I have conflicted feelings about the possibility of having oil on my land. I purchased my land after a year long search for property that was isolated, suitable for farming, and within reasonable driving distance to Chicago. I knew within two minutes of viewing the parcel that this was the one. Last week a UPS delivery man commented that I was in the middle of “God’s country”. It is gorgeous and I would hate to see it ruined by oil exploration. My research into modern drilling practices, however, indicate that the footprint of modern wells is not as invasive as it once was. Every one of my neighbors, except for the retired engineering professor who has 100+ acres of dense woodland next to my plot, appear to have given permission for seismic testing on their land. I’m hoping that if oil is found that any infrastructure would be placed on adjacent properties rather than mine.