[vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image css_animation=”” image=”3387″ border_color=”” img_link_large=”” link=”https://wellsaidcabot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alan-Probst1.jpg” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We recently spoke to Pennsylvania outdoorsman and award-winning national TV producer, Alan Probst, about the importance of balancing the benefits of domestic natural gas production with the proper restoration of local wildlife habitats.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Alan has been an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman all his life. While studying Bio-Chemistry Fisheries Science at Mansfield University, he was drafted into professional baseball, playing for the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays and NY Mets.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]After retiring from baseball, Alan moved back to Pennsylvania with the goal of creating outdoors programming for TV. Over the past 10 years, he’s produced over 40 DVDs and a variety of regional and national TV programming (including All Outdoors, North American Trapper, Sportsmen’s Outdoor Strategies, Hlathini Safari’s African Adventures) for DirecTV, Dish Network, Fox Sports Network, Versus and more.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Today he hosts the popular Wild Pennsylvania with Alan Probst.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image css_animation=”” image=”3388″ border_color=”” img_link_large=”” link=”https://wellsaidcabot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Alan-Probst2.jpg” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]What draws you to the great outdoors?I just enjoy being in nature. And I love animals. That’s why I work with a lot of organizations that try to improve animal habitats. There’s nothing better than being outside right before dawn and hearing the woods come alive to greet the morning. You can’t explain it…you just have to experience it.It’s obvious you have a great amount of respect for nature and wildlife. Can you talk about your philosophy when it comes to interacting with the outdoors?I always say “Never take from nature…just take what nature gives you.” And by that I mean…the land and its wildlife is not there for people to recklessly plunder when it comes to hunting, fishing or trapping. It’s there for us to enjoy and to harvest. But we have to do it ethically and legally…and with respect.What’s the most challenging aspect of shooting your Wild Pennsylvania TV show?Actually…the hardest thing is finding camera operators who know as much about hunting as they do about camerawork. You really need to think like a hunter and move like a hunter. You have to be able to read the animals and know when you can and can’t make noise. It’s a real challenge to find someone who can do both so we make sure they get the video footage we need for the show.What are your thoughts on the natural gas industry?I’m a strong believer in doing what it takes to develop America’s own energy resources. We need to become self-sufficient and not rely on other countries. Natural gas is an important part of that.What about the economic benefits the industry has brought to the region?I think the economic benefits have been dramatic…and they’re a key part of the equation. Areas where drilling is taking place have been considered lower income and economically challenged for quite some time. It’s nice to see so many of these areas revitalized and booming. Companies like Cabot are doing amazing things for small towns and our local economies.What about the potential affect drilling could have on the region’s wildlife?To be honest, I was concerned in the beginning. I make my living from the outdoors, so I wanted to be sure drilling wasn’t going to adversely affect that. Instead of listening to the scaremongers in the media, I did a lot of my own research and spoke to friends who are also avid outdoorsmen. And I’ve found that there haven’t been any negative effects that I’ve heard about when it comes to wildlife.Cabot places a great deal of importance on land reclamation and restoring drill sites to a natural state. How do you see that affecting local animals in the long run?I think it’s a great policy to work with landowners to restore their land. It’s also important to tailor the land restoration in a way that benefits the animals that exist in a specific location. For instance deer, bear and turkey would benefit from a different type of grading and replanting than rabbits or low nesting birds. By restoring the land for the species that exist there, gas companies can actually improve the habitat for the local wildlife…in essence making the land more beneficial for animals than it was prior to drilling. So you can end up with a win-win…economically and environmentally.We agree! Thanks so much for taking the time speak with us, Alan.My pleasure. And if you want to learn more about my programs and DVDs visit my site at www.alanprobst.com.[/vc_column][/vc_row]