Oil and Natural Gas Properties

Investments in oil and natural gas properties are accounted for using the full-cost method of accounting. All costs directly associated with the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized. Such costs include lease acquisitions, seismic surveys, and drilling and completion equipment. The Company proportionally consolidates its interestsin oil and natural gas properties. The Company capitalized compensation costs and other costs of employees working directly onexploration activities of $4.5 million, $3.5 million and $2.1 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) of proved oil and natural gas properties are based on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserve quantities. Investments in unproved properties are not subject to DD&A until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or until they are impaired. Unevaluated properties are evaluated periodically for impairment on a property-by-property basis. If the results of an assessment indicate that the propertieshave been impaired, the amount of such impairment is determined and added to the proved oil and natural gas property costs subject to DD&A. The depletable base includes estimated future development costs and, where significant, dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage values. The depletion rate per Mcfe for 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $2.36, $2.61 and $2.22, respectively.

Dispositions of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves.

The net capitalized costs are limited to a “ceiling test” based on the estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, discounted at a 10% rate per annum, based on current economic and operating conditions (“full cost ceiling”). If net capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged to earnings.

Depreciation of other property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from five to 10 years.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Estimates

The process of estimating quantities of proved reserves is inherently uncertain, and the reserve data included in this documentare estimates prepared by Ryder Scott Company Petroleum Engineers, Fairchild & Wells, Inc., LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd. (2007 and 2006), DeGolyer and MacNaughton (2005), independent petroleum engineers. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of hydrocarbons that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The process relies on interpretation of 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 the Company’s 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 ofdrilling, testing, and rates of production.

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

The Company’s rate of recording depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for proved properties is dependent on the Company’s estimate of proved reserves. If these reserve estimates decline, the rate at which the Company records these expenseswill increase.

The Company’s full cost ceiling test also depends on the Company’s estimate of proved reserves. If these reserve estimates decline, the Company may be subjected to a full cost ceiling write-down.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.