Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will lease 31,967 acres of state land for energy development.

The move is meant to address a legislative mandate to raise $60 million from lease sales in this fiscal year.

"We chose these tracts of land after extensive environmental reviews to protect the health of the forest now and in the future, to allow for gas and timber extraction and public recreation, and to keep ecosystems intact that support a diversity of wildlife and plants," Pennsylvania Department of Conservation boss John Quigley said in a McClatchey report.

The acreage is split between six tracts in Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton, Potter and Tioga counties.

Lease terms call for a minimum bid of $2000 per acre and a royalty rate at 18% on a 10-year lease.

The state is accepting bids from until 2 pm on 12 January.