The note arrived unexpectedly. The Graham family is negotiating to lease rights to drill for oil under my ranch.

Again.

My hands shook. My heart sank. The Grahams gave us a good deal on this ranch, including all of the subsurface rights except oil and gas. I like the entire family. They have no incentive to sell those mineral rights. Unlike a gold claim, mineral rights cost nothing to retain and they might generate income. Leasing mineral rights makes perfect economic sense.

But the last time oil explorers came to the ranch ranks among the Top 10 most traumatic events of my life. I learned firsthand about the worst of human nature — deceit, greed, utter disregard for the land, slovenliness, pride and power-mongering. My chest tightens at the memory of awakening to dishes rattling and spotlights lighting up my entire house. The exploration crew was shaking a 5.9 earthquake next to my house at 11 p.m., while my children slept.