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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 Hoosier National Forest 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.
The Hoosier is proposing to replace an undersized, perched culvert with an AOP structure for the purpose of aquatic organism passage and improved hydrologic function.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to allow AND-TRO Water, Inc. to reconstruction approximately 100 feet of buried waterline within the right-of-way along the south side of State Road 70.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a short-term special use permit to ANR Pipeline Company, Inc. authorizing the excavation and repair/replacement of a section of the existing gas pipeline.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a temporary special use permit to ANR Pipeline Company, Inc. to authorize the excavation and repair of a section of existing gas pipeline within ANR's existing right-of-way.
The Forest is proposing to grant a permit amendment to Andtro Water, Inc. to bury a 4" waterline across segments of NFS land in the road edge or ditch.
Use integrated pest management to eliminate control invasive plants. Treatments: hand, mechnical, backpack propane torch, and herbicide--in 7 of 24 special areas, focusing on barrens communities. Then use native material for planting and seeding
55 acres of single-tree and 10 acres of group selection harvests--to improve stand structure and vigor and generate small groups of declining black and chestnut oak.
The Hoosier NF is proposing to remove a low-water crossing on Buck Creek and replace it with a portable bridge to provide aquatic organism passage and improved hydrologic function.
The Hoosier is proposing to authorize the subsurface and geotechnical investigation to be performed on the existing access road to facilitate the design work needed for the upcoming proposed Buck Creek AOP project.
Propose to reduce the density of trees and improve stand structure through 38 acres of single tree selection harvest and regenerate a 15 acre stand using group selection harvest.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a special use permit authorizing Burgoon Church's use of an approximately 100' x 30' area of land and an approximately 25' asphalt drive.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a short-term special use permit (5-year term) to Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District for the operation and maintenance of the Deer Creek Dam.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a road special use permit that authorizes the construction and maintenance of an access road through the HNF to private property.
Propose to reduce density of trees and improve stand structure through a 46 acre single tree selection harvest and regenerate a 20 acre stand using group selection harvest. Each group would range from 0.25 to 3 acres in size.
The Hoosier is proposing to reroute the East Bass Pond trail segment of the Cope Hollow Trail in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness. Approximately 1 mile of new trail would be constructed and approximately 1 mile of old trail would be decommissioned.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a permit amendment that properly authorizes rights-of-way for an existing waterline and approximately 125 feet of new waterline.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to continue for the next three years the emergency cave closure issued by the Eastern Region of the U.S. Forest Service. The current emergency closure order expires in April 2010.
An amendment to the Forest Plan to better protect caves and other karst resources while moving Forest ecosystems toward the desired conditions described in the Forest Plan.
The Hoosier is proposing to amend the Hoosier National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to establish a Management Area and associated direction to existing and future communication sites. No new sites would be added or created at this time.
The Hoosier is proposing to amend the Land and Resource Management Plan to remove two standards pertaining to camping. Removing the standards are needed for consistency and would allow for necessary updates to the associated Forest Orders.
Prescribed burning on 820 acres for reduction of fire hazard (fuel reduction) and restoration of dry oak community in Compartments 244 & 246. 4 miles of new line construction, fell 35 trees less than 9 inches dbh to create safety zone/staging area.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a new special use permit to authorize the construction and maintenance of a waterline to supply water from Brown County Water to the private residence.
A permit to construct a single lane driveway across a 34-foot length of National Forest System (NFS) land. Also includes a permit to install buried service across 440 feet by 10-foot right-of-way over NFS land.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to Friends of Lake Monroe, Inc. to place two informational signs within the road right-of-way in Monroe County and Lawrence County to advise motorists they are entering the Monroe Lake watershed.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to re-issue a special use permit to Froehlich Outfitter and Guides Horse Trail Rides, LLC. to use a trail located on the Hoosier National Forest.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to issue replacement Communication Site Leases to the Indiana Integrated Public Safety Commission (Marchand and Georgia) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Paynetown) for a new 30-year term.
