BLM Requested Geothermal Leasing in Deschutes Forest

The Bureau of Land Management proposed opening 30,000 acres of forest land for geothermal energy exploration.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in National Parks

Isometric editorial illustration of a geothermal drilling rig situated in a coniferous forest on volcanic terrain. — The U.S. Forest Service is evaluating a proposal by the Bureau of Land Management to open 30,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest for geothermal energy exploration. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should more public forest land be opened to commercial geothermal energy exploration?

On September 17, the U.S. Forest Service released draft environmental review documents regarding a request to expand geothermal leasing. The Bureau of Land Management seeks to authorize exploration across 30,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to satisfy energy developers' interest in accessing hot rock formations to provide clean, around-the-clock power. This expansion could significantly increase regional energy production capacity to meet growing demand.

The request covers 30,000 acres, adding to the 20,000 acres currently open for leasing. Existing geothermal infrastructure at the site occupies 60 acres, while developers target future production capacities of up to 10 gigawatts.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

This federal agency manages public lands and oversees the nomination process for energy exploration leases.

U.S. Forest Service

This agency manages the Deschutes National Forest and is responsible for reviewing and approving land leasing requests.

Mazama Energy

This energy company is developing geothermal systems and targeting significant power production capacity at Newberry.

Quaise Energy

This firm is planning the development of a geothermal power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity.

The details

Companies utilize millimeter wave drilling to reach superhot rock, where water is injected to produce electricity. Mazama Energy has already invested $135 million into the region, successfully drilling a test well to a depth of 2 miles that recorded temperatures of 629 degrees Fahrenheit.

1990: The Newberry National Volcanic Monument was designated.
September 17: The Forest Service released draft environmental review documents.
Last month: Mazama Energy announced a $135 million capital investment.

Travel Outlook

The proposal must be reconciled with the land protections established by the 1990 designation of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This move reflects a broader trend of balancing protected wilderness areas with the growing demand for clean energy infrastructure.

Visitors to the Deschutes National Forest should monitor official Forest Service announcements regarding potential temporary closures or access limitations in proposed lease areas. These reviews will determine how future geothermal infrastructure might sit alongside existing public recreation trails.

The takeaway

The move to expand geothermal access highlights the increasing pressure to integrate renewable energy sources into public land use. Future development will depend on balancing these aggressive energy targets with the environmental protections set in place for volcanic areas.