as an organization, is not opposed to fracking in general, and does not take issue with fracking on privately-owned lands.
Josh and I had a good discussion about some of our favorite hiking trails, as well as whether or not KTA might be able to work with the energy industry. We both said that there might be some things on which we might not be able to agree, such as whether the state should allow drilling on public lands, or whether an extraction tax is a good idea. However, there are other areas where we may be able to find common ground. For example, the energy industry has funded some trail building activity, and might be able to help fund such projects through KTA. Another possibility for collaboration might be through sponsorship of one of our events; another energy company, PPL, already sponsors our Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run. Perhaps employees of energy companies might like to show their support by helping our at our trail care events. Even better, maybe oil and gas developers will agree to consult with KTA before starting to drill near an important hiking trail, scenic area, or vista, so that we have the opportunity, whenever possible, to work with them to find another location that is not as problematic.
I mentioned to Josh that I am fond of this saying, attributed to Ronald Reagan: “That person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally; not a 20 percent traitor.” Josh agreed that this was a good principle by which to live. Josh and I plan to continue our dialogue. Josh told me that he had not yet renewed his KTA membership, because he had concerns about KTA’s positions on energy development. At the end of our talk, Josh handed me a check to renew his family membership with KTA.
My good friend Paul Shaw (Vice President, KTA Board of Directors) and I recently returned from a great fall backpacking trip on the Quehanna Trail. As I recounted my meeting to Paul, an idea came into my head for a slogan for similar, future outreach efforts: “Let’s Build Bridges at KTA.” Through our organization’s wonderful trail maintenance efforts, we build a lot of bridges. However, we can also further our mission by building bridges to – and with - other groups, including those in the energy sector and the sportsman community.
I propose that we find ways to work with such groups, even when it seems, at first, like they have such different goals and ideals. We should not compromise our core beliefs, but we should be willing to consider working with any group who shares our love for trails and the outdoors.
Let’s build bridges at KTA!