Many people ask me if they should join a landowners’ group. The answer I give varies, but most often it is my least favorite answer to any question: “It depends.” To appreciate this answer, let’s examine two of the more common forms of landowner groups.

Grass Roots Groups. Some landowner groups are grass-roots efforts by local landowners who join together to promote education and the sharing of information in advance of low-ball leasing efforts of landmen and…