Supplement EIS. Same project: Replace non-native pine plantations with native hardwood communities; improve conditions for species associated with barrens communities.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to demolish and reconstruct three toilet/shower buildings on the Eads, Holland, and Southern Point campground loops at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to remove the Hickey-Martin Dam from Henderson Creek to allow for movement of aquatic species and to restore hydraulic processes within the stream.
Close approx. 200' of poorly located, non-standard trail eroding into creek and replace with 400' of trail properly located & meeting FS standards. Restore the closed section. Cut brush & trees for reroute, but cut no trees > 3" dia.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to reroute approximately 3/8 mile of trail 18 on the Hickory Ridge trail system to improve soil and water conditions and improve the experience for the trail user.
Construct approximately 2 miles of trail in the Hickory Ridge Trail system. Most of the proposed trail would use an existing route. Construct approximately 2,000 feet of new trail. Cut no trees over 3" dbh during construction.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit amendment that authorizes a right-of-way for an electrical transmission line and a single pole replacement.
The Hoosier is proposing to install artificial fish habitat structures into lakes and ponds throughout the Forest. The structures will mimic brush piles or fallen trees.
crop tree release, grapevine control, or both in 35 areas totaling 808 acres to increase the oak and hickory component and to improve growth and survival by reducing damage by grapevines
Proposal to issue a new special use permit for twenty (20) years to provide access to the Maumee Boy Scout property for periodic and occasional use associated with forest management activities.
Exchange 1 acre of NFS land for 1 acre of pvt land--based on value for value; would resolve an encroachment and provide additional access to existing NFS land
This project proposes to treat vegetation and conduct related management activities improving forest health and sustainability of the oak-hickory ecosystems while also improving wildlife habitat.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to issue a Special Use Permit to authorize the construction, use, and maintenance of a gravel-surface road across National Forest System land.
Use earth-moving equipment to construct shallow water and wetland habitat. Leave trees that are felled on site. Slope some banks. Revegetate disturbed areas.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a 5-year Priority Use Outfitter and Guide Permit to IU Outdoor Adventures to provide outfitting and guiding services on the Hoosier NF.
Decommission picnic area parking lot and FS road 1141.070. Remove all existing asphalt from road and surrounding picnic area, including the parking lot.
Proposal to issue a special use permit to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the maintenance and use of two access lanes/roads across approximately 1,200 and 150 feet, respectively, of National Forest System land.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a short-term special use permit to Indiana Gas Company, Inc. authorizing a temporary area in which to perform pipeline repair work.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to armor the streambank of an intermittent stream with native rock to reduce erosion risk near the Initial Point monument.
Proposal to replace two low-water concrete crossings with bridges for aquatic organism passage and improved hydrologic function. Also proposing to issue a Public Road Easement to Jackson County for the sections of road that will be realigned.
The Hoosier is proposing to amend the existing permit to extend high speed fiber optic services. This fiber optic line would be buried and installed in the same corridor as an existing and permitted buried electric line.
The Hoosier, in response to a request from Jackson County REMC, is proposing to amend the existing Special Use Permit to eliminate a section of previously authorized buried fiber optic cable and would authorize a new section in a different location.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to authorize the existing use and occupancy of NFS land by Jackson County REMC and authorize the rural broadband service expansion within Jackson Connect, LLC's service area.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to a private landowner for a 20-foot construction right-of-way for the purpose of running buried water and electrical utilities to private property.
The Hoosier is proposing to reissue a special use permit for another five years for a trail access connector permit across National Forest System land.
The Hoosier National Forest is proposing to provide improved fisheries habitat within National Forest System lands by cutting and dropping trees into lakes and ponds.
Proposal to designate a group site in the Little Salt Creek vicinity of the Hoosier National Forest near Sundance Lake. This proposal is to designate a dispersed group use area for intermittent use such as large non-commercial group use events.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a Special Use Permit authorizing access to private property across NFS land via an existing gravel road and to issue a Special Use Permit authorizing a private gate on NFS land.
