GMS Member,

What makes this site so great? Simply put, we all have a great deal at stake in what's being called the shale boom. But beyond that, this community is made up of individuals who have worked hard for that small patch of yard they call home, or the farm upon which blood, sweat, and tears have fallen.

Our farm has been in the family for over 80 years. Though much of the family has scattered out of state, we still gather there for holidays and summer vacations — it's a refuge of sorts. Two ponds, timber, and a pair of now-vacant chicken houses make up the land we've always known. Now, because of the shale, this refuge carries far greater monetary potential than we ever imagined. We believe Grandmother and Granddaddy would be thrilled to see the activity surrounding their homestead today, and the impact it may have on generations to come. Never in their wildest dreams could they have envisioned something like the shale boom.

As exciting as this is, we recognize our responsibility to approach it thoughtfully. We want the farm to remain a place where family can gather for another 80 years and beyond — and this site was born out of that desire. Before we launched it, searching for information on shale leases turned up almost nothing of practical use. This site changes that. It allows us to communicate with one another in real time, share knowledge, and navigate this landscape together. Of course, no source is infallible, so always verify what you read. But at its core, this is a community of landowners and professionals who genuinely want to connect and help one another.

Thank you for joining — and happy "shaling."

Keith Mauck, Publisher