PATINA OIL & GAS CORP
SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT
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<TYPE>EX-10.1
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<FILENAME>dex101.htm
<DESCRIPTION>SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT
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<TITLE>Separation and Consulting Agreement</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exhibit 10.1 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT </U></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">THIS SEPARATION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT (&#147;Agreement&#148;) is entered into between Patina Oil &amp; Gas Corporation, a
Delaware corporation (the &#147;Company&#148;) and Jay W. Decker (&#147;Decker&#148;) (collectively the &#147;Parties&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">I. <U>RECITALS</U> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">WHEREAS, Decker desires to resign from his position as Director and President of the Company; </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">WHEREAS, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on December
16, 2004 (the &#147;Merger Agreement&#148;) and anticipates that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be consummated between March and September 2005 (the &#147;Proposed Merger&#148;); and </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">WHEREAS, the Company wishes to retain the services of Decker during a
transition period to assist the Company in conducting its business and in consummating the Proposed Merger. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">II. <U>COVENANTS</U> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, it is hereby agreed by the Parties as follows: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman"
SIZE="2">A. <U>Separation Date</U>. The &#147;Separation Date&#148; shall be close of business on December 22, 2004. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. <U>Resignation</U>. By signing this Agreement, Decker hereby tenders and the Company accepts his resignation of all duties and positions as officer and
director of the Company and its subsidiaries, such resignation to be effective on the Separation Date. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. <U>Payments on Separation</U>. In connection with his resignation, Decker shall receive: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. Payment for (i) all unpaid, accrued salary, net of applicable taxes and withholdings, earned by Decker in connection with
his employment with the Company through the Separation Date, and (ii) all accrued, unused vacation time, net of applicable taxes and withholdings, in each case, such payment to be made on the Company&#146;s next regularly-scheduled payroll date
occurring on or immediately following the Separation Date. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.
After the Separation Date and to the extent permitted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended (&#147;COBRA&#148;) and the insurance policies and rules applicable to the Company, Decker shall be eligible, upon valid and
timely election, to continue medical and dental insurance coverage for eighteen months or such longer period as covered under </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">COBRA. Such COBRA continuation shall be at Decker&#146;s own expense, except as provided in Section II.D.5 of this
Agreement. As of and after the Separation Date, Decker shall be ineligible to receive or participate in any other form of benefit that the Company provides to its employees, including but not limited to life insurance, AD &amp; D, Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan and equity incentive plans. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">D. <U>Consultancy.</U> Subject to the satisfactory performance of Decker&#146;s obligations under this Agreement (to be determined by the Company&#146;s Chief Executive Officer in his sole discretion), the Company
agrees as follows: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. The Company shall retain Decker as a
consultant for a period to begin on the Separation Date and to continue through the later of (a) June 30, 2005 or (b) ninety (90) days after the consummation of the Proposed Merger (the &#147;Consulting Period&#148;); provided, however, that if the
Proposed Merger is terminated and abandoned prior to June 30, 2005, then the Consulting Period shall terminate on June 30, 2005 and if the Proposed Merger is terminated and abandoned after June 30, 2005, then the Consulting Period shall terminate on
the business day following such termination and abandonment. During the Consulting Period, Decker will assist the Company as requested by its Chief Executive Officer. Until the earlier of the consummation or the termination and abandonment of the
Proposed Merger, Decker will work full-time for the Company as a consultant. After such date and for the remainder of the Consulting Period, Decker shall make himself available for up to 20 hours per week for consultancy services. On or about the
last day of each of month within the Consulting Period, Decker will be sent a check for the gross amount of $50,000.00 per month (the &#147;Payments&#148;) for any full month during the Consulting Period or a check for the gross amount equal to the
pro rata portion of such Payment for any partial month in the Consulting Period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. Simultaneously with 2004 bonus payments made to continuing Company officers, Decker will be paid a bonus for 2004 services as President of the Company in an amount to be determined in the sole discretion of the
Compensation Committee of the Company&#146;s Board of Directors. Applicable taxes and withholdings shall be deducted from the gross 2004 bonus amount. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3. Pursuant to applicable stock option plans, agreements, and grant notices (the &#147;Controlling Documents&#148;), Decker acknowledges that, but for
this Agreement, all of Decker&#146;s unvested stock options and/or restricted stock awards would cease vesting on the Separation Date. Decker also acknowledges that, because Company is engaging Decker to act as a consultant for Company under the
terms of this Agreement, Decker will be permitted to continue to vest in all options and restricted stock awards that would have ordinarily vested under the terms of grant during the Consulting Period had Decker&#146;s employment with the Company
not been terminated. In addition, on the earlier of the consummation of the Proposed Merger or the last day of the Consulting Period, all unvested options to purchase Company common stock and all unvested restricted stock awards then held by Decker
