BTBowhunter

The thing about revenue from gas and oil leases is that projections sound great but they're about as reliable as the weatherman. While it's probably pretty likely that their will be a substantial windfall someday, it could take a lot of years before any money really changes hands and theres no guarantee when drilling would even start.

For example, in 1988 I acquired a small percentage of the mineral rights to two Texas properties. Sometime around 92 we were notified that a gas well was to be drilled "soon". I did some checking and got some pretty lofty estimates that had us looking at new house plans. They finaly drilled about 5 years later and wound up poking a "dry hole"

Until the money starts actually rolling in it cant be counted on now matter how good the projections may be.

bluebird2

The money has already started rolling in. In 2008-09 the PGC received $5,066,866 in oil/gas rentals and royalties.

BTBowhunter

Oil and gas royalties from commssion owned property has long been part of revenue. 5 mil is a far cry from the projected 700 mil

bluebird2

The revenues were over 4 times higher in 2008 than in 2002 and the gas fields are only in their early development stage.

BTBowhunter

Thanks for reinforcing my point. Not unusual that revenue would have risen that much from gas and oil revenues in 6 years given the market over that period and 5 mil is still nowhere near the 700 million projected. There's no doubt that a big windfall is likely(not a sure thing) but it could be quite a while in coming.

bluebird2

I will come a lot quicker than habitat recovery and increased deer density,which WMI said could take 15-20 additional years above and beyond the previous 10 years of HR.

Cornelius08

Btb, just read the report. It is what it is. You can argue all you like but the analysis has been made. And its a doozy.

Remember that has UPSIDE potential as well just for that area and the figure spoken of.

Also remember that doesnt include ALL the gamelands that fall in the Marcellus zone. That will add to the totals substantially as the figure mentioned only included FOUR gamelands!!

The tapping of this resource has just really begun by pgc, alot forethought and planning had to go in beforehand. The drilling will multiply substantially. As btb stated it already increased signficantly and will continue to. While the huge totals will take awhile to reach, there will be significant increases in the funding this provides short term as well. They wont be drilling LESS every year, they will be drilling MORE.

And as for totals, all things considered that 700,000,000 will most likely be one heckuva lot more considering all the game lands that fall in the marcellus zone.

Cornelius08

Also dont forget pgc already also has around 40 million still left in the reserve fund. They have been breaking close to even so that 40 mil. could last quite a while only being dipped into for a mil or two a year.

Potterco

let's not forget the granduer of the spotted newt program or the bat white nose fungus program, or the wood rat program...all getting their program pockets lined with deer hunters dollars rather than ecoweenie dollars!
Oh yes the PGC is doing wonderful work with their pheasant programs to...it's been what 15 years or more of one failed pheasant program after another..still not enough wild pheasants to make it worth while to keep a dog...OH yes the PGC an their biologists are such great game managers..we deer hunters are luck (less0 to have them!

BTBowhunter

First, The PGC has a constitutional mandate to manage for all of PA's wildlife. Second, all the nongame monies spent combined amount to mere pennies on the license dollar. I'm more than happy to make that tiny contribution and think most sportsmen feel the same way.

Oh and third, Newts fall under the jurisdiction of the PFBC, not the PGC so you are just a tad bit misinformed about newts.