Leader Profile
Thomas G. Ford (Tom)
MBA Frostburg State University
BS Ornamental Horticulture, University of Maryland
County Extension Director- Blair County and
Area Commercial Horticulture Educator for Bedford, Blair, Cambria, & Somerset Counties
Office Phone: 814-940-5989
Office Fax: 814-940-5997
Email: tgf2@psu.edu
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Areas of Expertise
Natural Gas Leasing
Water Quality
Forestry & Wildlife Related Issues
Member of the statewide Penn State Cooperative Extension Natural Gas Team tasked with educating landowners, public officials, and community/business leaders on the impact of the exploration for natural gas in the Marcellus shale in PA and nearby states. This effort involves community-based educational programs and web-based technology along with individual consultations.
Topics covered by leasing team members:
Overview of the drilling process
Lease terms, addendums
Lease negotiation strategy
Identification of drilling companies in landowners location
Environmental issues associated with the drilling process
Water quality and quantity
Financial considerations when making a leasing decision
Pipeline right of way siting and payments
Forestry impacts
Extensive "frequently asked questions" section in group sessions, individual phone and email consultations, and online at
www.wpsu.org/gasrush/
The Penn State Natural Gas Team now is comprised of almost 40 Educators with some or all of their professional time designated towards this program. If you are looking for fact-based education to help in your decision making process, please feel free to call one of us.