Pitchfork Ranch, The Nature Conservancy sued for access
“A Texas company is suing the historic Pitchfork Ranch under the state’s eminent domain law to gain access to oil and gas leases 17 miles west of Meeteetse.
Principle Petroleum Partners of Texas is seeking a court order of condemnation and authorization to enter and develop infrastructure on a portion of the Pitchfork held under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy.
TNC is named as a co-defendent in the lawsuit filed earlier this month in district court. It states that officials with the Pitchfork Ranch and TNC have rejected attempts to find a solution outside of legal action.
In March, Pitchfork co-owner (and West Park Hospital board member) Dr. Lennox Baker apparently told Principal Petroleum “this ain’t going to happen” in reference to the sought-after access, court records state.”
Hansen, Heidi. codyenterprise.com 25 September 2013.