Tony:
Usually, if a well is planned, the surface owner will be contacted by a representative of the oil company and an agreement will be written addressing how any surface damages will be handled. This document, is referred to as a "Surface Use Agreement" or "Easement Document". Normal surface damages include the building of roads to a location and the building of a location which includes clearing of a surface area and digging of pits. This agreement could also include damages incurred by seismic tests. Keep in mind, with today's drilling technology, many wells are horizontal or directional and access to the minerals is drilled from an adjacent location where no physical presence is required on your surface area. If or when a well is planned and an agreement is presented, you might want an experienced individual to review the wording in order to make certain all areas are covered.