The Marcellus Shale, located in West Virginia, is a large natural gas field in the form of shale rock.  This shale is located deep below the earth's surface and when fractured, can produce a large amount of Natural Gas.

West Virginia is one of several states that is home to the Marcellus Shale.  ( From the West Virginia State Website ): West Virginia is the only net exporter of natural gas east of the Mississippi River. The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey has identified about 7,500 wells producing 1.9 million barrels of oil and about 40,500 wells producing 191.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas.  Also: Natural gas is produced in 49 out of West Virginia's 55 counties, through approximately 40,500 wells throughout the state. West Virginia is the largest producer of oil and natural gas east of the Mississippi River. The state ranks 33rd in the nation for oil production and 11th for natural gas production.

The Marcellus Shale has been a hot spot for landowners living in West Virginia.  Some homeowners who own their land have been approached by oil & gas companies and asked to lease their mineral rights.  Owners not only receive a mineral rights bonus, they also receive royalty payments from natural gas extracted from the Marcellus Shale.  Although natural gas prices have fallen in 2009, mineral rights activity is still happening but at a lower amount.  There seems to be less landbrokers from a year ago.

Mineral Rights Leasing: Wood County, WV - as of late 2008 - $100-$200 per acre ( up to $1000 ) and Royalty Payments of of atleast 16.66%.  Right of Way ( ROW ) Pipelines on the property were going for atleast $10 per foot.