Authority members heard an update on their successful yearslong forest management plan Feb. 12 and discussed the importance of pending investigations and decisions regarding the controversial PennEast gas pipeline.

The forestry update, led by Pete Sussenbach, Pa. Game Commission property manager, was a litany of carefully considered but overall positive reviews of past actions and ongoing efforts around Long Pond. He thanked the board repeatedly for its participation in several programs, from wildlife studies to the once-disputed proscribed burning operations. The latter program has resulted in 1,600 acres of regenerating land in the Tunkhannock area without a single employee injury, quashing rumors of the dangers inherent in controlling burns.

Robin Wildermuth, the authority's consulting forester, then described the growing carbon credit project, saying this third year should prove the most successful, reeling in credit for unspent carbon emissions from the past two years.

One variable Wildermuth is keeping an eye on is the gypsy moth caterpillar population, which if not carefully handled may explode and result in heavy defoliation. He said natural disease and fungus usually help regulate moth young, but suggested a few options for pesticides – including natural ones – that might be needed to save tree populations. He told board members he is investigating grants to help pay for a 250-350-acre spray for $10,000 to $12,000.

As for the PennEast pipeline, public meetings in numerous rural municipalities have observed opposition from natural preservation groups and residents, but the authority's primary concern is avoiding – or minimizing – any chance of a potential gas leak spoiling fresh water in transit to the city.

Victoria Opthof, a city resident and lawyer, politely interrupted early discussion to say her own research into Federal Energy Regulatory Commission operations suggests however far off the actual project may be, now is the time to act. She said FERC has a tendency to show different municipalities and land owners vague and slightly differing maps to allow the most leeway in pipeline installation once all the paperwork is finished. She said sending letters to FERC delineating numerous avenues of questioning because it puts more onus on FERC for specificity.

Authority Solicitor Jim Broughal agreed with Opthof, saying, "That's why I've asked the board to hire a consultant now." He said there's a 99 percent chance the project will ultimately be approved, but this is the time to negotiate to minimize threats from accidents.

Local Sierra Club member and authority regular Dave McGuire had something to say on that matter, using some maps to guestimate safer routes – such as parallel with a highway – for the pipeline, rather than on its own through open watershed land. "Ultimately we want this pipeline to go through the least amount of public space," McGuire said.

Authority members thanked participants for their thoughts and suggestions for the benefit of the community, and Executive Director Steve Repasch said two firms, Carroll Engineering and Maser Consulting, are contending for a risk analysis contract to help firm negotiations with FERC.

The next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. March 12 at city hall.