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Note: Not all projects may appear on map. See list below for complete list of projects with more information or documentation.
SOPA Reports
The Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) contains a list of proposed
actions for Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests that will soon begin or are currently undergoing environmental
analysis and documentation. It provides information so that you can become
aware of and indicate your interest in specific proposals. We encourage your
early and ongoing involvement in any proposals of interest to you.
Landscape-scale restoration on the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Tonto National Forests of ponderosa pine ecosystems, designed to maintain, improve, and restore ecosystem structure, pattern, function, and resiliency.
ADOT 10 yr. extension of the Crabtree Mineral Material pit and storage, and access road SUP. The SUP authorizes the continued use of 1 ac., expanding into the other existing permitted acres, and use of 1,500 ft. access road.
Special Use Permit 10 yr. extension for ADOT Four Bar Mesa Mineral Materials Source and access road. The SUP authorizes ADOT the continued use of eight acres of National Forest Lands, including an 80 ft. access road.
Modify permit LAK401912 to authorize APS to modify its less than 33kV distribution powerline to construct a new 0.65-acre microgrid, backup power facility which would ensure electric service to Forest Lakes Community and Young during power outages.
AT&T is requesting to install their First Net communication (comm) system on the foundation of the NEC comm facility at the South Mtn communications site. It includes: equipment cabinets, platforms, generator w/fuel and other ancillary improvements.
FS must decide whether to allow APS to include using herbicides as a method to manage vegetation on existing APS transmission ROW within five National Forests in Arizona.
To renew a permit issued to Arizona Game and Fish Department to allow the department to maintain an existing elk exclosure in Fairchild Draw. The fence protects approximately 16 acres of wet meadow east of FR115. Proposed term of permit is 20 years.
This project to rebuild 11 existing water catchments for wildlife water that are operated in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This project is located on the Sitgreaves Zone of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Reissue a permit to authorize the continued use of 0.1 acre Forest System lands to connect sewer and water utility lines from the Alpine school to the Alpine Sanitary District and Alpine water system.
Alpine Domestic Water proposes to install a water storage tank, with a short access road, and pipeline to supply water to residents of southeastern Alpine, AZ. The Alpine RD would issue a Special Use Permit for construction on, and use of FS land.
The USFS is proposing authorization of a fiber broadband solution to underserved schools as well as public libraries in Apache County. Crews will attach the communication line to the existing overhead 69-kilovolt (kV) line.
Plant native tree species in areas that were burned with high severity in the 2011 Wallow fire. Approximately 28,935 acres are planned to be included within this project.
A planning process that examines outfitter and guide activities and special use authorizations for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
The Forest Service plans to purchase and install 2 refrigerated containers to store saplings at appropriate temperatures after purchase and delivery prior to planting as part of reforestation efforts.
Arizona Department of Public Safety has requested to build a new communication facility at the Mogollon Communications Site to assist with safety communications. This would consist of a 160ft tower, Shelter, and equipment to run and operate the site.
Arizona Department of Public Safety is requesting to upgrade their South Mountain Communication Facility, by installing a new 120ft lattice tower, Shelter, Generator, Diesel fuel tank, and other equipment to run the upgraded facility.
Proposed exchange of several pvt. parcels loc. in Springerville & Alpine RDs for 2 Fed. parcels loc. S. of SR 260 & W. of SR 373 and N. of Greer. Exchange would result in FS consolid. of isolated parcels & acquisition of signif. wildlife hab.
Roughly 18,720-ft of fencing (11,250-ft new and 7,470-ft existing) and relocation of 3 cattleguards is proposed to create a barrier excluding cattle from riparian habitat within Bee Canyon. 1 new water tank/drinker and 5,137 ft pipeline also proposed
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment and if so, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in an Allotment Management Plan.
Project involves reconstruction and expansion of the existing parking area, as well as construction of a new boat ramp at Big Lake to accommodate boater access during low water years.
Modifications of the dam to meet the current dam safety requirements and the recent reclassification of the dam to "High Hazard" by the AZ Dept of Water Resources based on residential development downstream in Heber, AZ.
Multiple maintenance activities and new improvements such as restrooms, signage, and camp site designations are being proposed to enable the popular site to meet the needs of the public.
Proposed exchange of several pvt. parcels located in Springerville and Alpine RDs for 2 Fed. parcels loc. S of SR 260 & W. of SR 373 and N.of Greer. Exchange would result in FS consolidation of isolated parcels & acquisition of signif. wildlife hab.
