11-13-09 Update
I would like to thank Chad Coleman, a member of our coalition, for
volunteering to construct our website. It should be up and running
sometime next week.
10-24-09 Update
1. Recently the interest in our coalition has picked up. We are talking
with gas companies that are showing real interest in making a deal with
us.
2. The DEC release of the draft SGEIS on September 30th was a very
important step forward. The DEC issued a 60-day public comment period
which was 15 days longer than we were expecting. Now United States
Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand wants the DEC to lengthen the public
comment period even further. We do not need any additional delays.
I’m not sure why a US Senator would stick her nose in the business of
NYS. If you would like to express your opinion to the Senator, she can
be reached at: Kirsten E. Gillibrand, 478 Russell Senate Office
Building, Washington, DC 20510. Phone (202) 224-4451. email:
gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
3. Our friends in the Binghamton/Conklin Coalition posted the following
message on 10/19/09. I have no further information to add.
Important Message
It has come to our attention that Visions Federal Credit Union may not
allow a mortgage on any property with a gas lease. Here is a link to a
pdf of their new policy. It states that if you have an oil or gas lease
on your property they will not give you a mortgage. It also states that
if you CURRENTLY have a mortgage with Visions and you sign a gas lease
you may have to pay your mortgage balance in full. We obviously feel
that this policy is absurd and unacceptable. There are many other banks
that are willing to go into a mortgage agreement with you and your
leased land. We are researching this issue and will provide you a list
in the near future. For those who currently have a Visions loan, please
contact them immediately and let them know how you feel. Why should
they be able to keep you from what is rightfully yours. Hopefully they
will change their policy when they hear from the thousands of
landowners across New York and PA that have a visions mortgage. On a
bright side, mortgage rates are the lowest they have ever been. It
might save you money to shop around. Please forward this to anyone you
know in NY and PA that is trying to get a gas lease. Here is a contact
number for Visions.
Visions Numbers
Local: (607) 754-7900
Toll-Free: (800) 242-2120
Questions: (607) 786-2000 ext. 637
Appointments: (607) 786-2000 ext. 212
Appointments: (607) 759-4183
Marchie and the Steering Committee
10-9-09 Coalition Update
We are in negotiations
with Fortuna and have looked over their offers. Due to some issues with
their payment schedules and no guarantee of payment after a small
signing payment, we have not come to any agreement. We have been
contacted by other interested parties and will continue to work with
and contact others.
* NOTE: Fortuna
has landmen working in Kirkwood under Elexco Land Services. They have
contacted one steering committee member and other land owners in
Kirkwood. The steering committee highly recommends that you not
sign as their offer is not what it appears. This offer is similar to
the New York members’ that signed with the Friendsville Coalition. We
have listed below in laymen’s terms what the payment schedule actually
is:
1. $500 at the signing
for up to 3 years or until New York State DEC can provide “commercial
levels” of permitting for hydrofracing. In other words 3 years. This is
the “only” amount that you may receive.
2. $5,000 for 3 year extension at Fortuna’s option.
3. $2,500 for 2 year extension at Fortuna’s option.
4. The 20% royalty is misleading as it is not clear what all the deductions are and may be several percent.
New York State DEC has
released their new requirements for hydrofracing and it appears that
most gas companies do not see any major issues with it. There still is
a 60-day comment period before final release and as with all New York
regulations, it is subject to change.
- NOTE: The
Kirkwood Coalition attorney, Chris Denton’s father passed away on
October 8, 2009. Chris will not be available for a week or more. The
steering committee is asking everyone that is willing to send a card to
Chris at: 311 Lake St., Elmira, NY 14901-2804. Chris and his team have
spent a great deal of time working for us over the last 18 months and
have not yet received a dime for their work.
Thanking you in advance: The Kirkwood Coalition Steering Committee
9-27-09 Update
NYSDEC is scheduled to release SGEIS on Wednesday, September 30th. This
is a very important step. Following this release the DEC requires a
minimum of 30 days for a public comment period. I’ve been told by a
very good source that the public comment period will be 45 days.
Negotiations with Hess/Seneca have been on hold since the Friendsville
Group signed with Fortuna for $5,500 per acre and 20% royalty.
We have had contacts from two additional companies. It is still quite
clear they all are very concerned about the ability of DEC to issue
permits to drill. Applications for permits in Pennsylvania have been
issued in 30 days or less.
