Geology

The Fishlake National Forest has a diverse program of proposed and ongoing mineral and energy developments. Interest from industry and the impetus from the 2005 Energy Bill have pushed exploration for oil and gas and the need for leasing to the forefront of the forest’s planning efforts. Intensive seismic exploration on both private and public lands has been ongoing for three years. Along with that have been cooperative efforts with the BLM to lease coal to current underground mining operations that will keep this valuable mineral in production for decades to come.

Leasing for geothermal resources at Sulphurdale took place in 2007. ENEL Corporation has approval to drill the 51-7 well this April and has applied for permits to drill on seven more sites to bring the geothermal resources into electrical energy production in the next two years. This "green" energy source has the potential to produce 20 megawatts in the near term, with possibilities of expanding fourfold in the coming years.

Interest in locatable minerals, such as uranium, has stepped up in the last two years, with over 400 claims being filed and explored upon. With the rise in gold prices, small dredging and panning operations continue on many sites throughout the forest. Mineral determinations are being requested for pozzolan, a cement additive, and two companies have requested to mine the product.

The program covers minerals administration and surface management of locatable mineral operations and performs other functions (cave/karst, paleontology and fossils, geohazards, Oil and Gas Leasing, Geothermal Leasing, Coal Leasing, and Abandoned Mine Lands). Fishlake staff members are highly experienced and efficient in conducting environmental analysis' under NEPA and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of minerals resources on the forest.

Mineral and energy commodities produced on the Fishlake include coal from the Sufco Mine, clay from the Holcim Mine, gravel and stones for use on federal and local government projects, and energy from Ormat’s Geothermal Power Plant. There are multiple mining claims on the forest, and recreational prospecting like panning occurs here, as well as large-scale drilling exploration operations by Deer Trail Mine.