Citizens and Landowners

Leasing

The process of oil and gas drilling begins with a lease agreement between one or more landowners and a company. Landowners who are approached for a mineral rights lease should be aware of all the conditions of the lease which allows the producing company to drill on their land.

Two Types of Leases - Leases can be either development or non-development. A development lease will include access to the surface of the land for drilling and operating the well. A non-development lease is for the use of the subsurface minerals only. Both leases share in the landowner royalty of the well.

General Information

Shale: Real Estate and Investments
A new publication released by the Ohio Department of Commerce which highlights issues that can arise pertaining to real estate, mortgage loans, investments as well as the construction or operation of shale wells, pipelines and processing plants.

Look Before You Lease - The Appalachian Ohio Oil and Gas Information & Education Website For Landowners 
In January of 2011, The Look Before You Lease (LB4UL) group began looking at oil and gas issues facing landowners in Ohio, including private landowner leases. Rural Action, Ohio State University Extension in Athens County, Athens County Farm Bureau, and Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) are the working organizations of the LB4UL group. This website contains helpful information and resources for landowners.

Mandatory Pooling Information (ODNR) - Mandatory pooling is requested when an operator is unable to acquire the leases to meet the necessary acreage and/or distance requirements when applying for a drilling permit.

Oil and Gas Leasing in Ohio (ODNR)

Frequently Asked Questions about Drilling and Leasing (ODNR)

Landowners and Leasing for Oil and Gas in Ohio (ODNR)

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Gas and Crude Oil Leasing, Drilling, Exploration and Production in Ohio (Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program)

Sample Oil and Gas Lease Documents (ODNR)

For Development Use

For Non-Development Use

Best Management Practices