BENTONVILLE — Joyce Hale, a regional environmental activist, will address issues related to the Fayetteville Shale Play fracturing process at luncheon meeting of the Benton County Democrats. The meeting is at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 24, in the Clarion Hotel, Bentonville.

The impact on landowners and communities of this natural gas production process has attracted recent media attention.

Issues focus on a new horizontal fracturing process to release gas from shale formations and water quality concerns, as well as increased earthquake activity in this region. Hale, president of the Washington County League of Women Voters, believes environmental concerns could offset the projected benefits for Arkansas. Hale is previously from Pea Ridge.

Reservations may be made by contacting Carole Westby at 876-2178 or by e-mail to [email protected].

All activity for the Benton County Democrats is online at http://www.bcdems. org.www.bcdems.org.

Community, Pages 8 on 01/12/2011