BLM Approves Seismic Exploration on Public Lands in Natrona County
The Bureau of Land Management has approved seismic exploration to begin today within the Casper Field Office in Natrona County. The 3D seismic survey will be conducted on approximately 38,000 acres of public land west of Casper and will conclude by Oct. 31, 2026.
Zavanna Resources will conduct survey operations daily, as weather conditions allow, from Aug. 1-Oct. 31 on a mix of about 86,000 total acres of private, state, and BLM-administered lands.
Seismic exploration is the process of locating subsurface crude oil and natural gas deposits by recording, processing, and interpreting artificial seismic energy generated by vibroseis techniques. It is a minimally invasive way to discover areas that may contain hydrocarbon resources to help inform future leaseholders and guide potential oil and gas development.
“Modern seismic techniques have evolved to include technologies and practices that minimize impacts,” said BLM acting Casper Field Office Manager Amelia Savage. “In its proposal for this project, the applicant has committed to no surface-disturbing activities on public lands. The proposal also includes the operator having fire safety and mitigation, invasive weed mitigation, a spill plan, and that they will avoid operations near sensitive areas. BLM will have an inspector assigned to the project who will monitor and ensure operator compliance with these applicant-committed measures.”
For anyone planning to recreate within the project boundaries, the operator will post signage that alerts public land users to operations within the area.
Additional information is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. The Casper Field Office can also be reached with any questions at [email protected] or by phone at (307) 261-7600.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.