BUTLER — In response to local landowners' concerns, a workshop titled "Natural Gas Leasing for Landowners" will be held at 7 p.m. March 20 to provide participants with information to help them make informed decisions.

Deep well natural gas development can cause significant impact on land ownership and create challenges for the relationship between private landowners and gas exploration companies.

The most common point of contact is during the gas leasing process. Sometimes there is a great deal of pressure from competition for properties and in many cases landowners are unprepared to negotiate complex leases that may have significant long-term impact on their property.

The workshop is intended to help private landowners understand the process of gas exploration and leasing. It will review the exploration process, terms in a company lease and possible economic impact on taxes and estates.

The workshop will feature a panel of experts, including: a gas lease consultant; an industry representative; and a representative from the state Department of Environmental Protection. each will address their roles in the permitting and inspection process.

Rural landowners who understand the gas exploration and leasing process will make better decisions for their land and families. The workshop, however, should not be viewed as a substitute for legal counsel which is highly recommended before agreeing to any terms.

The workshop will be conducted via interactive video teleconferencing technology in the Pennsylvania Room in North Hall at Slippery Rock University.

The workshop is scheduled to end at 9:30 p.m., after a question-and-answer period.

Registration fee is $10 per person. Pre-registration by March 16 is preferred by contacting the Penn State Extension Office at 724-287-4761.

Checks should be made payable to "Extension Special Account" and mailed to 101 Motor Pool Way, Butler, PA 16001.

Walk-ins will be accepted, but seating is limited to the first 70 paid registrants.

Persons with disabilities in need of special accommodation or with questions about access can contact Rodger Keith at 724-287-4761, Ext. 225.

This article is submitted by the staff of the Penn State Extension Office, Sunnyview Home complex. Donna Zang is the director.