The West Virginia University Extension Service is presenting a free, educational program for the general public entitled “Understanding Renegotiation and Renewal of Natural Gas Leases.”

There will be two opportunities to attend. The first is on Tuesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. at the West Virginia Northern Community College on Market Street in Wheeling. For directions, contact WVU Extension Agent Norm Schwertfeger at 304-737-3666. Schwertfeger serves Brooke, Hancock, Marshall and Ohio counties.

The second will take place on Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. at the Doddridge County Park in West Union. Contact Doddridge County WVU Extension Service Agriculture Agent Dave Snively for directions at 304-873-1801.

“With many of the early Marcellus leases signed 3-5 years ago expiring or about to expire, it is important for mineral and landowners to understand the intricacies of negotiating new leases or renewing existing leases to maximize their benefits and protect their assets,” said Snively. “We want to educate people about all the variables involved so they can reach a decision about what is best for their situation.”

Eric Gordon, a lawyer with experience in writing and negotiating natural gas leases from the Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor and Gordon law firm, along with experts from the WVU Extension Service, will be on hand to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by the growth and development of the region’s gas industries.

After the presentation, there will be a question and answer session.

With gas leases on the mind of property owners across the state, WVU Extension Service’s Oil and Natural Gas Team aims to provide unbiased programming based on expertise and knowledge to help the citizens of West Virginia make informed decisions about the natural gas industry.

For more general information about the program, contact Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391, visit anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

zl/06/30/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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