Some of the stakes are on my fathers old farm that the coal co purchased years ago. John  Wells said that:

"AEP (Franklin Real Estate) leased to Artex in 2008.  In May of 2011 Artex partial assigned the Franklin Real Estate lease and many other leases it had acquired in Morgan County and other Counties to Anadarko E&P.  Anadarko acquired 66.66% of Artex's interest.  Artex retained everything above the Queenston Shale and everything below the Trenton (ie Rose Run).  In other words Artex and Anadarko are now partners.  Primarily in Deerfield, Bloom, York, Union, Bristol, Center, & Meigsville Townships.  Also a lot of Blue Rock in Muskingum County."

So it would seem they are now moving forward to drill.

If you are lucky enough to get a well on your property, cutting of trees will depend on the terms of the lease. You will see the lease before you sign it. Generally, they will arrange cutting but an option maybe in the lease. AS of now I do not know what our final lease will permit.

at this time, we hope to complete all negotiations by that date or earlier. we will see how it goes.

Hi - I  live in MD  but own land in Megsville. When approached last year by "land men" I advised my cousins not to sign but to get together and form a group to get a better deal. I spent over 30 years working in the gas & oil industry. My cousins land, along with mine, started the non profit group Morgan County Land Group. I firmly believe it is the best way to deal with something as large as this will be to Morgan County. It is a lot of work and my cousins have done a great job but in the end this is a once in a lifetime chance and should be watched closely so all benefit fairly.