available geologic, geophysical, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of this data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions regarding drilling and operating expense, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The SEC mandates some of these assumptions such as oil and natural gas prices and the present value discount rate.

Proved reserve estimates prepared by others may be substantially higher or lower than our estimates. Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which may differ from actual results, reserve quantities actually recovered may be significantly different than estimated. Material revisions to reserve estimates may be made depending on the results of drilling, testing, and rates of production.

You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows is the current market value of our estimated proved reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, we based the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves on prices and costs on the date of the estimate.

Our rate of recording depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for proved properties is dependent on our estimate of proved reserves. If these reserve estimates decline, the rate at which we record these expenses will increase. A 10% increase or decrease in our proved reserves would have increased or decreased our depletion expense by 9.5% for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Upon entering into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative instruments as a hedge of the variability of cash flow to be received (cash flow hedge). Changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income to the extent that the derivative is effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item. Any ineffectiveness in the relationship between the cash flow hedge and the hedged item is recognized currently in income. Gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income associated with the cash flow hedge are recognized in earnings as oil and natural gas revenues when the forecasted transaction occurs. All of our derivative instruments at December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 were designated as cash flow hedges.

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on the balance sheet at its fair value and gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income will be recognized in earnings immediately. In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative will be carried at fair value on the balance sheet with future changes in its fair value recognized in future earnings.

We typically use fixed rate swaps and costless collars to hedge our exposure to material changes in the price of natural gas and oil. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. We also formally assess, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions.

For a discussion of the impact of changes in the prices of oil and gas on our hedging transactions, see "Volatility of Oil and Natural Gas Prices" below. Our Board of Directors sets all of our hedging policy, and reviews volumes, types of instruments and counterparties, on a quarterly basis. These policies are followed by management through the execution of trades by either the President or Chief Financial Officer after consultation and concurrence by the President, Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board. The master contracts with the authorized counterparties identify the President and Chief Financial Officer as the only representatives authorized to execute trades. The Board of Directors also reviews the status and results of hedging activities quarterly.

Income Taxes

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 ("SFAS No. 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes," deferred income taxes are recognized at each year end for the future tax consequences of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. We routinely assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets. We consider future taxable income in making such assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized under accounting standards, it is reduced by a valuation allowance. However, despite our attempt to make an accurate estimate, the ultimate utilization of our deferred tax assets is highly dependent upon our actual production and the realization of taxable income in future periods.

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