BLM Advances Fracking Lease Sale in Ohio's Wayne National Forest

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a lease sale for September 15 that could open 2,840 acres of Wayne National Forest in southeast Ohio to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for the first time, according to federal and local reports. The sale will offer 41 parcels, moving the state closer to allowing oil and gas development in its only national forest, although some regulatory steps remain before drilling can begin.

The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over balancing energy production and environmental protection on federally managed lands. With this move, Ohio is poised to expand fracking into new territory, a prospect that has drawn both support and concern from various stakeholders.

Efforts to bring fracking to Wayne National Forest have been underway since at least 2016. However, this is the first time a lease sale has been formally scheduled, according to Signal Ohio. The BLM's announcement grants companies the opportunity to bid for drilling rights, but successful bidders will still need to secure permits before any extraction can start. This means that while the lease sale is a major step, actual drilling is not guaranteed and will depend on further regulatory approvals.

Lease Sale Details

The parcels up for auction total 2,840 acres, as confirmed by both the BLM and Signal Ohio. The land is not contiguous, reflecting the patchwork nature of Wayne National Forest, which is comprised of various tracts spread across southeast Ohio. The public comment period on the proposed lease sale is open until August 17, 2026, giving stakeholders, residents, and advocacy groups a chance to weigh in before final decisions are made.

According to the BLM, the lease sale is part of a broader federal effort to manage mineral resources on public lands. If the sale proceeds, it would mark the first time fracking is permitted in Wayne National Forest, a move long sought by the oil and gas industry. The BLM has stated that the process includes environmental reviews and public input before any drilling can move forward.

Statewide Expansion and Revenue

Ohio has significantly expanded oil and gas leasing on public lands since 2024, opening approximately 22,000 acres to development following the passage of House Bill 507. The legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in January 2023, required the state to make land, including state parks, available for oil and gas projects. This policy shift has led to a rapid increase in fracking activity across the state.

Recent fracking projects in Ohio have generated substantial revenue for the state. According to Signal Akron, fracking since 2024 has brought in $314 million. A March report from Signal Ohio detailed a $58 million signing bonus and a 20% production revenue share from a lease covering 6,600 acres of Salt Fork State Park. Of that revenue, at least 30% is directed back to the park or wildlife area, with the remainder going to Ohio’s general revenue fund. These financial arrangements are designed to provide direct benefits to the areas affected by drilling, as well as to the state as a whole.

Less than a month ago, the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved 21 bids covering 15,000 acres, primarily in the Egypt Valley Wildlife Area. This move further expanded the state’s fracking footprint and demonstrated the ongoing interest from energy companies in Ohio’s public lands.

Political and Industry Response

The expansion of fracking in Ohio has drawn support from state officials and industry advocates. Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, whose district includes part of the Marcellus Shale, has promoted the economic benefits, describing the development as a “boom” for the region. Supporters argue that increased oil and gas development will bring jobs, investment, and revenue to local communities.

"The company agreed to pay a $58 million signing bonus and 20% of future production revenue."

— Signal Ohio report

However, environmental groups and some local residents have raised concerns about the impact of drilling on public lands. They have cited potential risks to water quality, wildlife, and recreational opportunities in areas like Wayne National Forest. Despite these concerns, the BLM has not yet responded to requests for comment on the environmental review process for the Wayne National Forest lease sale.

The public comment period remains open until August 17, 2026. After this period closes, the BLM will review all feedback before making a final decision on the lease sale. If the sale is finalized and permits are granted, Wayne National Forest could see its first fracking operations begin in the coming years, marking a new chapter in Ohio’s approach to energy development on public lands.