shall vest. All stock options that vest after the Separation Date will be treated for tax purposes as non-qualified stock options. All stock options that remain outstanding three months after the Separation Date will become non-qualified stock
options. If the Proposed Merger is consummated before the end of the Consulting Period and all active employees of the Company are permitted to hold all vested options and exercise such options until the date of termination of such options, then
Decker shall also be permitted to hold and exercise his stock options until the date of termination of such stock options. If the Proposed Merger is not consummated before the end of the Consulting </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Period, then Decker shall have 60 days after the end of the Consulting Period in which to exercise all vested options;
any options not exercised during such 60 day period shall be forfeited. Unless otherwise specified in this paragraph, all other provisions of the Controlling Documents shall control. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4. On the Separation Date, Decker shall be fully vested in all amounts held in Decker&#146;s Deferred Compensation account.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. For the twelve-month period beginning on January 1, 2005
and ending December 31, 2005, the Company shall pay Decker&#146;s premiums to continue his current health care coverage elections under COBRA (subject to the provisions of Section IV.C), provided that Decker timely elects to continue such coverage
pursuant to COBRA. After December 31, 2005, Decker may continue his health care coverage, at his own expense, for such additional period as is available under COBRA. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6. In the event that: (i) the Proposed Merger is consummated on or before December 31, 2005; or (ii) any other corporate
transaction that would constitute a Change in Control under the Company&#146;s Amended and Restated Change in Control Plan, as amended, is announced prior to the end the Consulting Period and such transaction is closed within six (6) months
following the end of the Consulting Period; then Decker will be entitled to receive an Executive Payment under Company&#146;s Change in Control Plan as if he were an active employee of the Company. With respect to the Proposed Merger, the Executive
Payment amount triggered upon the consummation thereof is agreed by the parties hereto to be $2,912,816. Applicable taxes and withholdings shall be deducted from such amount. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">E. <U>No Other Payments.</U> Except as expressly provided herein, Decker acknowledges that he will not receive, nor is he
entitled to, any additional payment or consideration, and together with the mutual covenants and promises set forth herein, the Payments, the consultancy, the 2004 bonus, the vesting of all stock options and restricted stock awards, the
Company-provided COBRA payments, the Deferred Compensation vesting and the payment provisions in the event of a Change in Control are full and fair consideration for this Agreement, including with respect to the non-competition and waiver and
release provisions hereof. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">III. <U>CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
AND UNFAIR COMPETITION</U> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A. <U>Protection of Trade Secrets
and Confidential Information</U>. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. <U>Definition of
&#147;Confidential Information.&#148;</U> &#147;Confidential Information&#148; means all nonpublic information (whether in paper or electronic form, or contained in Decker&#146;s memory, or otherwise stored or recorded) relating to or arising from
the Company&#146;s business, including, without limitation, trade secrets used, developed or acquired by the Company in connection with its business. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, &#147;Confidential Information&#148; shall
specifically include all information concerning the manner and details of Company&#146;s operation, organization and management; financial information and/or documents </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">and nonpublic policies, procedures and other printed, written or electronic material generated or used in connection with
the Company&#146;s business; the Company&#146;s business plans and strategies, including but not limited to all information associated with any oil, gas or mineral property in which the Company formed an intention to acquire, lease or form any other
business relationship prior to the end of the Consulting Period; the identities of the Company&#146;s customers and the specific individual customer representatives with whom the Company works; the details of the Company&#146;s relationship with
such customers and customer representatives; the identities of distributors, contractors and vendors utilized in the Company&#146;s business; the details of the Company&#146;s relationships with such distributors, contractors and vendors; the nature
of fees and charges made to the Company&#146;s customers; nonpublic forms, contracts and other documents used in the Company&#146;s business; all information concerning the Company&#146;s employees, agents and contractors, including without
limitation such persons&#146; compensation, benefits, skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and shortcomings, if any; proposed projects and areas of intended leasing activity; and all other information concerning the Company&#146;s concepts,
prospects, customers, employees, agents, contractors, earnings, products, services, equipment, systems, and/or prospective and executed contracts and other business arrangements. &#147;Confidential Information&#148; does not include information that
is in the public domain through no wrongful act on the part of Decker or known to Decker prior to employment with the Company. For the purposes of this Section III, &#147;Company&#148; shall include any of Patina Oil &amp; Gas Corporation&#146;s
successors in interest or related entities of Patina and any such successors in interest. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. <U>Decker&#146;s Use of Confidential Information</U>. Except in connection with and in furtherance of Decker&#146;s work on the Company&#146;s behalf, both as an employee and as a consultant, Decker shall not,
without the Company&#146;s prior written consent, at any time, directly or indirectly: (i) use any Confidential Information for any purpose; or (ii) disclose or otherwise communicate any Confidential Information to any person or entity; or (iii)
