CINCINNATI (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service says the shale drilling technique for natural gas known as hydraulic fracturing can take place in a national forest in southeast Ohio.
The Forest Service released its report Monday after a study of a land and resource management plan drafted in 2006 for the Wayne National Forest.
Forest Supervisor Anne Carey says that plan can adequately address any damage and risks to the forest from the gas extraction method also known as fracking.
She also says a new environmental impact study is not needed.
Officials began reviewing the drilling technology and the 2006 plan after local governments and environmental groups objected to the proposed leasing of more than 3,000 acres of mineral rights for oil and gas drilling. The review delayed an auction of those rights.