If you are approached by landmen, please be cautious. It may be in your
best interest to contact Attorney Denton (607 734-0661) before you sign
their lease. Some landmen claim the lease is the same one signed by
coalitions in Pennsylvania. This may not be completely true. Feel free
to email me at marchidiff@yahoo.com with any offers made by landmen.
In the past few weeks, three large gas coalitions in Pennsylvania have
completed agreements with three different gas companies. The total
acres in these coalitions is well over 150,000. This means the core of
the Marcellus shale that remains available has again gotten much
smaller and Kirkwood is located right in the middle of the remaining
core.
We are cautiously trying to keep the process moving forward.
Marchie
9-13-09 Update
Congratulations to the Friendsville Group, they have negotiated a
great deal and it is a game changer. I am calling a meeting of our
steering committee, Attorney Denton and his team to meet no later than
Wednesday. We have to re-evaluate our current position. Marchie
9-11-09 Update
The Friendsville Group in Pennsylvania posted on their website
September 9th that they have a deal. They will meet this Saturday to
sign letters of intent. They claim to have received the highest sign-on
bonus, highest royalty and the friendliest landowner lease in the area.
This could be a game changer for all coalitions in New York and
Pennsylvania. With Friendsville signing, this will remove about 35,000+
acres of the core of the Marcellus Shale off the market. The core area
of the Marcellus that is available is getting smaller.
We are still waiting to negotiate the language of our lease with
Hess/Seneca. I have received several emails and phone calls and every
time they tell me next week. This has been very frustrating for all of
us.
If anyone receives any offers from land men, please let me know. It will be very helpful information.
Marchie 775-3128
9-4-09 Update
There are a lot of rumors going around about the Friendsville Group in
Pennsylvania. I have been trying to stay on top of their progress but
they are keeping the offers confidential at this time. I’ve been told
the group is meeting Sunday to consider the offers. This may be helpful
to our coalition as we should be working on our lease language next
week (let’s hope). I apologize for all the delays, but they have been
out of my control. Summer is always a difficult time to get several
parties together. Some of the reasons for the delays were vacations,
sickness and Hess has just completed negotiations in Pennsylvania for
over 62,000 acres. Now they are turning their attention to
Binghamton/Conklin and then Kirkwood. I have encouraged Hess/Seneca to
keep the negotiations moving along.
Our friends in Tioga County are a very large, well organized group.
They have a wonderful website www.tiogagaslease.org. I would recommend
that we all read their latest newsletter dated August 17, 2009. Click
on "newsletters" in the left column and then click “Fourth Edition”.
Senator Tom Libous has a new website for your use if you would like to
express your feeling abut the state’s review on gas drilling.
www.safedrillingnow.com.
Marchie
8-21-09 Update
Joint Landowners Coalition Rally in Bainbridge Sunday noon to 4PM.
Looking forward to seeing you there. (See rally information below.)
Proposed Pipeline from Susquehanna County, PA to the Millenium Pipeline
If you are approached by a pipeline company you should not
sign any right of way lease or easements. Members of the coalition can
contact our attorney, Chris Denton, at (607) 734-0661 to discuss it at
no cost.
8-19-09 Update
Just a reminder about the Joint Landowners Coalition Rally this Sunday, August 23rd from noon to 4 PM at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge.
A large turnout will show the politicians in Albany the solidarity of
landowners and how important it is to move forward with the
Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement.
This is a good time to show your support to our steering committee. We
have been working hard for over 1 ½ years. I personally have attended
over 100 meetings and driven well over 1,000 miles. I hope you can find
the time to support this very important cause.
See more details below. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Marchie
8-12-09 Update
Notice to Property Owners Previously Leased with Chesapeake:
We have been informed by concerned property owners that were previously
leased with Chesapeake that they have received a “Lease Obligation
Deposit Receipt” by registered mail for a three-year extension to their
lease. If you have received one of these documents and are concerned or
have questions, you should contact your own attorney or the Kirkwood
Gas Coalition attorney, Christopher Denton at (607) 734-0661.
Marchie
8-10-09 Update
Press Release From The Joint Landowner Coalition
Twenty three landowner groups within the seven county area of the Southern Tier will hold a Joint
Landowners Coalition Rally in support of Natural Gas Drilling on
Sunday, August 23rd at the General Clinton Park, Bainbridge NY from
noon to 4pm. United in purpose, their mission is "to foster,
advance, and protect the common interest of the people as it concerns
natural development through education and Best Environmental
Practices." The theme of the Rally is OUR LAND - OUR RIGHTS - OUR
FUTURE.