accept or participate in any employment, consulting engagement or other business opportunity that inevitably will result in the disclosure or use of any Confidential Information. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3. <U>Acknowledgments</U>. Decker acknowledges that during his employment with the Company and during the Consulting Period,
Decker had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, all of which was made accessible to Decker only in strict confidence; that unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information will damage the Company&#146;s business; that
Confidential Information would be susceptible to immediate competitive application by a competitor of the Company; that the Company&#146;s business is substantially dependent on access to and the continuing secrecy of Confidential Information; that
Confidential Information is novel, unique to the Company and known only to Decker, the Company and certain key employees and contractors of the Company; that the Company shall at all times retain ownership and control of all Confidential
Information; and that the restrictions contained in this agreement are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the Company&#146;s legitimate business interests. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4. <U>Records Containing Confidential Information and Return of Company Property</U>. &#147;Confidential Records&#148; means
all documents and other records, whether in paper, </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">electronic or other form, that contain or reflect any Confidential Information. All Confidential Records prepared by or
provided to Decker are and shall remain Company property. Except in connection with and in furtherance of Decker&#146;s work on the Company&#146;s behalf (both as an employee and a consultant) or with the Company&#146;s prior written consent, Decker
shall not, at any time, directly or indirectly: (i) copy or use any Confidential Record for any purpose; or (ii) show, give, sell, disclose or otherwise communicate any Confidential Record or the contents of any Confidential Record to any person or
entity. On the last day of the Consulting Period, or at any earlier time at the Company&#146;s request, Decker shall immediately deliver to the Company (and shall not keep in Decker&#146;s possession or deliver to any other person or entity) all
Confidential Records and all other Company property in Decker&#146;s possession or control (including but not limited to cell phones, keys or access cards, computer equipment, and/or Company credit cards). This Agreement shall not prohibit Decker
from complying with any subpoena or court order, provided that Decker shall at the earliest practicable date provide a copy of the subpoena or court order to Company&#146;s General Counsel, it being the parties&#146; intention to give the Company a
fair opportunity to take appropriate steps to prevent the unnecessary and/or improper use or disclosure of Confidential Information and Confidential Records, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. <U>Third-Parties&#146; Confidential Information</U>. Decker acknowledges
that, during his employment and the Consulting Period, he has received and will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information on behalf of the Company, and that the Company must maintain the confidentiality of such information
and use it only for authorized purposes. Decker shall not use or disclose any such information, or otherwise knowingly violate any third party confidentiality agreement, without prior written authorization from the Company or the third party to whom
the information belongs. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. <U>Noncompetition</U> </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. <U>Covenants</U><B>.</B> During the Consulting Period and the
twelve-month period following the conclusion of the Consulting Period (the &#147;Noncompetition Period&#148;), Decker shall not, directly or indirectly, as an officer, director, employee, consultant, owner, material shareholder, adviser, joint
venturer, or otherwise, compete with the Company within the Protected Properties (as defined below) by soliciting or conducting any business with or involving any Protected Property, including but not limited to the acquisition or lease of, or any
business arrangement with, any Protected Property. The &#147;Protected Properties&#148; are those geographic areas described in, and/or outlined in the maps attached as, Exhibit A to this Agreement that reflect the material oil, gas and/or mineral
properties in the United Sates that are either: (1) owned or leased by the Company as of the date of this Agreement; or (2) in which the Company has formed an intention to acquire or lease as of the date of this Agreement. &#147;Protected
Properties&#148; shall exclude any properties not identified by the Company on Exhibit A. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. <U>Acknowledgments</U>. Decker may request in writing that the Company waive the foregoing prohibition on competition with respect to a specific Protected Property, such waiver not to be unreasonably withheld if,
and only if, the Company has no interest to acquire, lease, or engage in any other business arrangement with the Protected Property as </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">determined in the sole discretion of the Company&#146;s CEO. To be effective, any waiver given must be in writing and
signed by the Company&#146;s CEO before Decker may take any action with respect to soliciting or conducting business with any Protected Property. Decker acknowledges that the foregoing geographic restriction on competition is fair and reasonable,
given the nature and geographic scope of the Company&#146;s business operations and the nature of Decker&#146;s position with the Company. Decker also acknowledges that while employed by the Company and while serving as the Company&#146;s
consultant, Decker had and will continue to have access to information that would be valuable or useful to the Company&#146;s competitors, and therefore acknowledges that the foregoing restrictions on Decker&#146;s future employment and business
activities are fair and reasonable. Decker acknowledges and is prepared for the possibility that his standard of living may be reduced during the Noncompetition Period, and assumes and accepts any risk associated with that possibility. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3. <U>Acknowledgments of Law</U>. Decker acknowledges the following
provisions of Colorado law, set forth in Colorado Revised Statutes &#167; 8-2-113(2): </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any covenant not to compete which restricts the right of any person to receive compensation for performance of skilled or unskilled labor for any employer shall be void, but this subsection (2) shall not apply to:
