The Mississippi Declaration of Pooled Unit — Short Form is a legal document filed with the Mississippi State Oil and Gas Board that allows multiple landowners to combine their properties into a single unit for oil and gas development purposes. This form is commonly used in the state of Mississippi to simplify the process of pooling multiple tracts of land for oil and gas exploration and production. The Mississippi Declaration of Pooled Unit — Short Form is designed to streamline the administrative procedures involved in pooling and to ensure that all landowners are properly compensated for the extraction of oil and gas reserves from their respective properties. By pooling their properties, landowners can collectively negotiate better lease terms and potentially enhance the chances of discovering oil or gas reserves. This document typically contains various key elements, such as: 1. Identification of the participating property owners: The names and addresses of all landowners involved in the pooled unit should be listed in the declaration. 2. Legal description of the pooled unit: The legal boundaries of the pooled unit, including relevant sections, townships, and ranges, must be clearly defined to establish the area covered by the unit. 3. Authorization and agreement: The document must include a section where all participating landowners agree to pool their properties and delegate the authority to negotiate and execute oil and gas leases and contracts on their behalf. 4. Working interest percentage: The percentage of working interest that each landowner holds within the pooled unit should be specified. This percentage determines the proportion of costs, revenues, and royalties that each landowner will receive. 5. Operating agreement: The declaration may also reference an attached operating agreement, which outlines the specific terms and conditions governing the exploration and production activities within the pooled unit. The operating agreement covers details such as drilling obligations, cost allocations, and revenue distribution. In Mississippi, there may be different types or variations of the Declaration of Pooled Unit — Short Form, depending on specific circumstances or additional requirements imposed by the state's regulatory bodies. For example, there could be different forms for onshore and offshore units, as well as forms for different types of hydrocarbon resources, such as oil, natural gas, or both. It is important for landowners and operators to consult with legal professionals with expertise in oil and gas law to ensure compliance with Mississippi's regulations and to properly execute the Declaration of Pooled Unit — Short Form. By doing so, all involved parties can have the necessary legal protections and enjoy the benefits that come with pooling their interests in oil and gas exploration and production.