Several coalitions and local leaders will address the Rally about
common concerns, including the delay of gas drilling permits due to the
DEC's continued postponement of the updated regulations. Others will
speak on current developments in PA where permits are being issued.
Invitations have been sent to Governor Patterson and all elected County
and State officials. Several officials have already promised to attend.
Also, all media within the seven county area have been invited.
The Scheduled events are as follows: Noon to 1:30 - Live family
entertainment, 1:30 to 3:00 - Speakers and introduction of elected
officials, 3:00 to 4:00 - Continued entertainment. Food court and
informational tables will be open all afternoon. This Rally will
represent all members of landowner groups, landowners who signed
individual leases, and the community as a whole to express their unity
to our elected officials. With their support, the Central New York and
Southern Tier region can look forward to a prosperous future. Bring a
chair and your family - everyone is welcome.
From Marchie. The Kirkwood Gas Coalition is a member
of the Joint Landowners Coalition. I attend their monthly meetings and
traveled with them to Albany to meet with Judith Enk in the Governor's
office. Judith Enk reports to the Governor in regard to environmental
issues.
* * *Also***
I would like to inform everyone about an article that was in
the Viewpoints section on page 3B of Sunday’s Press & Sun-Bulletin
dated August 9. This article was written by Lou Santoni, President and
CEO of the Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. To find the article on line,
go to pressconnects.com and type in “drilling restriction would hinder
natural gas exploration”.
Marchie
June 12, 2009 Update
We have been in
continuous negotiations with a large gas company and their partner for
about 4 weeks. This company is intereseted in leasing about 90,000
acres in New York and considerable amount of acreage in PA. The
steering committee has accepted the financial proposal. Our next step
will be working out the details of the lease. There is a lot to
accomplish and we will not compromise on some issues. If we can come
to an agreement on the lease a meeting of the full coalition will be
called to vote on the package. This could happen very soon so please
keep checking this website for more updates. Thank you for your
patience. Marchie
May 13, 2009 Update
Abstracts:
Sorry it is taking so long. This is out of my control. I have made
several phone calls and emails to Attorney Denton’s office trying to
expedite this process. I want to assure you, your abstracts are safe. I
will continue to encourage Attorney Denton to complete this task and
return your abstracts ASAP. Thank you for your cooperation and patience
in this matter.
Our coalition consultant is still working to make a deal.
Also, last Friday we met with 2 gas companies that are interested in
forming a joint venture. One is a major company and one a smaller
company. These 2 companies are looking to lease a large number of acres
in NY and PA. They have contacted several other coalitions and made the
same offer that we all quickly refused. They are prepared to make
another offer within a week. When I receive this offer I will call a
meeting with our steering committee and discuss it.
Marchie
5-4-09 Update
In regard to
abstracts that were submitted, they are being completed this week and
should be available to pick up the week of May 11th. I will call you
when they are available.
I have been in
contact with our consultant several times since last Tuesday's
deadline. He is working very hard to make a deal for our coalition.
We wish him good luck.
I received an
unsolicited contact from a major company. We were supposed to meet
last Saturday, but the flight connections were cancelled. Coalition
geologist, Don Zeangle, and I will attend a rescheduled meeting for
this Friday.
Marchie
March 8, 2009 Update
I received a
call this morning from coalition attorney Chris Denton. He has
informed me that there are two gas companies that want to deal with the
Kirkwood Gas Coalition. Their interest is serious, which is indicated
by the fact that they are flying coalition geologist Don Zeangle to
meet with them this week. Also, later this week the interested
companies plan to review abstracts for parcels of 50 acres or more.
(Those property owners will be notified in the very near future.) This
is all the information I have and will update this site with more
information as soon as possible. This is very encouraging news!
Marchie
60- Day Deadline
In regard to the proposal that was accepted by the coalition on Friday,
January 9th, I signed documents to proceed with the consultants on
Monday, January 19th giving them until March 17th to present the
coalition with an agreement from a gas company. Marchie
STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS WITH COALITION ATTORNEY - CHRIS DENTON, NOVEMBER 17, 2008.
Our steering committee met with Attorney Denton
November 17th to discuss going to bid. We are all aware of the
economic turmoil on Wall Street and Main Street. Most of the gas
companies are experiencing hard economic times as well. Many are
funded by investors and these hard times eliminate some of the
underfunded smaller gas companies from the bidding process. It is
impossible to predict when these difficult times will improve. There
are some issues we are quite sure of:
1. The Marcellus Shale may have 7 times more recoverable gas thean was estimated only a few months ago.
2. Kirkwood has the Millenium Pieline that can supply tens of millions of people less than 200 miles away.
3. Our coalition (as stated by Attorney Denton) has
a very tight and contiguous map with pipeline easements leading to the
Millenium Pipeline.