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#133; </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b) Any contract for the protection of trade secrets; </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#133; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d) Executive and management personnel and officers and employees who constitute professional staff to executive and
management personnel. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Decker acknowledges that this Agreement is a contract
for the protection of trade secrets within the meaning of &#167; 8-2-113(2)(b) and is intended to protect the Confidential Information and Confidential Records identified above and that Decker is an executive or manager within the meaning of &#167;
8-2-113(2)(d). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4. <U>Non-Solicitation</U>. From the date of
this Agreement until the date that is twelve months following the conclusion of the Consulting Period, Decker shall not without the Company&#146;s prior written consent, directly or indirectly cause or attempt to cause any key employee or
independent contractor of the Company or any affiliate of the Company to terminate his or her employment or contractor relationship with the Company and or any affiliate of the Company. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:8%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. <U>Acknowledgement</U>.<B> </B>Decker acknowledges that the restrictive covenants set forth in the this Section III are
reasonable and that irreparable injury will result to the Company in the event of any breach by Decker of the covenants, and that said covenants are an essential condition of this Agreement. In the event any of the covenants set forth in this
paragraph are breached, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available by law or under this Agreement, to injunctive relief from a court to restrain the violation of such covenants by Decker by any person or
persons acting for or with Decker in any capacity whatsoever. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">IV. <U>WAIVER AND RELEASE</U> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A. <U>Release of All Claims by Decker.</U> In consideration of the promises and covenants made herein, Decker, on behalf of
Decker and Decker&#146;s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby RELEASE, ACQUIT AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Company and its officers, directors, affiliates, shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns
(all of whom are hereinafter collectively referred to as &#147;Releasees&#148;) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, administrative claims and liabilities of any kind or character, accrued or to accrue hereafter, which Decker ever
had, now has or may hereafter have against Releasees, arising out of any act, omission, transaction or occurrence, including, without limitation, those related to Decker&#146;s employment by the Company or the termination thereof, occurring on or
before the Separation Date. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that this Release constitutes a release of any claim or cause of action (i) in tort, including but not limited to claims for slander, libel,
negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision or training, conspiracy, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, mental anguish, invasion of privacy, assault, battery, false imprisonment, tortious interference with contractual
relations, wrongful discharge, pain and suffering, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, invasion of privacy, (ii) for breach of any employment or other agreement or arrangement existing between Decker and the Company (all of which are
hereby acknowledged to have terminated) or (iii) otherwise related, in any way, to Decker&#146;s employment by the Company, including claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and all of its amendments), the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Colorado Civil Rights Act, the Colorado Wage Act, and any other statute or regulation governing the
employment relationship or Decker&#146;s rights, or the Company&#146;s obligations, in connection therewith. This Release also includes a release of any right to bring an administrative claim or charge against the Company regarding any matter
relating to the Company, its business operations, or Decker&#146;s employment. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. <U>ADEA Release and Waiver</U>. In addition to the terms of any other release or waiver, Decker agrees to fully and forever release and discharge the Company, and any of its past and present employees, officers,
directors, agents, attorneys, and insurers, or any of their successors, heirs, or assigns from any and all claims, rights, administrative complaints, demands, actions, losses, damages, costs, or expenses of every kind and nature occurring on or
before the Separation Date that arise or may arise under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and/or the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (&#147;ADEA&#148;) (the &#147;ADEA Release and Waiver&#148;). </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. <U>Consideration</U>. As consideration for signing and not revoking the
ADEA Release and Waiver, Decker will receive the payments and benefits described in Section II.D.5 of this Agreement. Decker acknowledges that he would not be entitled to receive such consideration in the absence of executing this ADEA Release and
Waiver. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">D. <U>Time to Revoke</U>. Decker understands that he has a period of seven (7) calendar days following
his execution of this Agreement (the &#147;Revocation Period&#148;) in which to revoke the terms of Section IV.B of this Agreement. If Decker revokes such provision within the Revocation Period, the ADEA Release and Waiver shall be void. If Decker
does not rescind the ADEA Release and Waiver within the Revocation Period, Section IV.B shall become final and binding and shall be irrevocable. The ADEA Release and Waiver shall not be effective until the expiration of this seven (7) day revocation
period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">E. <U>Action Required to Revoke</U>. Decker
understands that in order to revoke the ADEA Release and Waiver, he must deliver to the Company&#146;s office at 1625 Broadway, Suite 2000, Denver, Colorado to the attention of Mr. Michael N. Stefanoudakis, General Counsel, on or before seven (7)