The Black River Landscape Restoration Project is a planning effort designed to restore forest resiliency and ecosystem function in the Project planning area on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts.
Determine if eligible portions of the Blue River and one of its tributaries, KP Creek, should be recommended to Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotments and if so, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in an Allotment Management Plan.
Exchange of private parcels in the A-S, Coronado, Prescott, & Tonto NFs for Federal lands in Pinetop-Lakeside (T9N, R22E). Would provide land for children's camps currently under spec. use permit & result in consolid. of isolated parcels on Forests.
Grazing analysis of Linden, Dodson, Capps, McNeil, Juniper Ridge, and Pinedale Allotments for improving range condition. Pinyon/Juniper veg treatment, roads analysis, range improvements, and propoer stocking (if any).
The City of Show Low has proposed to extend a sewer line from private land along 22nd Ave. going west and crossing over approximately 100 ft of Forest Service Land.
Reissue a Special Use Permit for 20 years for the maintenance of the buried water/sewer lines ranging from 1-8 inches, r-o-w width 20 feet. These lines are part of the Show Low City Municipal Water System and will serve present and future landowners
Relocate/reconstruct a corral outside of wet/riparian habitat and extend a water system from existing Cottonwood Spring to North Pasture for reliable year round wildlife water & pull livestock out of wet/riparian habitat along Riggs & Nutrioso creeks
Phase II will continue adding new fiber optic line on existing Navopache power lines between Eagar and Greer, AZ. Access for the project would be along existing forest and county roads and the power line right-of-way.
Exchange analysis of several private (non-Federal) parcels located in Alpine, Lakeside, and Springerville Districts for federal lands located adjacent to the Morgan Flat development in the Pinetop-Lakeside area.
Hazardous fuels reduction project to maintain and restore fire adapted ecosystems to their natural fire regimes condition classes, using vegetation treatments, mechanical and/or hand thinning and pretreatments, prescribed fire and managed wildfire.
Reissue a permit to Forest Lakes Owner's Association, Forest Lakes Fire Dept., and Tri-Star / Novo Power to operate a Green Waste Transfer Site adjacent to the community of Forest Lakes on FR99A. The proposed action is to reissue for a 10 year term.
Reroute approximately 4.5 miles of the Four Springs Trail to improve trail sustainability, mitigate erosion and resource damage issues, and improve non-motorized recreational opportunities.
The Forest Service was a cooperating agency, assisting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in that Agency's geothermal leasing analysis and decision. The BLM issued a record of decision on 12/17/2008.
This project would mechanically and manually cut select trees across approximately ~3,000 acres and prescribed burn to address issues of beetle infestation and spread and restore the area.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotments and if so, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in an Allotment Management Plan.
Reissue a Special Use Permit for 20 years for a green waste processing site to provide for collection and processing to accept and ship out green waste from private lands in the Pinetop-Lakeside area.
Stabilize head cut in Pulcifer Creek to protect spring development from high water events and subsequent erosion and remove the sediment from the reservoir, repair the damage to the dam to protect downstream resources. Possibly haul material off site
Analysis of use & effects of Sheep Driveway, originating on Mesa RD & terminating on Springerville RD. Driveway traverses portions of Mesa, Tonto Basin, & Pleasant Valley RDs (Tonto NF); and Black Mesa, Lakeside, and Springerville RDs (A-S NFs).
The proposed route is the shortest feasible access point from a publicly maintained road (Porter Mountain Road). The easement will make use of the existing Forest Service road system, primarily FR206A and a portion of FR9710K.
Allotment analysis to determine re-issuance of a term grazing permit, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in the allotment management plan (AMP), treatments for grassland restoration and maintenance, and placement of tanks and fence.
Access , utility corridor, and special use permit for improved access to the private land. Private property is being developed into a summer youth camp.
Create a trail system which connects the County Park with existing trails. The system would include new trails to get existing trails off of forest roads 50 and 51.
The project involves authorizing a 30 year Road Easement for private use by the Holoubek family. There has been a temporary special permit issued annually for this access road to their land since 1985.
Restoration work proposed for this project in the moderate and high severity burned areas includes salvage logging as site prep for planting, tree planting of native species, and planting of riparian species as deemed feasible.
Perform needed repair work on the Hulsey Lake Dam ensure its proper function and stability. Site is proposed to be closed while construction activities are ongoing with a Forest Order for public safety.
This is a grouped NEPA analysis of special use permits that are set to expire, with no changes to the authorized facilities or increases in the scope of authorized activities. Additional details can be found in scoping documents on project page.
