Defense, Army, Corps of Engineers, Skiatook Lake, Acquisition of Mineral Interests Reserved to the Osage Indians

The letter is providing an update on the Skiatook Lake project. The writer announces that a settlement has been reached with the Osage Tribe on the value of their mineral rights. The settlement still requires legislation to be passed in order for the acquisition to proceed. The letter also mentions the need to acquire operating leasehold interests and the potential for condemnation if voluntary settlements cannot be reached. The writer also mentions proposed changes to a Senate Bill and the cooperation between the Corps and the Osage Tribe in developing mineral interests. The letter concludes by stating that further developments will be reported.

The text discusses legislation that will provide $7.4 million in compensation to the Osage Indian Tribe of Oklahoma for the flooding of their land by a water project. The bill recognizes the tribes authority to administer their mineral estate and their agreement with the Corps of Engineers for compensation. The flooding of the land is necessary for the construction of the Skiatook Dam, which is part of a flood control project. The Osage Tribes mineral interests in the land have been a significant source of oil and gas for the United States. The cost of the compensation will be covered by funds authorized for the Corps of Engineers.

The letter provides an update on the Skiatook Lake projects, specifically regarding the mineral rights subordination issue. The participants made progress in their negotiations, but did not reach conclusive understanding on the remaining bargaining values. The government made a $4 million proposal, but the Corps of Engineers will not continue to bid against itself. The governments offer only pertains to settlement costs for the tribe and not the independent operators and lessees in the area. The letter urges support for the introduction and passage of subordination legislation. A decision on continuing construction at Skiatook will be postponed until after a meeting on June 11. The letter also mentions that negotiations concerning Candy Lake alternatives should not be part of the Skiatook mineral rights settlement.

The text is correspondence on information and data related to a project or lease involving Skiatook Lake, the Osage Indians, and oil and gas production. It includes details such as the number of producing wells, appraisal methods, reserve estimates, and production figures.

The author is writing to Senator David Boren expressing disappointment and frustration about his proposal to abandon the work on Candy Lake in order to continue work on Skiatook Lake. The author argues that Candy Lake is also necessary for flood control, water conservation, and protection of farm land in the area. They suggest that both lakes can coexist and that the Osage Nation should be fairly compensated for potential loss of minerals. The author urges the senator not to waste taxpayer money and to continue with the original plans for both lakes. They also mention that they will encourage others to contact the senators office to protest the proposed abandonment of Candy Lake.

The text is a letter from James R. Jones, a member of Congress, to Mr. Jeff Lewis. Jones thanks Lewis for his recent communication with his district office and appreciates Lewis confidence. Jones mentions that negotiations are ongoing between two lakes and that he cannot comment on the situation. He also acknowledges Lewis suggestions regarding the radar tower at Tulsa International Airport. Jones assures Lewis that he will keep his thoughts in mind. The letter concludes with Jones offering further assistance if needed.

The text discusses the issue of acquiring mineral rights from the Osage Tribe for the construction of the Skiatook Lake project. The Justice Department has determined that Congressional intent is required for condemnation to be undertaken. The Osage Tribal Council opposes subordination of the mineral rights and there are concerns about the impact on oil and gas recovery. The construction of the project is proceeding under the assumption that the minerals can be subordinated, but there may be temporary inundation of producing wells. There is a lack of public understanding of the governments position, and a public announcement is planned to address this. The future of the Skiatook Lake project is jeopardized by the Osage Tribes position on the mineral rights, and special legislation may be needed to resolve the issue. The current oil production in the project area is estimated at 300 barrels per day, and only a small portion of the land is considered productive for oil. The initial decrease in oil production would be minimal compared to the benefits of flood control

The memo discusses a report about the Department of Justice (DOJ) pulling out of a case concerning the condemnation of lands for the construction of Candy Lake. The Osage Indians entered the case and asserted their title to the mineral rights. The DOJ pulled out of the case based on the precedent set by the Winnebago Tribe of Indians case, which stated that the US cannot condemn Indian lands without specific authorization from Congress. The memo suggests that any authorization to condemn lands would need to be done by changing the underlying authorization for the lake project. It also mentions the possibility of the Corps and the Osage tribe working out a land swap arrangement.

This text is a memorandum discussing a meeting held between representatives of the Osage Indian Tribe and the Army Civil Works regarding the construction of the Skiatook and Candy Lake Projects. The Osage Tribe expressed concerns about the projects impact on the mineral ownership of the tribe and argued that the oil and gas reserves in the affected areas had not been adequately recognized. They provided figures that differed greatly from the Corps estimates of the reserves. The memorandum also discusses the need for further support from the Corps to justify their position and suggests two possible courses of action. The text also mentions the potential loss in revenue and damages if the lakes are built.

The letter is from Doug Martin to Congressman James R. Jones regarding the Skiatook Lake project. Martin suggests that the Osage Tribe trade their royalty interests from the lake for a surcharge on every gallon of water sold from the lake. He also proposes that the Osage Tribe retain a 3/16th on any future oil/gas produced from the lake land. Martin suggests compensating the Osage Tribe for lost revenue by building a resort and leasing land and the surface of the lake to them. He also mentions the need for restructuring the Osage Tribes tribal structure. Martin acknowledges that his suggestions may not be well-received by the Osage Tribe but believes they are worth considering.

This text proposes a substitute power for the Osage Tribe of Indians in relation to the acquisition of their mineral estate. It states that the Osage Tribal Council has the authority to administer the mineral estate and has agreed to receive $7,400,000 as compensation for the acquisition of the subordination of the oil, coal, and other minerals necessary for the construction and maintenance of the Skiatook Lake project. The text also outlines the conditions and restrictions for the subordination and states that the payment for the subordination should be made to the Secretary of the Interior on behalf of the Osage Tribe. It further authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire the subordination of any interests in oil, gas, coal, and other minerals necessary for the Skiatook Lake project. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to disburse the payment to the Osage Tribe in accordance with applicable law, and attorney fees are not applicable to the funds paid to the tribe.

This text is a bill that authorizes the Secretary of the Army to acquire interests in oil, gas, coal, and other minerals owned or controlled by the Osage Tribe of Indians for the construction and operation of Skiatook Lake in Oklahoma. The bill also authorizes the negotiation of a contract between the Osage Tribal Council and the Secretary of the Army for the purchase of these mineral interests. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to disburse the payment to the Osage Tribe of Indians, and the authority to enter into contracts or make payments is subject to appropriations Acts.

The text is a letter from Colonel James J. Harmon, the District Engineer of the US Army, to Ms. Rena King, the Acting Superintendent of the Osage Indian Agency. The letter discusses the appraisal findings of the Skiatook Lake project and proposes subordinating the mineral rights to the operation of the project. The letter also provides information about the appraisal methods used and the qualifications of the appraisal firm, Brown and Associates, Inc. There is a difference in the estimated value of the mineral rights, which needs to be clarified for further discussion and resolution. The letter emphasizes the importance of timely resolution due to upcoming construction decisions and the need for clarity on future project costs for congressional action. The Colonel expresses hope for a rapid and fair settlement of the differences and offers to discuss the matter openly.