days after he executes this Agreement, a letter stating that he is revoking the ADEA Release and Waiver. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">F. <U><B>Acceptance of Terms; Understanding; Without Coersion; Opportunity to Review; Opportunity to Consider Terms; and Date of Receipt</B><B>. By
executing this Agreement below, Decker acknowledges and agrees to the following: (1) Decker understands </B></U><B>and accepts the terms of this ADEA Release and Waiver and accepts the additional consideration in exchange for the agreements
</B><B>contained herein; (2) Decker understands that he is waiving and relinquishing rights and remedies that may be available to him under </B><B>the ADEA; (3) Decker is signing this ADEA Release and Waiver voluntarily and without threat or
coercion; </B><B>(4) Decker has had ample opportunity to read and review this Agreement, including the ADEA Release and Waiver, and Decker has </B><B>been advised to consult with an attorney if he desires to do so; (5) Decker has had 21 days or more
to sign this ADEA Release and </B><B>Waiver (or if Decker signs prior to the end of the 21 day deliberation period, he has waived his right to the remainder of that 21 day </B><B>period); and (6) Decker received this ADEA Release and Waiver on the
date and year first written above.</B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>V.
</B><U>MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS</U><B></B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A. <U>Independent
Contractor</U>. During the Consulting Period, Decker shall be an independent contractor, not an agent or employee of the Company, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create an employer-employee relationship. As an independent
contractor, except as expressly set forth herein, Decker will <U>not</U> be entitled to any of the benefits that the Company, its affiliates or subsidiaries presently has in effect or may put into effect for its employees. Decker will be solely
responsible for all tax returns and payments required to be filed with or made to any federal, state or local tax authority with respect to Decker&#146;s performance of services or receipt of fees during the Consulting Period. The Company will
regularly report amounts paid to Decker by filing a Form 1099 with the Internal Revenue Service as required by law. Because Decker will be an independent contractor during the Consulting Period, the Company will not withhold or make payments for
social security, make unemployment insurance or disability insurance contributions or obtain worker&#146;s compensation insurance on Decker&#146;s behalf and Decker will not be considered an employee for purposes of any </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">other tax or contribution levied by any federal, state, or municipal government. Decker shall at no time hold himself out
as an employee or agent of the Company for any purpose, including but not limited to reporting to any governmental authority, and Decker shall have no authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express or implied, on behalf of
the Company, to make any statement or representation on behalf of the Company, or to bind it in any way whatsoever. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B. <U>Expense Reimbursement</U>. The Company shall reimburse Decker for his reasonable and necessary business expenses related to his services to the
Company through the Separation Date and during the Consulting Period, consistent with the Company&#146;s policies, and conditioned on Decker&#146;s presentation to the Company, before the end of the Consulting Period, of documentation verifying such
expenses. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C. <U>Cooperation in Litigation</U>. Decker agrees,
for no additional compensation, to cooperate upon the reasonable, written request of the Company, by making himself reasonably available to provide information that may, in the exclusive discretion of the Company or its attorneys, assist or be
relevant to any litigation in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding or other dispute, including specifically, but not exclusively, depositions, meetings in advance of depositions, meetings in advance of trial or hearing, and trial or
hearing, relating to or arising from the business, acts or claimed omissions of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict or preclude Decker from, or otherwise influence Decker in, testifying fully and truthfully in any civil, criminal
or administrative proceeding, as required by law or formal legal process. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">D. <U>Cumulative Rights.</U> The Company&#146;s rights and remedies under this Agreement hereof are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights and remedies the Company may have at law or in equity. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">E. <U>Entire Agreement.</U> This Agreement constitutes the complete,
entire, final and exclusive agreement between Decker and the Company and supercedes any prior agreement, whether written or oral, with regard to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement has been entered into by the Parties without reliance on any
promise or representation, written or oral, other than those expressly contained herein. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">F. <U>Modification of Agreement Only in Writing.</U> This Agreement may not be modified, except in writing, signed by Decker and the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Vice President of the Company. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">G. <U>Governing Law and Jurisdiction.</U> This Agreement has been drafted in
accordance with and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Colorado and the Parties agree that venue for any action hereunder shall be in the City and County of Denver, Colorado. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">H. <U>Enforcement According to Terms Contained Herein; Severability.</U> The
Parties intend that this Agreement be enforced according to its terms. If any one or more provision of this </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, this determination will not affect
or impair any other provision of this Agreement. Any provision found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable shall be deemed, without further action on the part of the parties, to be modified, amended, or limited to the minimum extent necessary to
render the provision valid and enforceable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">I. <U>Waiver of
Terms and Conditions.</U> Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, no waiver of any term or provision of this Agreement will be valid unless such waiver is in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement of the waiver is sought.
