The recent announcement of a large natural gas deposit in northwest Louisiana, called the Haynesville Shale, could be this century's gold rush — or a fool's gold of hype.

The only certainty at this point is that some fortunate landowners already are grinning all the way to the bank, patting their pocketbooks that are thick with lease bonus payments and anticipation of royalty riches if a producing well follows.


The Haynesville Shale is being described as one of the richest fields of natural gas ever discovered in this region. But most experts and those connected to the industry agree it's too early to say for sure if the discovery will transform the landscape and economy of parishes that sit atop it.

If the shale holds the amount of natural gas that is being predicted, it could mean millions for some landowners, a boom in the natural gas production business in this region, and a trickle-down bounty for communities, schools and others that would receive payments.

"The economic impact will be absolutely monstrous if it's as big as it can be," said Don Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association.