There goes the neighborhood...

Many of you are probably aware of all the oil activity in western ND.  They talk that with the amount of oil here and the technology that they now have to recover that oil this oil boom could last 20 years.  I can not imagine what this part of the state will look like in 20 years. 

The last 3 years have been a huge change with the last 1 year being absolutely amazing in the amount of construction that has taken place.  I could drive from Dickinson to the ranch (about 25 miles) and meet maybe 3 vehicles.  On my way into work I used to meet the same 5 vehicles every morning.  Now, the traffic is so heavy you can't use your highbeam headlights and Wes has counted over 250 oncoming vehicles in the 18 miles from town to the country road turnoff.  There are people everywhere.  You can't get a hotel room anywhere. 

About a month ago a seismic survey crew came across our place.  They came through several times actually.  The first time marking everything with GPS (roads, fences, building, water, gates).  Then they came in and placed microphones in the ground, battery packs and cable lines.  The 3 shaker trucks came in next.  Finally, the crews came back and picked up all of their supplies.  Wes spoke with the crews several times and they all seemed very nice, but a person just isn't used to looking out the window first thing in the morning and seeing guys traipsing across the yard.

Although, the girls and I really did get a kick out of watching one guy in the horse pasture.  From 150 yards away you could tell he was scared of the horses and all the horses wanted was some attention. 

All of the supplies (cable, battery packs) was dropped off and picked up by helicopter. 

It was a slick operation to watch, but again, really weird seeing strangers walking all over your property and you really have no say.  I think that has been the hardest part with the oil development.  People just thinking they have the right (and in some cases you can't stop them) to do whatever they want to the land that you love.  The land that is your livelihood.  The land that you pay for and care for and hope that one day you will see your children and grandchildren loving just as much.

Much of the land has changed forever.  Never to be restored to the beauty that once was.  America needs the oil.  I agree with the oil development as long as it is done in a respectable manner.  It is a fine line to walk.  The ND that my girls grow up in will  be completely different from the one their dad grew up in.