Well, I finally went with my gut and turned down the East offer of $1500/15/5. Compared to other leases, it's bad. Compared to what they offered the guy across the street last year, it's bad. I just had such a bad feeling about it, waking up at night, worrying. At least now I have peace of mind (but no money).

I don't know if my little farm will mean anything in this big play; it's not quite big enough to have a well of it's own, and unless East really wants me and is willing to offer a fair deal, I'm done with them. I just heard that PA is offering 10,000 acres of State Forest land in Delmar Township (north of Rt. 6, West of 287) up for lease in January; maybe that will bring in come competition.

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Is there a place on here where people can list their land or interest up for leasing or top-leasing to put it all in one place?
I just wanted to post that I think you made a wise choice. I have been following the leasing situation in Tioga County for 8-9 years. As far as I can tell you have also made an unusual choice in waiting to see what happens. You may not have money but you do have control of your land, what is underneath and it's future. This activity will be going on in some form for decades. From the outside looking in this has been obvious for years. But when you are inside it, it is harder to be objective. From what I have seen and read - very, very hard. Good luck to you and the future of your little farm.
Lynn and others, A short time ago in the news there were two bills being considered, one in the House and one in the Senate that would, if passed, would limit the value of a gas lease on State land to no less than 2500$ in one bill and 3000$ in the other per acre. Does anyone have any up date on this?
Also, why should other leases be any different? Thank you.
I find it interesting that a legislator would set a minimum on what someone would pay for a lease. What next? A maximum? Government price controls are ALWAYS a bad idea. They may feel good for a moment, but the law of unintended consequences always bites you in the rear end.

Here's a little better way of doing things: let landowners like Lynn make up their own mind if something is the right price. Which it looks like she can do.

What next? Legislation mandating that cars sell for no more than $20,000?

In looking at a lease, there are many items that need to be considered, not just the per acre amount. If PA mandates a minimum price per acre, watch the royalty rates, the terms of the agreement, the deductions, all go to heck in a handbasket.

BTW, Lynn, what portion of the county do you live in? That could be a major driver in Tioga. The southeast portion of the county will be much more valuable than the northwest portion. Based on maps I've seen in company press, the southeast is in the sweet spot but as you go north and west, the shale thins and gets much less productive.
I'm close to the center of Tioga Co., just west of Wellsboro. East seems very interested in this area. They swept through Delmar Township with a lot of leasing last year, and are putting in a lot of pads this year. They are following up on us 'holdouts' this fall, but aren't interested enough (yet) to make a decent offer.
Why are there so many wells in the northeast portion of the county? Dominion seems to be very active in the Westfield area. Ultra is applying for permit after permit in the Gaines (southwest) corner. It all sounds pretty hot to me. I got the feeling quickest access to the big pipelines might have something to do with where things got drilled first. Where do you live or own land in Tioga County, Mark?
I think that Tioga County is turning out to be more of a 'hot spot' than they first thought. Seneca just reported a well coming in at 5.8mmcf (I think most of their wells are in the Covington area). and Ultra reported that their wells are between 5-6mmcf over toward the Potter Co. border.
I think the Bills mentioned for minimum signing bonuses is just for State land and is a measure to assure that no ultra short sited deals are made - or back room deals. This has nothing to do with private land owners.
Lynn,

I don't know the details of your situation, but I think you made the right decision. That seems like a ridiculously low price. From what I hear, Wellsboro is a hot spot within the Tioga hot spot - could you band together with neighbors (like Friendshipville did) and negotiate?

What's the protocol for a landowner approaching a gas company? It would put you in a weaker bargaining position, but it could at least allow you to force East's hand.

I don't know anything about the negotiating side (or much of anything on this); those are just my strategic thoughts.

Cheers - and keep us posted!
Sarah
We have property in Charleston Twsp. and was wondering what's going on in that area. If anyone knows anything about where there testing or who's leasing and with who, we'd be interested in knowing. We want to lease our property also, when we get more info. on what's going on in that area. Our property is on the Charleston Rd.
Katie..

No we haven't leased with anyone yet...any info you can give us would be greatly appreciated..thanks for your reply.

Diana
I'd rather give you my e-mail address if that's ok but if not I'll give you my cell...e-mail dfisher6@sc.rr.com We are in Myrtle Beach right now.

Thanks

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