Expert: Alan H. Coogan - 6/19/2009

Question
My attorney advises that we have our property appraised for estate purposes.  The land was recently leased for oil/gas exploration.  At this point there have been no discussions about drilling but I expect that will happen or the company would not have leased the rights.
I would like to find someone that can appraise Marcellus gas potential in Northern PA.  Can you direct me to a list of consultants that have that expertise or to an individual with that expertise?  

Answer
Dear Jeff:
Frankly, no one can say what it is worth that will fulfill the
criteria for an appraisal.  The closest is that it is the value of the lease--that is the right to drill, which is to another.

I do this kind of work and can tell you this:

Any number is speculation.  

AHC