4. Don Zeangle, coalition geologist (with many years
of experience in the gas and oil industry) is very excited abut the
geology in Kirkwood. We have at least 3 different potential gas
formations. We may be in the core of the Marcellus, and the Utica
Shale along with the Trenton Black River Limestone.
5. The size of our coalitiion (10,400 acres) makes us very attractive to a large number of gas companies.
With the above items considered, the steering committee has decided to send out requests for bid packages.
Our time table to move forward is:
December 4, 2008 we will send requests out for bid packages.
January 9, 2009 is the deadline for gas companies to return bid packages.
January 15, 2009 the steering committee will meet with Attorney Denton and review the intereset in bidding.
JOINT COALITION FORM:
Several gas coalitions in upstate New York
have joined together to share information. We have met several times
since September and have prepared a letter to send to DEC.
NEWS ITEMS: MARCELLUS SHALE UPDATE.
ALBANY (AP) -- A
geologist says the Marcellus shale region of the Appalachians could
yield seven times as much natural gas as he earlier estimated, meaning
it could meet the entire nation's natural gas needs for at least 14
years.
Penn
State University geoscientist Terry Engelder said in a phone interview
Monday that he now estimates 363 trillion cubic feet of natural gas
could be recovered over the next few decades from the 31-million-acre
core area of the Marcellus region, which includes southern New York,
Pennsylvania, West Virginia and eastern Ohio.
Engelder
and geologist Gary Lash of the State University of New York at Fredonia
touched off a gas rush in the region last January with their study
estimating that the Marcellus could yield as much as 50 trillion cubic
feet of natural gas.
Geologists
have long known about the existence of the Marcellus shale, but
exploration there accelerated only recently when the price of natural
gas rose high enough to make it economically feasible to use the
advanced drilling techniques necessary to produce gas from the hard
rock thousands of feet underground.
Production
on the Marcellus gas field, or "play," is considered to be in the early
stages, but the sheer size of it is drawing heavy interest from the
exploration industry.
"It
has the potential to be the biggest gas field in the United States,"
John Pinkerton, chairman and chief executive of Range Resources Corp.,
said last week in an interview at the Fort Worth, Texas-based company's
office in western Pennsylvania.
Engelder
first presented his new numbers in Pittsburgh last week at a conference
on Appalachian gas sponsored by the energy information firm Platts. He
said he based his revised estimate on new figures from Chesapeake
Energy Corp., the nation's largest natural gas producer.
Oklahoma-based
Chesapeake recently told investors and analysts that each square mile
in the Marcellus could contain 30 billion to 150 billion cubic feet of
gas. Engelder and Lash initially estimated 9 billion cubic feet per
square mile.
Chesapeake
also said the thickness of the gas-containing shale ranged from 50 to
300 feet, while Engelder and Lash assumed a thickness of 50 feet.
Applying
his own calculations to numbers presented by Chesapeake, Engelder came
up with his new estimate of how much gas the region might be able to
produce over the next few decades, given enough time and money.
"Geologists
are still trying to size this play," Engelder said. "We don't really
know how much gas is there and how much can be recovered."
Chesapeake, StatoilHydro announce joint venture
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
OKLAHOMA
CITY -- Chesapeake Energy Corp. and Norwegian energy company Statoil
Hydro announced Tuesday the formation of a strategic alliance to
explore for unconventional natural gas opportunities worldwide and an
agreement for a joint venture in large gas field in the eastern United
States.
StatoilHydro
will pay $3.375 billion for a 32.5 percent interest in Chesapeake's
assets in the so-called Marcellus Shale geologic formation - about 1.8
million net acres - in the Appalachian region. Oklahoma City-based
Chesapeake would retain the remaining 67.5 percent interest in the
assets.
StatoilHydro
will pay $1.25 billion of the amount in cash at closing and $2.125
billion from 2009 to 2012 by funding 75 percent of Chesapeake's share
of drilling and completion expenditures.
The
companies said the development of the area could support the drilling
of between 13,500 and 17,000 horizontal wells during the next 20 years,
and cover more than 32,000 leases in Pennsylvania, New York, West
Virginia and Ohio. StatoilHydro said it was acquiring about 2.5 billion
to 3 billion future, recoverable barrels of oil equivalent through the
deal.
