The demand for natural gas continues to rise, and producers continue to target deep rock formations in Wyoming for more supply.

Three separate producers have proposed new "tight gas" resource plays in the Lysite area between Casper and Shoshoni for a total of up to 1,470 deep wells over the 10 to 12 years. The wells are expected to produce for about 40 years, according to federal officials.

"The reason is pretty clear. That is that America's thirst for energy does not seem to be tapering off," said Randy Teeuwen, spokesman for EnCana Oil & Gas USA Inc. "No matter how much gas is being produced these days, the American consumers are gobbling it up. That needs to be a focus of news stories these days: It's the American consumer and the thirst for energy that's driving all of this development."

This week, the Bureau of Land Management launched a formal environmental impact study of what it calls the Gun Barrel, Madden Deep, and Iron Horse natural gas development project.

EnCana wants to drill about 60 wells per year for the next 10 years in what it calls the Frenchy Draw, or Gun Barrel federal exploratory unit. Burlington Resources wants to develop gas wells in the "Madden Deep" unit, and Noble Energy wants to develop the Iron Horse federal exploratory unit.

Pam Olson, assistant manager of the BLM Lander field office, said the agency decided to launch a single environmental impact study because the three development areas are next to one another.

"It's the best way to get a good cumulative effects analysis," Olson said.

Olson said the BLM is "strongly" urging the public to participate in process by attending several "scoping" meetings to outline potential impacts of the development.

Each of the three areas has had varying levels of oil and gas development in the past. But the 1,470-well plan, if approved, could significantly increase activity in the area. During the 45-day period between now and July 21, BLM officials want to hear from the public about possible effects on biological resources including sage grouse, raptors, and other species of concern.

Other potential impacts to be analyzed include livestock forage, air quality, socioeconomic factors, transportation, and other cultural and land resources.

Teeuwen said the three developers have already launched a "cutting edge" sage grouse study in the area, which is being conducted by biologist Dave Lockman and the consulting firm Hayden-Wing Associates.

"What we're really focused on with this is to understand what we can do to create and maintain habitat," Teeuwen said. "And landowners over there are a big component of this."

Energy reporter Dustin Bleizeffer can be reached at (307) 577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@trib.com.

* Last we knew: Natural gas producers are targeting several Wyoming basins for "tight gas" resource plays.

* The latest: This week, the Bureau of Land Management launched a formal environmental impact study of a proposed 1,470-well natural gas project at Lysite.

* What's next: A 45-day "scoping" period is open until July 21, which is an opportunity for the public to list concerns or support about the potential development.]]->

Public "scoping" meetings on the proposed Gun Barrel, Madden Deep, and Iron Horse natural gas development project are scheduled from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on these dates and at these locations:

* June 17, Riverton, Riverton Branch Library Community Room, 1330 W. Park Ave.

* June 18, Casper, Ramada Plaza Spruce Room, 300 W. F St.

Submit written comments to the BLM Lander Field Office, Attn: Chris Krassin, 1335 Main, Lander, 82520-0587. Comments or questions may also be sent electronically to: LFO_GMI_WYMail@blm.gov.

For more information, contact Pam Olson or Chris Krassin at the BLM Lander Field Office at (307) 332-8400.]]->