Have others been contacted about seismic tests?

Colorado Mineral Rights Weld County, CO
1

I had a representative contact me about 3 times now because I refuse to take their money for seismic testing on my ~80 acres in Weld County.

They always resort to the threats "you are aware that" 1) they only need 1% to do

it anyway, or 2) that they can legally pool the area if I won't sell to them.

This all seems very wrong to me. If a company wants rights, they should buy what they want. They don't want surface rights. Of course, they don't.

I'm tired of their threats. What group exists for landowner solidarity in the Weld Co area?

Anyone know?

Buy it all or leave me alone!

2

Can you tell me what they are offering you in cash to allow them to perform seismic testing on your land? And how long the seismic testing will take?

3

Either someone is trying to buy your land or attempting to shoot seismic across it, not both. I usually allow that to happen on my lands where I own surface so long as the normal contract is in place. I look at it as a current source of revenue and potentially future as well (if the seismic looks good). What exactly is the problem here?

If you're trying to be difficult to thwart the geophysical company, not sure where that benefits anyone.

4

Bart,

He/she is a owner weather it be minerals or surface or both. He/she many not want to sell the surface or mineral rights. As as land owner we have the absolute right so say who can come on our land and for what reason.

Further he/she does not like the threats from big corporations.

If anyone trespasses upon my land I will call the sheriff and have them charged with trespassing and have their vehicles towed.

5

If you are the legal owner of the land and its mineral rights then not only is what they are doing wrong but it borders on a violation of your constitutional rights to due process before being deprived of property. I say borders because those rights refer specifically to a government agency’s violation. However, it could be argued that forced pooling is in violation of the fifth amendment. Even so such a course of action could lead to costly litigation. What your are experiencing is not unique, a Denver Post article recently detailed the frustration of a land owner finally situated.

My property in Weld County was also recently pooled following seismic testing. While we were already under lease some compensation was provided.

One direction might be to contact other producers perhaps creating a bidding war though with prices down it’s not the best of timing.

Contacting the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission might be of some use.

Bear in mind while my family has been under lease in Weld County for over 40 years but I’m still learning so the advice of others may be of more use to you.

6

I believe there is a misunderstanding. A seismic company wouldn't normally be trying to force you to sell your minerals or surface. Normally they just want temporary access to perform the work and leave. They pay you for temporary access. Did they send you a deed or did you assume they wanted to buy the land?