The waiver of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not apply to any subsequent breach of this Agreement. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">J. <U>Captions.</U> The captions in this Agreement are for convenience and reference only, and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement. <U></U> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">K. <U>Other Agreements</U>. Each party
shall promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver any additional documents or agreement that the other party reasonably believes is necessary to carry out the purpose or effect of this Agreement. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">L. <U>Successors and Assigns</U>. This Agreement shall be binding in all
respects upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties&#146; heirs, successors and assigns. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"
ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[SIGNATURES FOLLOW] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10 </FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" COLOR="#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SIGNATURE PAGE </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">EXECUTED on behalf of <B>PATINA OIL &amp; GAS CORPORATION</B>, this <U></U>22</FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><SUP>nd</SUP></FONT><FONT
FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"> day of December, 2004. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><DIV ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="12%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="87%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">By:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ Thomas J. Edelman</FONT></P><HR WIDTH="95%" SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" ALIGN="left"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Name:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Thomas J. Edelman</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">STATE&nbsp;OF&nbsp;NEW&nbsp;YORK</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;) ss.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">COUNTY&nbsp;OF&nbsp;NEW&nbsp;YORK</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The foregoing instrument was
acknowledged before me on this <U></U>22</FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><SUP>nd</SUP></FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"> day of December, 2004. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">WITNESS my hand and official seal. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">My commission expires: <U></U>2/23/07. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="35%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="35%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[SEAL]</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ Christine Eklund</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Notary Public</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">EXECUTED by <B>JAY W. DECKER</B>, this
<U></U>22</FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><SUP>nd</SUP></FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"> day of December, 2004. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P><DIV ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ Jay W. Decker</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Jay W. Decker</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" ALIGN="center">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="15%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="84%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">STATE&nbsp;OF&nbsp;COLORADO</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;) ss.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">COUNTY&nbsp;OF&nbsp;DENVER</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The foregoing instrument was
acknowledged before me on this <U></U>22</FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000"><SUP>nd</SUP></FONT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000"> day of December, 2004. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">WITNESS my hand and official seal. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">My commission expires: <U></U>8/24/08. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0">

<TR>
<TD WIDTH="35%"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ Cynthia A. Merriam</FONT></P><HR SIZE="1" NOSHADE COLOR="#000000"></TD></TR>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>EXHIBIT A </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROTECTED PROPERTIES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><U>Patina Oil &amp; Gas Corporation (and subsidiaries) properties</U>: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Wattenberg Field &#150; area outlined in the attached map A. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Texas-Oklahoma Panhandle - area outlined in the attached maps B, C and D. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">San Juan Basin - area outlined in the attached map E. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Illinois / Indiana &#150; 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Oklahoma properties &#150; 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Kansas &#150; 1 mile outside of existing leases (excluding, however, any properties in which Decker currently holds an interest). </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shale Projects &#150; areas outlined in the attached maps F, G and H. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><U>Noble Energy, Inc. properties</U>: </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:-6px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Piceance Basin - 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Yuma County (eastern Colorado) - 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Wind River Basin, WY - 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P
STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Bowdoin, MT - 2 miles outside of existing leases. </FONT></P> <P
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12 </FONT></P>

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