AgriLife Extension program to focus on oil/gas land stewardship

Multi-county program set for Aug. 13 in Crane

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Caleb Eaton, 432-558-3522, cleaton@ag.tamu.edu

 

CRANE – The up-tick in oilfield-related activity across West Texas has prompted the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to schedule the Permian Basin Oil and Gas Stewardship Conference and Trade Show for oil operators and landowners from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 13.

The multi-county conference will be in the Crane County Exhibition Building, 900 W.6th St. in Crane. Conducting the program will be AgriLife Extension agents from Crane, Andrews, Pecos, Reeves and Winkler/Loving counties.

Individual registration is $15 and due upon arrival. RSVP by July 31 to the AgriLife Extension office in Crane County at 432-558-5322 or email cleaton@ag.tamu.edu .

“The Permian Basin has seen almost constant oil and gas production for most of the last century, but the current boom we’re experiencing is at record numbers,” said Caleb Eaton, AgriLife Extension agent in Crane County.

Eaton said the oilfield activity is having negative effects on the region’s rangeland, which is detrimental to livestock and wildlife. The resulting bare ground tends to create wind erosion problems and opens the door for invasive noxious plants to gain a foothold.

“The goal of this conference is to give oil and gas operators the most accurate and efficient practices for reclaiming rangelands after oilfield disturbance,” Eaton said.

“While this program is open to landowners and ranchers, the real target audience we are trying to reach are land men and other oil and gas industry professional who make the land reclamation decisions.”

The primary conference speakers will be Dr. Alyson McDonald, AgriLife Extension range specialist at Fort Stockton, and Santos Gonzales with the Texas Railroad Commission at Midland.

McDonald will present Reseeding Right-of-ways and Brush and Weed Control on Oilfield Sites. She will also lead a pipeline reseeding field tour, weather permitting.

Gonzales will speak on proper drilling site reclamation procedures.

One Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit will be available in the general category for those with a valid private pesticide applicators license.

Eaton said conference organizers are seeking exhibitors for the trade show who provide support or services in reclamation of oil and gas locations. Booth space is $50 due July 31, and includes a table and listing as a show sponsor in the conference proceedings.

For more information on the trade show, contact Norman Fryar, AgriLife Extension agent in Pecos County, at 432-558-3522, rnfryar@ag.tamu.edu . Or contact any of the following AgriLife Extension agents for further information:

— Eaton, 432-558-5322, cleaton@ag.tamu.edu .

– Josh Blanek, Andrews County, 432-524-1421, j-blanek@tamu.edu .

– Chase Settle, Winkler/Loving counties, 432-586-2593, cesettle@ag.tamu.edu .

– Joshua Cobos, Reeves County, 432-447-9041, joshua.cobos@ag.tamu.edu .

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