A look at who owns the land that could supply the nation’s natural gas demand.

As the next hydrocarbon production era evolves in Michigan, landowners debate leasing their mineral rights to oil and gas companies. Concerns about potential land degradation and water contamination from high-pressure extraction processes, called “fracking,” compete with lucrative offers that come in the midst of a struggling economy and the country’s increasing demand for energy.

Reporting and photographs © Heather Rousseau. Reach her at heather@circleofblue.org.