Interest in gas and petroleum development on Crown agricultural lands has expanded greatly in recent years. Today there are over 4,500 active surface lease agreements. several hundred easements and seismic authorizations typically top the 1,000 mark each year. These bring in revenue of about five million dollars annually which represents about twenty percent of total branch revenue in any one year.
Industry members are urged to use these guidelines in establishing operating procedures on Crown lands. In addition to these there are certain policy procedures that are necessary and will form the first part of this paper. Seismic entry conditions, local contacts and charges are reviewed. The Petroleum and Gas Surface lease agreement is discussed and special reference is made to the environmental requirements outlined in the lease agreement. Prescreening activity and land use restrictions are briefly described and the relevant regulations are covered to provide a quick overview of reclamation and restoration requirements on Crown agricultural lands.