Every year people from all over the world head to the Northern Tier to see the elk. 

While that area is known for its scenic trails and wildlife, the area is also seeing more drilling. 

According to the Department of Environmental Protection in 2011 several wells were drilled in Elk and Cameron counties. 

DEP reports indicate that 18 wells were drilled in Elk County from January through November. There were also six wells drilled during that time period in Cameron County. 

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources told 6 News that over the weekend seismic testing began in the Elk State Forest. 

According to DCNR's website, the Elk State Forest, which is around 200,000 acres, is made up primarily of Elk and Cameron counties. 

Andy Sidelinger, an oil and gas forester at the Elk State Forest told 6 News that the seismic testing could last until late spring. 

This is raising questions for neighbors nearby. 

Mike Kamandulis, president of Elk County  C.A.R.E.S, told 6 News that he and the organization are concerned about the long-term effects drilling could have on the wildlife. 

"A lot of people have mixed opinions about the industry, some would say it creates jobs," said Kamandulius. 

He went on to say that drilling in state forests also affects the wildlife, particularly the elk. 

"From my understanding thousands of people visit the Elk Country Visitor Center and the county to see the elk," he said. 

Kamandulius added that he believes the industry will have a negative impact on the wildlife and also the tourism to the area. 

"We have to keep our minds on what the future will be of the forests, the biodiversity and the tourism. We can't just go full-speed ahead without giving good thought to the ramifications down the road," he said. 

When asked about the effects the drilling industry might have on wildlife, Sidelinger said he did not know and that he is not a biologist. 

He did however say that drilling in state forests is something that is going on everywhere, not just in this area. 

Sidelinger said that there are already eight wells that have been drilled in the forest.