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BLM field manager outlines district projects including geothermal drilling and fiber builds
Summary
Elizabeth Fuentes, acting field manager for the BLM Tuscarora and Wells field offices, briefed the Natural Resources Management Advisory Commission on multiple projects including the start of drilling at the Crescent Valley geothermal site, upcoming lease-sale paperwork, and statewide and local fiber projects.
Elizabeth Fuentes, field manager for the BLM’s Tuscarora Field Office and acting field manager for the Wells Field Office, told the commission she is "currently also acting, field manager for the Wells Field Office" and is covering field manager duties for the district as she gets up to speed on ongoing projects.
Fuentes reported that the Crescent Valley Geothermal Development Project—approved earlier this year—received permits for two exploration wells and "just last week, they started to drill the 1st 1 of those 2." She cautioned that wildlife timing constraints mean the proponent will probably complete only one well this year and return next spring for the second. Fuentes also said BLM expects to sign the FONSI and decision record in mid-October around the lease-sale timing.
The field manager updated commissioners on proposed broadband work in the district: surveys and cultural/paleo reports for the ZEDO fiber-optic line (running from Ruby Lake to Owyhee) are complete and biological reports are pending; BLM will draft a categorical exclusion for the local project. On the statewide OSEI I-80 fiber project Fuentes said a NEPA categorical exclusion was signed recently, and BLM has made a right-of-way grant offer and is waiting for the proponent to return signed grant documents and finish cultural surveys before construction can proceed.
The briefing covered additional infrastructure and stewardship items including Wilson Campground Road upgrades (FHWA NEPA complete, construction expected in 2026), grazing permit renewals and conservation planning, and a recently signed decision on the Lamoille Summit Trail System with a county grant for the main trailhead. Fuentes concluded by noting BLM is pursuing funding for trail construction and working through rehabilitation plans after recent fires.
The commission did not take action on these updates; the presentation was informational and staff said written updates would follow when the October report is distributed.
