RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A conservation group is highlighting the George Washington and Jefferson national forests in Virginia and West Virginia are places that are at risk from gas drilling activities.

Trout Unlimited’s new “10 Special Places” report ranks the region as fifth for its areas that are rich in fish, game and natural beauty.

The report covers threats to the specific regions and offers recommendations for the best approaches that can be used to protect these areas from potential risks.

The group says it would be almost impossible to develop gas without severely impacting and changing the character of the national forest. The forests cover nearly 1.8 million acres.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.