Close approximately .75 mile of poorly located, non-standard trail and replace with .25 mile of trail properly located and meeting FS standards. Restore closed section of trail. Cut brush and small trees for reroute.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to Autumn and Karen Kinser, operators of Maumee Valley Horsecamp, for a trail access connector permit.
Mow and use chainsaws, prescribed burning, strip disking, seed drilling, shrub planting, and NNIS treatments to maintain and restore approx. 186 acres of early succcessional habitat.
Close approx. 400' of poorly located, non-standard trail and replace it with 900' of trail in a different location (properly located). Restore the closed section. Cut brush and small trees on the reroute but probably no tree > 3" dbh.
The Hoosier is proposing a land-for land exchange to resolve an unauthorized encroachment of private improvements located on National Forest System land.
The Hoosier is proposing to issuing a new permit for two transfer stations for another 10 years and incorporating an O&M Plan, which will contain provisions specifically addressing leachate control and spill prevention measures.
Restore ecosystem processes--approx. 110 acres of stand improvement, approx. 2,200 acres of commercial timber harvest and approx. 3,500 acres of burning. Herbicide treatment for known populations of NNIS to reduce the potential spread.
The Hoosier proposes to consolidate Patoka Lake Regional Water & Sewer District (PLRW&SD) waterline permits into a single master permit to be issued for a 30-year time period along with incorporating an Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Plan.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to implement salvage logging and removal of stream blockages within the Paoli Experimental Forest. Tree planting and deer exclosure fencing are also proposed for research purposes.
The Hoosier is proposing a permit amendment to move an existing waterline along State Road 62 in Crawford County, Indiana to accommodate a road repair project by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Issuance of a Public Road Easement to the Perry County Board of Commissioners for the necessary right-of-way to accommodate a replacement bridge across Theis Creek on Locust Road.
This project is marked "cancelled" because it falls into a categorical exclusion that does not require a Decision Memo. The project involved issuing a minor, short-term special use permit.
The Hoosier is proposing to amend the existing permit to install additional fiber optic line. This fiber optic line would be buried and installed in the same corridor as an existing and permitted buried electric line.
Proposal to amend the existing permit to authorize Perry Spencer RTC, Inc. to bury new fiber optic line along segments of Forest Service roads in the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area.
Proposal to issue Perry-Spencer R.T.C., Inc. a special use authorization to install approximately 8 miles of buried fiber optic cable along several county roads in Perry County and to place approximately 0.15 miles of aerial fiber optic cable.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue Perry-Spencer R.T.C.,Inc. a special use authorization to install approximately 5.8 miles of buried fiber optic cable along county roads in an effort to expand highspeed internet access to residents of rural Perry Co.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to authorize Perry Spencer RTC, Inc. to bury new fiber optic line along county and state roads and to install aerial fiber optic line on existing power poles.
Proposal to issue a special use permit amendment to Perry Spencer R.T.C., Inc. authorizing the placement of fiber optic cable on National Forest System land.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to maintain 214 forest openings as early successional grass, forb, and shrubland habitats in the Pleasant Run area of the Brownstown Ranger District.
Mow, use chainsaws, prescribed burning, and NNIS treatments to maintain 5 forest openings and 4 ROW segments in early successional habitat.Treatments in selected openings include construction of a small wetland, planting shrubs, and removing redcedar
The Hoosier is proposing to decommission 13 roads in their entirety and segments of 52 roads for a total of approximately 22 miles. The roads and segments proposed for decommissioning are closed to motorized vehicles and no longer needed.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to issue a special use permit to the Polk Township Trustee in Monroe County to authorize the continued operation and maintenance of Old Allen's Creek Cemetery.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to issue a special use permit to authorize an existing driveway on NFS land and to authorize construction to widen the private driveway.
