Land Services

Negotiation and execution of oil and gas leases, mineral and surface acquisitions, and lease options that grant an operator the right to explore for and produce hydrocarbons. Includes lease bonus negotiation, drafting, and lease record maintenance.

Examination of ownership records to determine who holds the mineral and surface estate, build chains of title, and prepare drilling or division-order title opinions. Curative work resolves gaps, conflicting claims, and defects that cloud title.

Negotiation of surface use, damage, and access agreements with landowners and ongoing administration of those obligations, including rentals, compensation, and lease provision compliance. In Alberta this includes surface lease and right-of-entry work under the Surface Rights Act.

Securing easements and rights-of-way for pipelines, flowlines, power lines, and access roads across private, Crown, or public land. Covers route negotiation, landowner compensation, and the agreements that allow construction and operation across third-party property.

Earthwork to build the well location, including land clearing, stripping and stockpiling topsoil, grading, and constructing the level, compacted well pad and containment that supports the rig and surface equipment. Often described as lease construction or location building.

Building and maintaining the roads that connect a public route to the well site or facility, including grading, culvert installation, and gravel surfacing. Common in remote and muskeg terrain such as northern Alberta where road construction supports year-round access.

Clearing trees, brush, and vegetation from the lease, road corridor, or right-of-way ahead of construction, including mulching, grubbing, and debris disposal. Sets the footprint for the disturbed surface acreage to be developed.

Returning a disturbed site to an agreed end land use after operations cease, including recontouring, topsoil replacement, revegetation, and obtaining a regulatory reclamation certificate. Closes out the surface obligations created during acquisition and construction.