The Niobrara Oil Boom

[Photo credit: MVerlee/CPR]

In 2009, an oil company exploring in northern Weld County hit a gusher in what's known as the Niobrara basin. That find touched off an oil rush stretching from Colorado Springs to the Nebraska border. For some communities, that development means big money and lots of growth. For others, drilling rigs are unwelcome new neighbors.  And for landowners leasing their minerals, the whole situation can feel like gambling with their heritage. Our series tells some of the stories, large and small, of the Niobrara oil boom:

• Part One -- Weld County Windfall
• Part Two -- Front Range Officials Struggle to Have a Say
• Part Three -- Colorado Springs, Oil Company Spar Over Open Land
• Part Four -- Oil Fever Reaches Historic Dearfied