POLAND VILLAGE, Ohio - More research. That's what people involved in the Poland Forest area have decided to do before making any deals with gas companies.

Poland Village officials wanted to hear from those who manage and fund Poland Forest.

Members of the Poland Forest Board and Foundation met together Thursday night to discuss the possibility of horizontal drilling underground.

No drilling would occur directly in the forest, but in Springfield Township.

The two bodies that oversee the forest came to the decision of creating a joint investigative committee with members of village council to learn more about shale and fracking.

Mayor Tim Sicafuse says, "I think it's a good idea. We need to educate ourselves. This is a big decision that could effect a lot of people for a long time. So the more information we can gather can help us."

At a meeting last week, one of the members of village council, Attorney Robert Limmer, issued a letter, raising points against gas drilling leases, which included water pollution, liability that the village would face for any damage, the recent earthquakes, and personal liability of council members.

But the general feeling seems to be that local leaders have to act soon.

Poland Forest Board President, Robert Zedaker says, "It seems like a once in a lifetime thing where we can get rich all of a sudden and the whole area is going to probably be doing the same thing. So unless they do something down with the state, we won't have any changes."