A road easement to provide legal access to 20 acre parcel in NW corner of Section 23, owned by Langkilde family. This analysis will also cover utilities to the parcel co-located in the road easement.
Removal of obsolete and failing fish barrier on Lee Valley Creek approximately 100m above Lee Valley Reservoir. Channel will be stabilized and restored post removal of the old barrier.
Reissue Special Use Permit for 20 years for the maintenance of buried 8 inch sewer line, r-o-w width 20 feet. These lines will service Lake of the Woods Resort and the Forest Service Admin Site and residence at the Lakeside Ranger District.
Bronco Creek Exploration, Inc. has proposed an exploration-drilling project in the historic Morenci mining district to conduct diamond core drilling at 8 sites selected within Forest Service managed lands.
Within the project area, the Lakeside Ranger District proposes to authorize the installation of new riser poles carrying upgraded circuits to provide power to several areas.
The project would amend an existing communication site lease to add an existing communication tower and allow for operation of the communication tower at an existing facility.
Seven sites across the Alpine RD would be protected to allow recovery of riparian vegetation. Historic springboxes would be protected or modified. Project would enhance WL habitat on about 45 acres. To be implememented by the NWTF.
Installation of fiber optic infrastructure within two 1.25 inch conduits to be placed within existing rights-of-way along transportation corridors to improve broadband network access. Trenching and directional boring will be used for conduit install
During a heavy snow storm a falling tree broke an electric pole. Navopache Electric is requestng access to replace the broken pole. Due to terrain and the location of the pole, access outside of the existing ROW is needed.
Navopache Electric Cooperative has approached the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests with the need to replace a number of power poles and anchors.
NEC has proposed to amend existing permit, adding new trunk line extending from transfer station on FR488H to Buckskin Road in Heber, AZ. New line would occupy less than 1/4 mile total distance crossing forest, parallel to FR488H in a 20' corridor.
The purpose of this action is to issue a Communication Use Lease to Navopache Electric Co-op for 30 years for the installation and maintenance of radio monitoring equipment and antenna for monitoring electrical power use located at Linden.
To permit the running of an underground line from the nearest transformer to private property in T10N, R20E, Section 3. The underground power line will cross less than 10 feet of National Forest System land.
The Back Country Horseman of the White Mountains requested permission from the Springerville District Office to install 2 new metal 15' x 15' pipe corrals in existing site 1 of Gabaldon Horse Campground
The Black Mesa Ranger District would like to add a third loop with 12 spurs to Canyon Point Campground to provide an opportunity for the concessionaire to place pre-set campsites amenities (i.e. RVs, yurts, cabins, etc).
Construct new site-built quarters building at the Springerville Yard/Administrative Site, remove existing crew quarters building, decommission electrical/water hookups for existing trailer pads, and installation of new entrance with electric gate.
Develop an allotment management plan (AMP) that accounts for current environmental conditions, identifies a management strategy in balance with overall livestock grazing allotment capacity which progresses towards achieving desired conditions.
Issue the private landowner applicant a perpetual road access easement under FLPMA authority, on Forest Road 249A1. The purpose of this proposal is to respond to the applicant 2019 request to comply with Title V of FLPMA.
Construct fence exclosures on the PS and Grandfather Allotments along the West Fork of the Black River to protect occupied habitat for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse from impacts associated with livestock grazing.
Reissue a Special Use Authorization for up to 20 years for a sewer collection system which includes: Lift Station, 6-18" pressure lines, 8-15" gravity sewer mains, a small outbuilding to house standby equipment, and an access road.
Reissue 11 Communication Use Leases for up to 30 years to the facilities owners on Porter Mountain Communication Site. This will allow for continued communication services to be provided to the public.
Reissue existing Communication Site Leases for up to 30 years to 11 facility owners on Porter Mountain Communication Site. This will allow for continued communication services to be provided to the public.
Fuels reduction around the Heber-Overgaard community and Ricochet/Williams Ranch. Mastication and removal of small trees less than 12" and piling and burning.
RC Reforestation and site prep for artificial ponderosa pine regeneration and alligator juniper control. Site preparation to include mastication and burning of alligator juniper to reduce competition and aid in planting effort.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized for the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.
Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment and if so, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in an Allotment Management Plan.
Implementation of wildlife and non-motorized wildlife and hunting opportunities and upgrade of roads for recreation in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area for public safety.
Planting of Ponderosa pine in burnt-over areas of appropriate potential natural vegetation type, within the footprint of the Rodeo-Chediski fire. The proposed planting areas total 3500 acres. Planting will occur in areas of varying burn severity.
