Hi, we're in the process of closing out a Trust and taking over properties. In the interim, we have received a request which is quite unusual for an initial 4 month lease (along w/a small signing bonus) followed by a whole lot of legal jargon.
At 4 months 125/month for the first 4 months seems quite low - After all, after property tax and other deductions, leaves us little profit. Two, I see everywhere else that most people are provided w/an initial 3 year lease even on surface lands. So, this has me curious as to why the MMS only wants to pursue a 4 month lease (I also fear it being related to Dept of Interior a bit about eminent domain) - cause in my head they can either find oil, find oil then condemn the property or not find oil and leave a mess- basically right?
So, ultimately how does one prevent this from happening?
Is 4 month a realistic initial lease for agencies/landmen/etc.
How does government involvement w/lease play into the whole picture?
We also have other properties in other counties so we were thinking of selling off the surface land in bits and pieces over time. Then, the person helping us close out our account forwarded this lease of which I have several concerns. So, I am hoping to find someone else in Anderson County who has been through the process of Mapping, Drilling and receiving royalty income.
We understand that this area has a lot of issues w/fracking - we are told not to worry but still.....
Also, as the Salt Domes are extremely important resources, we are also somewhat concerned that our land is not located in/or too near this area. We can check but just wanted to get insight from a local landman or land owner if possible.
Last but not least, have any of you whom have allowed drilling found producing wells? We already have one in production and another which we are in the process of selling off is possible - We have a potential buyer at the moment, if anything changes or once we obtain the deeds, I'll let those interesting in buying in the Leveland/Littlefield/Lubbock - Caddo Parish areas through the proper Forums.
Any answers any of you more experienced at managing can provide is greatly appreciated. Going through a big learning curve but know we'll no doubt save lots in the process. As I used to work for Teppco/Duke Energy as a technical writer I'm more familiar with the terminology and process than the admin side - So, again, thanks for your help - greatly appreciated - All the best to everyone involved in this crazy biz - Later'