Overall activity increased significantly during 1976 in each of the 3 CSD Districts covered by this paper. Both exploratory and development success rates continued to increase, with the exception of the North Louisiana exploratory success rate which declined slightly.

In South Arkansas, the Smackover continued to be the most actively explored target. In the Arkoma basin, increased activity resulted in several field extensions. The increased gas prices of the last few years were felt in North Louisiana where the Cotton Valley and Hosston were the most active objectives. Smackover production was established for the first time in Natchitoches Parish outside of the main Louisiana Smackover trend. East Texas activity was again at a high level, with significant discoveries and rapid development throughout the area.

Drilling activity during 1977 should show no decline. There appears to be strong support for the present rate of development and for further exploration of existing trends and increasing interest in exploration of outlying areas.