A group of Lycoming County residents living along Loyalsock Creek near Rider Park made it known to the county commissioners Thursday that the peaceful nature they chose to live in is at risk of being disrupted, and they are not okay with that.

The concerns were brought up after the commissioners gave recognition to Loyalsock Creek for its recent River of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

“We are here to appeal to you to do everything in your power to protect not only the Loyalsock Creek, but the entire economic resource that this valley is,” said Barbara Jarmoska, a valley resident.

Jarmoska and several of her neighbors are concerned that Pennsylvania General Energy Co. may buy more properties along Loyalsock Creek and run gas lines along or beneath the creek to connect existing properties, which would lead to deforestation along the creek’s banks and potentially endanger the water and local wildlife, the group said.

Scott and Jessica Mathias were two of several residents who said they specifically bought their property “to escape town and be in a peaceful, serene surrounding.” Their home has two adjacent properties, which they say the energy company might be able to purchase, despite an understanding when they bought their home that those properties would remain private.

“As you walk into the front of our house, we have a plaque that greets you that says, ‘When you’re fortunate enough to be in the woods, you’re fortunate enough,’ ” Jessica Mathias said. “And that’s how we truly feel.”

Lou Weilacher, senior landman for the energy company, addressed the crowd’s concerns, saying the company is doing its best to find the most environmentally friendly ways possible to put in the lines.

The proposed Loyalsock Creek pipeline is not set in stone, he said.

Further, the company has met and continues to meet with representatives from the state Department of Community and Natural Resources, as well as local representatives such as state Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, and state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, he added.

“We’ve heard your concerns, and we’re currently evaluating techniques to minimize … the presence of pipeline rights-of-ways in the valley,” Weilacher said. “PGE values the aesthetic, recreational and environmental value of the Loyalsock Creek valley. We believe our proposal accomplishes the goals of blending natural gas development into the aesthetically appealing natural environment of the valley to the greatest extent possible while simultaneously reducing truck traffic.”

He insisted the company would continue to work with state agencies to develop a plan that “balances the development of abundant natural resources in an area that’s led to economic prosperity.”

Commissioners Tony Mussare and Rick Mirabito mirrored the citizens’ concerns, asking Weilacher if there are other places the company might consider for drilling.

Mirabito said he will pen a letter to multiple state agencies and legislators as well as to the company in order to help find a compromise that doesn’t negatively affect the valley.

“There’s one of these,” Mirabito said, referring to Loyalsock Creek valley. “There’s literally thousands of places to drill.”

Mussare, who is a proponent of gas drilling, said he shares the residents’ fear for the valley’s aesthetics because he owns a cabin in the Lycoming Creek area that overlooks a “scarred” valley.

“It’s still beautiful,” he said. “But I can’t get used to that.”

Carol Parenzan, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper and an environmental engineer, offered to be an unbiased party who could facilitate further discussions between the company and those who reside along the creek.

Both parties seemed open to this idea and thanked her for offering.