|
A letter from CLA President John Wadlin sent recently to numerous local and regional newspapers Periodically Oil & Gas companies come through New York attempting to entice landowners to sign land leases for exploration. Members of the CATSKILL LANDOWNERS ASSO. [CLA] have recently been approached. CLA urges its members and all landowners in the region to be extremely cautious before signing such a lease. While a term of five years with rents and royalties may appear enticing the lease becomes an encumbrance on the land. A landowner will encounter difficulties upon a sale or mortgage. These companies rarely take the appropriate steps to terminate the lease of record so the problem remains many years later. The leases contain many onerous provisions which can extend it beyond the stated term as well as permitting easements across lands to serve the transport of oil or gas from a neighbors property. If you are approached we strongly suggest review by your attorney before entering into such a lease. CLA is dedicated to the proposition that enlightened private stewardship has and will continue to provide a most effective method of preserving the aesthetic and environmental integrity of Catskill lands. For more information please visit www.catskilllandowners.org. John J. Wadlin President, CLA A task force was formed (Board Members Alan White, |
