By Caroline Johnston, Contributing Writer

Governor Tom Corbett is fresh off his three-day kayak tour of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he paddled through the heart of the Marcellus Shale region.  

The Governor traveled alongside Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan and other companions through the “Endless Mountain” region which was once known for its pristine forest land and natural beauty.  Now, however, it is more known for noisy natural gas production than a state tourist attraction.

Over the three-day NEPA river tour, Corbett paddled the waters from Mehoopany, Wyoming County, through northeastern part of the state, into the Susquehanna River and ended up in Wilkes-Barre.  The Governor made it a point to stop and view local hot spots that are important for businesses and the environment, includingTunkhannock Viaduct, Frances Slocum State Park and the Lord & Taylor Distribution Center in Wilkes-Barre.  

“When I was elected governor, I committed to putting Pennsylvania back on track,’’ Corbett said upon concluding his travels. “To honor that commitment, I have focused on policies that allow business to stay and grow in the commonwealth. This includes businesses — like Lord & Taylor — that are adding jobs to the economy, as well as our tourism attractions, state parks and outdoor pursuits that make Pennsylvania a great place to live and work.’’

State Democrats, meanwhile, felt that the Governor’s river adventure was more for publicity than an effort to boost tourism and to admire the state’s beauty.  The party released a statement outlining three recent gas drilling fluid spills that occurred not far from the starting location of Corbett’s travels. “We certainly hope it gives him pause to consider some of the impacts fracking has on habitats, local wildlife and resources and that he takes a more robust, proactive approach to environmental protection,” spokesman Marc Nicastre said.

PACAST has released videos, photographs, and radio comments documenting Gov. Corbett’s trip.