Drilling activity is picking up in South Texas, Home of the Eagle Ford Shale. While my reports currently don’t break out rig count details on the Eagle Ford, one of the latest issues noted an increase of 11 drilling rigs in the area.

The smaller independent companies continue to cede ground to the bigger public companies as drilling activity continues to shift more toward unconventional oil and gas plays. Interest in the Eagle Ford has spurred a flurry of permitting activity as well, plus there is a large group of companies who have positions in the Eagle Ford but are still waiting on the economics.

There appears to be two extremes, the very busy unconventional shale gas geologist and the busy, but not too busy traditional reservoir geologist. From my point of view there are great opportunities for all. Some saw the Eagle Ford boom coming and acquired acreage quickly while others got good positions by having leases held by production. Also, while everyone is focusing on the Eagle Ford, conventional prospect should be easier to put together.

I have had a good response from last month’s Presidents Letter. In order to keep our society active and growing, we need to encourage student membership. Along these lines the CCGS board has lowered student membership due to $0 starting in the 2010 – 2011.

Congratulations to Owen Hopkins for having his name make the first cut in the naming of the city’s newest elementary school. Owen’s tireless volunteer efforts must be recognized.

Dates to remember:
May 6th – Shrimp Boil at Desiree’s (Art Center)
May 19th – Clayton Williams at the Ortiz Center
May 22nd – Family Fossil Hunt Field Trip

Juan N. Cabasos
CCGS President 2009-2010