Jefferson County commissioners are still working to finalize a deal that would bring Jefferson Lake State park under county control.

A county takeover would keep the lake open -- something the state says it won't do -- but the county also wants to harvest timber and sell mineral rights at the park to bring in possibly millions of dollars in revenue and make improvements.

But the idea of harvesting timber and natural gas drilling at the park isn't sitting well with environmental groups, who are expressing concern as county leaders work to finalize the deal.

In a letter addressed to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, environmentalists call the move irresponsible and say it possibly could risk the things that make Jefferson Lake special. The group also claims the move isn't in the best interest of the people.

Survey: Would you support a plan allowing natural gas drilling at a park if it meant millions of dollars for the county?

Residents in the county said they understand the concern but think there's a resolution.

John Wetherell, of New Alexandria, said harvesting and drilling is OK with him "as long as it's done right," and Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Gentile said that's a top priority.

"If [any natural gas drilling] would take place, it would have to be done in such a way that it wouldn't impact the major public areas of the park," Gentile said.

Fred Tarr, who said he spent much time at the park, said, "I think we need to do what we have to do to save it."

If that means drilling, Tarr said so be it. He said he's weighing the same options on his own property.

"It's a big decision. You have to really think it over and do your research on it," Tarr said.

Gentile said he expected some negative response to his proposal but maintains that overall he's received dozens of letters and e-mails praising the move.

"Our goal is to save the lake for the people to use, not to destroy it. If that was the case, I wouldn't have invested the last year and a half in trying to get this deal worked out," Gentile said.

He said state approval could come in the first quarter of this year and the move would still require local approval.

Commissioner Dave Maple said he had reviewed the most recent documents and would support the move. Commissioner Tom Graham said he hadn't reviewed everything yet and was reserving comment until he does.

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Previous Stories: January 4, 2011: Jefferson Co. Poised To Make Millions By Taking Over State Park May 31, 2010: Many Spend Memorial Day At State Park May 28, 2010: Campgrounds Open At Jefferson Lake State Park May 12, 2010: Groups Offer Help To Make Jefferson Lake State Park County-Run April 8, 2010: Jefferson County Considering Takeover Of State Park August 24, 2009: Jefferson Lake State Park To See Activity Cuts August 21, 2009: UNEDITED: Ohio DNR Official Discusses Changes At Jefferson Lake State Park August 11, 2009: ODNR To Make Changes At Jefferson Lake State Park