The Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) is currently collecting surface lease, transmission line, seismic, and pipeline right of way agreements from landowners for the Surface Rights, Land, and Energy: Pricing Transparency Mapping Project.
“This fall the FAO will launch four interactive online maps depicting project details and the compensation values paid to landowners under the heads of compensation,” says Jeana Les, research and communications specialist for the FAO. “There is currently no central repository where this type of information is compiled and accessible to landowners.”
“When negotiating with energy companies, landowners want to know if the compensation offer made by the land agent is within the range offered to other landowners,” says Les. “The Pricing Transparency Maps will provide a starting point for rural landowners who are negotiating with energy companies.”
Les says landowners were positive about the compensation maps the FAO produced from2007-09. The new maps will be more robust and interactive, including a greater number of details and better sorting functions. In addition, the new maps will be updated on a continuous basis.
The FAO is currently accepting seismic and pipeline right of way agreements no older than 2011, and surface lease and transmission agreements no older than 2010. Please note that originals should not be submitted, as they will not be returned. No agreements containing a privacy clause will be accepted. Participants will be required to sign a release pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Names and contact information will not be released through the maps. Legal land description to the section will be depicted.
Source: AlbertaPork