"We
are establishing a strong platform for further developing our gas value
chain business and growing our position in unconventional gas
worldwide," said Helge Lund, the president and chief executive officer
of StatoilHydro.
"The
agreement we have entered into with Chesapeake provides us with a solid
position in an attractive long-term resource base under competitive
terms. Additionally, this deal adds a major building block to the gas
value chain position we have established in the U.S., the world's
largest and most liquid gas market."
Chesapeake
is the largest producer of natural gas in the U.S., while StatoilHydro
is the second-largest natural gas supplier to Europe. As part of the
agreement, the two companies will form a strategic alliance. The
closing on both the transaction and alliance should occur by the end of
this year, officials from the two companies said.
"We
are honored to establish a business relationship with StatoilHydro and
are excited about the mutually beneficial nature of our transaction
with them," Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon said.
"We
believe this transaction creates substantial value for both companies
and unique opportunities for international growth with one of the
leading international oil and gas companies. Jointly we can export our
world class unconventional natural gas technology for further long-term
growth."
In
recent months, Chesapeake also sold a 20 percent working interest in
its assets in the Haynesville Shale in north Louisiana and east Texas
to Plains Exploration and Production Company for $3.3 billion and a 25
percent working interest in its assets in the Fayetteville Shale assets
to BP America for $1.9 billion.
DEC Hearings.
The New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) has finalized logistics for a series of meetings to
give the public an opportunity to participate in the analysis of the
potential environmental impacts of high-volume hydraulic fracturing of
horizontal wells in New York's natural gas-bearing Marcellus and Utica
shale formations. The meeting in our area will be Monday, November 17,
2008 at Broome Community College, West Gym, 901 Upper Front Street,
Binghamton, NY 13902. Note: The location will open at 4:30 p.m., with
the formal meeting beginning at 5:15 p.m. Brief remarks by Department
staff will be followed by public comments starting at 6 p.m.
The environmental activist groups are working to build a strong case against any potential environmental impacts.
Coalition Status as of 10-31-08.
We completed most of the interviews for large parcels
in regard to the tailoring clauses for leases October 22nd. Attorney
Denton's office is completing the telephone interviews, however there
are some members his office has had a difficult time contacting. If
you have not been contacted by his office, it is imperative that you
contact his office as soon as possible if you want to be included in
the coalition's bidding process. Attorney Denton can be reached at
(607) 734-0661.
The steering committee will be meeting with Attorney
Denton on Monday, November 17th to move forward with the bidding
process. In spite of the hard times on Wall Street, there are some
encouraging signs that this may not have affected the natural gas
development in the Marcellus shale. Kirkwood has great potential in
the Marcellus shale, we have the Millenium Pipeline and the geology
shows we are in the core area. Attorney Denton told our steering
committee that our coalition is strong, well organized, our map
contains many contiguous acres, has the potential for many gas well
sites and good pipeline easements.
Cut-Off Date to Join the Kirkwood coalition was October 15th.
We received numerous new members and more interviews
will be conducted October 22nd. This should complete all face to face
interviews with Attorney Denton's office. Attorney Denton's office
will also be conducting more phone interviews with new members that
have 15 acres or less.
Tailoring Clauses are in the process of being prepared.
Attorney Denton's office is currently preparing the
tailored leases for individual properties. When the tailoring clauses
are completed, a meeting will be scheduled with the full coalition
members to review and explain the master lease. Attorney Denton
continues to ask for your patience as he continues to work towards the
bidding process.
Pipeline Easements and Seismic Testing
Attorney Denton advises all members not to allow any
pipeline easements or seismic testing on your property or on the town
roads along your property. In many cases you own to the center of the
road. Any seismic testing on these roads may be considered
trespassing. If you are approached for pipeliine easements and/or
seismic testing, contact Attorney Denton at (607) 734-0661. These
issues will be addressed in the lease being prepared by the attorney
for the coalition.
Review of Previous and Outdated Information:
Letter to Kirkwood Landowners
In a final effort to encourage Kirkwood landowners
that have not joined the Kirkwood Gas Coalition to join, the following
letter will be sent:
Dear Kirkwood Landowner,
We are contacting you in
an effort to inform you about the Kirkwood Gas Coalition. Last winter
gas companies approached many landowners in regard to leasing their
property for the mineral rights. In most cases we were uneducated and
vulnerable to the offers received from the landmen of the gas companies
to sign a lease for much less than it was worth. In response to this
activity we formed the Kirkwood Gas Coalition and encouraged all
landowners in Kirkwood to participate. We have signed up about 10,000
acres with 350 property owners.
