Operators in the Rocky Mountain region are drilling longer laterals at precisely steered orientations, deploying best-in-class hydraulic fracturing techniques, and drilling on optimized interwell spacings as they shift to fully exploiting derisked reserves in core areas of their acreage positions, and sharpen their focus on optimizing the performance of both new and existing wells. Earlier phases of activity in the Williston and Denver-Julesburg basins included delineating acreage holdings and experimenting with lateral lengths, completion stage counts, fracturing designs and artificial lift techniques in preparation for full-scale development of liquids-rich Bakken/Three Forks and Niobrara positions. The time for concentrated development efforts has arrived, driven partly by lower oil prices, but also by the fact that operators generally have advanced any "science experiment" stages of drilling and completion to the point that they now are ready to apply the knowledge gained to efficiently develop the sweetest of the sweet spots. As a result, some companies are accelerating their field development plans, while others are increasing rig counts and completion crews in anticipation of bringing on new production streams that will generate solid economic returns. AUGUST 2015 101