Continued from page 21 Won’ t gas revenues go back up in the future? The natural gas wells are Antrim shale wells. These wells are producing less gas than in years past. Factor that with the low gas price and the profit margins for gas well operators have decreased significantly. As a result, gas well operators have been removing and sealing many similar wells since 2019, cutting production opportunities in half. Drilling in places like North Dakota, Pennsylvania and other states is now more profitable.
Hydrogen Sulfide( H2S) has also increased in the natural gas. H2S is highly dangerous and has to be removed before being shipped down the gas trunk lines. This removal is highly expensive and has taken away even more of the profit margins the gas well companies saw in previous years.
Where did all that money go? Add it up for the last 20 years, that’ s $ 2.2 Million. Over the last 20 years, more than $ 2.2 million has been generated from the natural gas wells. Other forms of revenue contribute to the Resource Fund as well. Significant amounts have been invested through the Canada Creek Ranch Resource Fund, and every dollar was spent by each Board member, having our members and mission in mind. One of the biggest ways this fund has supported the membership is by directly reducing out-of-pocket costs. In fact, more than $ 1.3 million has been used to subsidize both Capital and Operating Fund dues. This financial support helped prevent large increases in annual dues over the years, easing the burden on all members while still keeping CCR moving forward. Beyond dues relief, the fund played a vital role in protecting and enhancing the land and wildlife that define Canada Creek Ranch. Over $ 1.1 million have gone into habitat improvements like food plots, forestry planning, gypsy moth suppression, tree planting, and fish stocking. These efforts aren’ t always flashy, but they’ re critical to preserving the health of our property and the outdoor experiences our members enjoy year after year. The Resource Fund has also helped us invest almost half a million dollars in infrastructure. Major projects like the Wilson Bridge and Northshore Road, to trail improvements, expanded campground electrical capacity, and even the development of study plans to better manage our greenbelt and common areas. These improvements not only make the Ranch more functional but also more enjoyable and safer for everyone. And while many of the investments have been in behind-the-scenes essentials, the fund has also made contributions to member recreation and comfort, helping pay for things like playground equipment, shooting sports upgrades, HVAC units for the rental cabins, enclosing the campground pavilion, and a library expansion. So when someone asks,“ Where did all the Resource Fund money go?” the answer is simple. It went right back to the Ranch. It went into making this place better, safer, more enjoyable, and more sustainable for current members and for generations to come. The Resource Fund hasn’ t just supported the natural resources, it’ s supported you, the membership.
Don’ t the forestry treatments generate enough money to fund our natural resource projects? No. Revenue from forestry has dropped in the last few years due to market demands similar to what we seen between 2005 and 2010. That doesn’ t mean we should stop forestry treatments for the betterment of the land and the wildlife.
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