Provide an easement to allow access to private property historically known as Ryan Ranch that would extend 942 linear feet from Forest Service Road 99A and along previously numbered Road 99M to the property. A gate may be placed at FS Road 99A
To authorize the use of USFS and EPA approved Herbicides within existing power line corridors to remove non-compatible vegetation to ensure reliable and safe power supply.
Reduce overnight camping at Scott Reservoir Campground from March 1 - November 1 to April 1 - October 15 for resource protection due to wet winter conditions.
Analyze and develop an 80 acre shooting range including access road. A Special Use Permit will be issued to Arizona Game & Fish Department. AZGFD will partner with White Mountain Shooters Association for the long term operation & maintenance.
Fuels reduction around the Heber-Overgaard community and Ricochet/Williams Ranch. Mastication and removal of small trees less than 12" and piling and burning.
Reissue existing Special Use Permit that provides authorization for a created wetland north of the Show Low airport, the wetland enhancement at South Marsh, and access roads to each area. Project area total 2.5 acres of land and .3 miles of road.
A proposal to exchange 1028 acres Federal Land (Apache-Sitgreaves NFs & Coconino NF) for 1558 acres of non federal lands (Apache-Sitgreaves, Prescott and Coconino NF).
The proposed project involves re-authorizing two Special Use Permits (ALP616, and ALP617) for the South Mountain Communications Site for an additional 30 years.
Engineering crews are proposingto repair the road and stabalize the bank on the Sprucedale Road after high water events during the 2023 spring eroded the bank encroaching into the road.
Project to stabilize areas up the side of knolls damaged by unauthorized trails created by UTV/ATV users. Work may include blocking access to the side of knolls with wood split rail fence or placement of large boulders to deter future UTV/ATV use.
Reauthorization of livestock grazing for allotments on Clifton RD: Blackjack, Hickey, and Pleasant Valley. For EA/project documents see url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22466, the joint Apache-Sitgreaves and Gila NFs project.
Re-authorize livestock grazing for allotments on Gila NF-Glenwood RD and on A-S NF-Clifton RD. The Clifton RD allotment decisions can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57226
Reauthorization of grazing for allotments on Clifton RD: Alma Mesa, Lop Ear, Copperas, Keller Canyon, Black Jack, Hickey,and PV. For EA/proj docs see url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22466, the joint ASNFs-GNF project.
Treatment of vegetation that occurs in and adjacent to utility powerline corridor and identification for access routes to conduct maintenance activities.
Issuance of a permit to Navajo County to authorize the installation of handicap accessible and updated playground equipment that will better provide for the recreational needs of children using the playground.
Analysis of 39,000 acres on NF lands east of City of Show Low and north of Pinetop-Lakeside for vegetative thinning and fuel reduction. Project borders 20-25 miles of private lands. This includes the Woolhouse Wildlife Habitat Area.
The Town of Eager has requested to add a 20' x 20' x 8' building near Hwy 261 to enclose their existing chlorination system which is part of their water treatment facility. Their Special Use Permit will also be amended to include the new building.
Mechanical site prep treatments to promote Aspen regeneration on 136 acres around the communication towers on South Mountain, southwest of Alpinze, AZ. Project includes personal fuelwood removal on the 136 acre site.
Hand-staple pheromone tags to trees burned in Wallow Fire in MSO habitat (1,200 ac) and 3 campgrounds (426 ac) to prevent bark beetle attacks. Funnel trap monitoring (24 acres) next to forest roads. Repeat in future years until outbreak subsides
This project proposes prescribed fire on approximately 112,386 acres on the Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
The project area covers about 68,000 acres and is located on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts. The proposed action will include thinning trees, prescribed fire, and watershed, wildlife habitat, and transportation improvements.
ASNFs, Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts, propose to conduct a series of vegetation plantings designed to enhance habitat for a variety of wildlife species over multiple years.
Approximately 2,629 acres of great basin grassland is proposed be treated for woody species encroachment using mechanical treatment methods such as mastication. Woody canopy cover will be reduced to 10% or less to meet ASNF LMP desired conditions.
2 non-motorized connector trails are proposed to create a connection between Woodland Lake Park and Mountain Meadow Complex, and allow for better access to the area. A shortcut near the Blue Ridge National Recreation Trail is also proposed.
A town of Pinetop-Lakeside proposal for the phased purchase of 543 acres of federal lands administered by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Recent decision of Alternative 2 of the EA.
