Village of Kalkaska v. Shell Oil Co.

The question presented is whether the Village or County of Kalkaska obtained a proprietary interest in oil and gas lying beneath the surface of land that was designated, on plats recorded in 1876, 1888, and 1918, for public use as streets or alleys. We agree with the circuit judge and the Court of Appeals that a proprietary interest in oil and gas was not conveyed to the village or county when the plats were recorded, and that the village and county may not sell the oil and gas lying beneath the surface of the land.

i

Defendant Shell Oil Company explored for and apparently discovered oil or gas…