The Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court’s office recorded a slight decline in oil and gas leases for June 2026, though activity in the office remains stable as the Robeline Field continues its geographic expansion across parish boundaries.
Natchitoches Parish Clerk David Stamey said that while the number of leases recorded last month was down slightly, activity remains very stable both in his office and from abstractors working online and at the courthouse. The most significant development is the directional expansion of the Robeline Field in all directions.
“To the east it has crossed I-49 towards Natchitoches, to the west it has actually reached the Sabine Parish line with activity in Sabine Parish and it has slowly extended to the south,” Stamey said. “They seem to be continuing to fill in to the north.”
A notable addition to the June filings is the inclusion of recorded rights of way, which indicate that more drilling activity could be on the way. These easements and access routes typically precede active drilling operations and suggest operators are preparing surface infrastructure for development.
Stamey noted that members of the group conducting the seismic survey have also been busy working at the courthouse and online, continuing their 310-square-mile mapping project across Natchitoches and Sabine parishes. This sustained seismic activity supports the expectation of increased drilling operations in the coming months.
“I am excited with what can happen with more drilling in Natchitoches Parish to go along with the current drilling and production that we are seeing,” Stamey said.
Landowners approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests should understand the complexity and long-term consequences of these agreements. If you are not an expert in oil and gas matters, strongly consider contacting a qualified oil and gas attorney before signing any documents. Mineral leases can have significant implications for mineral rights, royalty structures, surface rights and future property use. Professional legal guidance is essential to ensure fair terms and protect your interests.
The June activity brings the year-to-date leasing total to approximately 355 leases filed in the first six months of 2026, maintaining momentum toward the 2025 pace of 405 leases for the full year.
A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the leases and rights of way filed in June 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026: 355