Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by scott brion on December 1, 2010 at 6:59am

Most companies don't typically notify owners when they assign leases unless the leases specifically require it. Courthouse is your best bet, but note that some companies delay recording assignments (usually a month or two, but for a couple years in some cases.) FYI - you can access Sullivan county recorded documents on line via Landex.com

Permalink Reply by thomas blocksom on December 2, 2010 at 3:12pm

Penny,
I live in Columbiana county in Ohio. Range was pretty big here until sometime last year when they pulled out to concentrate on the Marcellus in Penn.. As Cheaspeake is leasing like crazy here now ,it would certainly be possible that they would want to swap leases for areas they want to be in.Most people with leases with Range in our area assume they will be assigned to Cheaspeake sooner or later. I suppose the same could happen in your township. Range shouldn't and most likley won't have a problem telling you anything you want to know about your lease. Good Luck , Tom

Permalink Reply by Bob Brown on February 4, 2011 at 8:20am

I posted a reply on the other thread about Chief/Chesapeak leases.

We are in the Coveytown area of Sullivan County.

There does seem to be some bartering/selling of leases. I'm certain our Chief lease is now held/controlled by Chesapeake. But no, no-one told me that it has been done, except that the pipeline and driveway land agents both said, "They wouldn't be pushing for this well, driveway, pipeline, if they did not have all the rights to the gas below.

I was shown a map with "dead spots" on it, made up of a combination heavily Chief leased land, and "never-going-to-do-it" landowners.

Hope this helps.

 

Permalink Reply by Penny J McCarl on February 4, 2011 at 10:07am

I did recieve a call from Chesapeake that they do indeed have my lease now....and they sent me some papers they want to change out the 640 acre unit clause in my Range lease they left it without any number so that means they could pool it to any size they want and they also wanted to change my Pugh Clause from a 2 year to 5 years. The land man called back wanting to know if I have signed them and sent them yet and I told him I have no intentions of signing. All they are trying to do is give themselves more time. Put me with a 2000 acre unit or larger, drill one well anywhere on the unit and hold my lease for 5 more years, so they can get everything in place. I talked to my lawyer and he said I do not have to sign anything so I'm not. The landman left it at trying to see if they would put a unit size in the new lease. I'm in lower Sullivan County Davidison and after searching the landex and other things I believe Chief will be the one that ends up with my lease....Chief is drilling or about to drill 3 wells by Sonestown. So FYI if you get swapped to Chesapeake remember you do not have to sign their new leases if you are happy with what you got.  He lied to me trying to make me think they are gonna drill in the next 18 months and this might hold it up. Please i was born at night but NOT LAST NIGHT

Permalink Reply by John Yonkin on February 5, 2011 at 2:14pm

Well done Penny.  The reason gas companies want you to sign to increase the unit size is because it will benefit them, not you.  Do not give up your Pugh clause either.  Your attorney gave you sound counsel.  Your lease could have gotten locked up for a long time and you see little or no royalty payment.

You are correct that land men will mislead and deceive you to get what they want.  They are not your friend. 

Best of Luck

 

J Yonkin