No Fracking Way!

Dear Governor Paterson,

I hope you will take the time to read this letter and consider how many people are writing to you from their hearts, with concerns for our families and our children's families to come.
I am a land owner and also own and operate a children's camp in the Hammond Hill Forest in Dryden, NY. Almost three years ago today, I naively signed a lease (which does not allow drilling) but does allow a gas company to have access to the natural gas on my land. At that time the information I had was lacking to say the least. I trusted the information that I received from the "landman" and other information I had gathered from neighbors, and local education establishments. Unfortunately we did not have access to the information we have now. Now realizing the potential impact that the drilling will have on both the land and the water, I realize I have made a terrible mistake. "Camp Earth Connections" will certainly not operate and have the opportunity to educate hundreds of children about our environment if our water is poisoned, and the forest is destroyed. My land is surrounded by state forest which the gas companies also have drilling rights on. Our local community is doing everything we can think of to get your attention and the attention needed to let folks know that we value our lives and our environment!
On Saturday, December 5th, my 47th birthday I will be attending the benefit concert, "Life is Water." And it is true -we must value and take care of our most essential natural resources. Life is dependant on Water.
In truth, I fell into the same pitfall that many other did. In these times of financial hardship, I signed lease and I took the lease money from the gas company. I would and will return it in a heartbeat, if it can stop the gas drilling. Money is not and will never be as valuable as preserving our natural resources and the health and safety of our community. I have seven teenage children that I adopted when they were very young. I know that I need to show them, that I do care and our community does care about them and their future.
The saddest part about this is that the gas drilling is not about meeting a need that must be addressed. I believe and feel that everyone truly knows in their heart - the gas drilling is about money and greed. Why else would we put people in such harms way, and take the risk of polluting the one resource we all can't live without, water.
I hope you take this letter to heart, and hear all the people around you who really care about our future, and value what is most important about life. I hope you think about the children in your life, and their children.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
With Peace -
Sincerely,
Susan Rausch,
Parent
Owner of Earth Connections, Inc.
and Citizen of the World