A public forum regarding scoping efforts for a future study on the economic impacts of shale gas development on tourism, second home and real estate values, and outdoor recreation in Garrett County is planned for Tuesday, February, 23, 2016 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. in the Garrett College auditorium. The auditorium is located in Room 715 of the Fine Arts/Business Administration building.

The purpose of the forum is to inform the public and allow them to comment about the development of a study that will examine the economic impact of shale gas activity on tourism, second home and real estate values, and outdoor recreation in Garrett County.

The forum is hosted by Downstream Strategies, an environmental consulting firm, which was hired by the Garrett County Commissioners to develop a scope of work for the study. 

The first half of the meeting is an open house and a presentation about the project is planned at 6 P.M. A public comment period will follow.

Public feedback will also be solicited through an online survey.

For more information, contact Kendra Hatcher at (304) 292-2450 or khatcher@downstreamstrategies.com.