Our coalition has
engaged the services of attorney Christopher Denton and his team, Don
Zaengle - Sedimentary Geologist, Bob Williams - Environmental
Scientist, and CPA James Leonard.
We are continuing to
reach out to all landowners (no minimum acreage required) in a final
effort to encourage you to join the coalition. The best way to maximize
the financial benefit for all landowners, allow the gas companies to
drill, build pipelines to get the gas to market, and to ensure
environmental protection, is to build a coalition consisting of many
contiguous acres. You are not required to allow any gas activities on
the surface of your property. The lease agreement would allow the gas
companies to capture oil and gas from under your property using
horizontal drilling techniques.
After several meetings
and many hours of volunteer work, we are preparing to set a cut-off
date to accept membership into the coalition. If you wish to consider
joining the coalition with your friends and neighbors, we have enclosed
a questionnaire for you to complete and submit to the Kirkwood Town
Clerk at:
70 Crescent Dr., Kirkwood, NY 13795
or FAX to: (607) 775-5934
Before you make a
decision, complete the questionnaire, meet with the attorney (at no
cost), address your concerns and review the lease. You only pay the
attorney’s fee of $20.00 per acre after the coalition’s steering
committee recommends the lease agreement to the coalition members for
approval and you receive a check from the gas company that is awarded
the bid.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the members of the coalition’s steering committee:
Chairman, Marchie Diffendorf (607) 775-3128
Co-Chairman, Gary Brodbeck (607) 775-4908
Ben Weingartner (607) 775-3155
Ward Coe (607) 775-1435
Jack Diffendorf (607) 775-1249
Ken Honnick (607) 775-1020
The Kirkwood Coalition's number one goal is to
protect our environment. The best way to protect your well water,
ground water and the environment is to join Kirkwood's Gas Coalition.
The Coalition's lease will be environmental and owner friendly and the
Coalition will only negotiate with gas companies that have the same
goal.
Attorney Chris Denton has informed the Steering
Committee that he is very encouraged to see the serious interest in
Kirkwood expressed by the gas companies. He sent our map with the
high-lighted properties to a number of companies and they liked what
they saw. Our coalition has many contiguous acres, and the geological
reports are more convincing that we are in the core of the Marcellus
Shale. If we stick together and be patient the Steering Committee
believes we will all benefit.
Marchie Diffendorf, Coalition Chairman
Review of Previous Information
Contact Your Neighbors - Contact your neighbors and
ask them if they are interested in signing up and participating in the
gas lease coalition. If they don't have access to the internet, you
might consider assisting them.
Progress - We have made great progress in a short
time and we currently have approximately 8,457 acres in the coalition.
Time seems to be on our side as sign-on bonuses and royalties keep
increasing.
Steering Committee Selected - April 2008
At a meeting held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 the
coalition elected to have Marchie Diffendorf remain as Chairman. The
following volunteered to serve on the Steering Committee: Ward Coe,
Ben Weingartner, Ken Honnick, Jack Diffendorf, and Gary Brodbeck.
Steering Committees from Kirkwood, Conklin/Town of
Binghamton, Vestal and Windsor will interview attorney Gordon Thompson
on Wednesday, April 16th, and attorney Chris Denton on Thursday, April
17th. The Committees will make a recommendation and present it to
their coalitions. The coalitions will then decide to accept or reject
the Steering Committees' recommendation.
If you own property in Conklin or the Town of Binghamton you can obtain more information by going to www.nygaslease.com.
If you own property in Windsor or Colesville, you can obtain more information by going to www.windsorny.org.
To contact the Tioga County Landowners Group go to www.tiogagaslease.org.
By joining the coalition you are not committed to any
agreements the coalition may sign in the future. We appreciate your
participation with the hopes of securing the best possible lease that
will meet the needs of all our members.
I would like to thank the Town of Kirkwood for the use of their website.
For additional general gas drilling information go to: www.windsorny.org or www.pressconnects.com.
Marchie
Leased Properties
On November 17, 2008 the steering committee met with Attorney Chris Denton. It
was decided to allow property owners currently leased to join the
Kirkwood Gas Coalition if the lease expires early next year. If you are in this situation, please make sure of the date your lease expires. To join the coalition you can pick up a questionnaire at the Kirkwood Town Clerk’s Office. We will keep the information for these properties in a separate database and present them to gas companies for their review. |