The Jewett Sportsman's Club in Harrison County continues its dispute with Chesapeake Energy over land and drilling for natural gas, with construction active on the property Sunday.

Members, who have equal shares in the property, can only stand by and watch while their property is taken over.
"It's just, we don't understand why they can come in here and destroy our property without some kind of surface agreement," said John Harris, the president of the sportsman's club.

Last week oil and gas surveyors were seen in the area, and Chesapeake was supposed to negotiate a lease agreement with the club for a proposed drilling site. But even though the club owns the surface rights, Chesapeake owns what's beneath it.

The company released a statement saying it owns enough "surface operating rights to develop and produce oil and gas." So, according to Chesapeake, they are free to do what they want on the property.

"It's getting to the point now, it's not about money, it's about principle. If this keeps going on with us, there's no one in the state of Ohio who's going to be safe," said Harris. "They'll just move in on tour property and take over."

Construction started Friday morning, and Harris said he's concerned about a drop in club membership after the construction noise drives away wildlife.


"We just don't know how we're supposed to stop them because they're a multimillion dollar corporation, and we just a small little sportsman's club," said Harris.

Even though Chesapeake said they have a right to be there, Harris said they are putting up a fight.
Members will meet with their attorney Monday, said Harris. If club members try to interfere in construction, Chesapeake released a statement that the company will fine the club $100,000.