The Hoosier National Forest proposes to issue a special use permit to the Polk Township Trustee in Monroe County to authorize the continued operation and maintenance of Roberts Road Cemetery.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a five-year special use permit to French Lick Resorts to authorize tree planting and subsequent restoration work within the Roland Riparian Restoration Area.
The Hoosier proposes to permit French Lick Resorts to complete a rehabilitation project that includes planting approximately 366 native trees and 900 native shrubs within the Roland Riparian Restoration Area.
Proposal to issue a special use permit for Southern Indiana Power and Perry Spencer Rural Telephone to place an electric and telephone line along an existing permitted access road.
The Hoosier is proposing to authorize the subsurface and geotechnical investigation to gather data regarding the rate of surface movement in two locations along State Route 62.
Proposed closure of the approximate 0.5 mile trail segment identified as Saddle Creek Bottom Trail to protect soil and water resources and to ensure trail user safety.
This project proposes to reroute the Saddle Creek Bottom trail within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness to mitigate resource damage from poor location of the existing trail.
The Hoosier is proposing to remove a road/stream crossing structure at Albany Road and stabilize the stream bank at a structure on Saddle Creek Road to allow for movement of aquatic species and to restore hydraulic processes within the stream.
Proposal to issue a new special use permit to Salt Creek Services, Inc. to properly authorize the use and maintenance of the road located on NFS land to access the Salt Creek Estates private development.
The project proposes to promote regeneration of oak and hickory by conducting prescribed fire in a research study being conducted by the US Forest Service Northern Research Station and Purdue University.
The Hoosier is proposing a ponds maintenance project for habitat and recreational improvement, as well as preserving the integrity of the structures constructed to maintain the waterbodies.
permit for a 10-foot right-of-way for a buried fiber optic line to close a loop on a Smithville Telephone Company (STC) line, to be buried about two feet deep
Issue a right-of-way (ROW) permit to Southern Indiana Power, Inc (SIP) to allow SIP to set two poles, side trim along county road, and remove approximately 250 feet of aerial line and poles.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit amendment to Southern Indiana Power to construct a 3-phase overhead power line along the south side of Highway 70 and to relocate an existing power line in the same vicinity.
The Hoosier is proposing to grant a permit amendment to Southern Indiana Power to construct a new aerial power line across NFS land. The line would connect two existing dead-ends on each side of NFS land.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a special use permit authorizing Southern Indiana Power to install approximately 1,000 feet of buried power cable on NFS land.
Southern Indiana Power is proposing to move an existing cross-country aerial line out of the county road (Locust Road) in a short segment and remove leaning trees from another segment. This will facilitate repair in the event of storm damage.
Proposal to amend the existing permit to Southern Indiana Power to remove approximately seven power poles and line and place approximately eight new overhead power poles and line within the road right-of-way.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit amendment to Southern Indiana Power to install and maintain approximately 581 feet of buried electrical line in the Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area.
The Hoosier proposes to issue a permit to authorize Southern Indiana Power to remove existing aerial powerline and place the immediately adjacent to State Highway 70.
Decommision unused road at rec. area and prepare for installation of an SST. Remove approx. 2,000 feet of asphalt road and restore bed to contour. On 500 feet, remove only half of road bed and asphalt to allow access for trail maintenance.
The Hoosier is proposing to issue a special use permit to allow the State of Indiana to replace a deteriorating bridge and culvert and to convey a right-of-way easement for ongoing maintenance purposes.
Proposal to restore fire-dependent barrens communities using prescribed fire while considering additional treatments to reduce woody species encroachment and plant succession.
About 3,100 acres of salvage logging and 5,590 acres of prescribed fire, the need arising from the July 2004 storms that affected the southern Indiana area. Approximately 27 miles of road work is anticipated.
The Tell City Ranger District is proposing to install a new precast vault toilet adjacent to the entrance of Primrose Group campsite in Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area.
Construct about 2900 feet of trail. Currently, users must use two county roads to connect from the southern segment of the trail to the northern segment. The new trail will provide a safer option and also proivde a shorter loop option for users.
