Projects

Inyan Kara Assembled Land Exchange

This land exchange, consisting of approximately 16,600 acres, is being represented by the Inyan Kara Grazing Association on behalf of 17 land owners.

Mad Rabbit Trails Project

This project will analyze options to manage dispersed recreation in the Rabbit Ears Pass and Rocky Peak areas.

34.5-kilovolt Power Line and Right-of-Way at Antelope Mine

Amend an existing special use authorization, named DGL344, to include construction and operation of a new power line segment at Antelope Mine within a new right-of-way in order to provide electricity to an existing entrance guard facility.

Adventure Cycling Association Ten-year Outfitter and Guide Permit Issuance

Issuance of a ten year outfitter and guide permit to Adventure Cycling Association to authorize multiple cycling tours to operate annually on National Forest System Lands across the Rocky Mountain Region.

Amendments to Land Management Plans Regarding Sage-grouse Conservation

The Forest Service is considering amending its land management plans to address new and evolving issues arising since implementing sage-grouse plans in 2015. This project is in cooperation with the USDI Bureau of Land Management.

Battle Ditch Repair and Restoration

The proposed action is to install a headgate, measuring flow box, 991 feet of 24 inch diameter pipe along the existing right-of-way, and instream structures in Battle Creek. Collaborators include USFWS, LSRVCD, TU, WGFD with US Forest Service.

C & C Cattle Company: Livestock Grazing Pasture Permit Re-Issue

C & C Cattle Co. has requested a re-issue of their Forest Service Special Uses Permit for livestock grazing for a 16-ac parcel. The permit expired 12/31/2017. There are no changes in the use of the pasture; action is administrative only.

Carbon Cty Commissioners Re-Issue of Communications Use Lease for Blackhall Lookout Tower Repeater

Blackhall Lookout Tower houses mobile radio service communications (repeater) for Carbon County first responders. Permit/Lease is expired and needs re-issued. New permit to be for recommended 30 years. Administrative change only, footprint unchanged.

Converse County Oil and Gas Project

The Forest Service proposes to authorize development of oil and gas resources as identified by the proponent companies. The proponent companies have identified approximately 5,000 oil and natural gas wells on 1,500 well pads.

Coulton/Floyd PCT Project

Pre-commercial thinning of approximately 240 acres of lodgepole pine.

Dry Lake Campground and Parking Area - Expansion and Refurbishment

Campground expansion, parking improvement.

Encampment Minerals Core Drilling

Mineral exploration and sampling conducted through boring four (4) geologic cores for analysis. Cores will be removed and remaining holes plugged with concrete.

Encampment Minerals Core Drilling - Muddy Mountain

Encampment Minerals to drill three core samples for the purpose of minerals exploration. Cores will be 3.25 inches in diameter and range from 300 to 800 feet in length.

Encampment Minerals Core Drilling - Prospect Mountain

Encampment Minerals proposes to drill six core samples for minerals exploration purposes. Cores will be 3.25 inches diameter and anywhere from 250 - 550 feet in length. Drilling area is accessed by one open public road and two decommissioned roads.

Medicine Bow Landscape Vegetation Analysis (LaVA) Project

Holistically review the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre mountain ranges to identify strategies to best mitigate the negative effects of the current beetle epidemic to the various resources found within each mountain ranges.

Muddy Creek and Lake Creek Watershed Restoration Project

The final environmental assessment and draft decision will be available soon! This project would improve wetlands, stream and watershed conditions, and habitat for fish and wildlife in the Muddy Creek and Lake Creek watersheds (NFSRs 553 and 588).

Ostlind-Parsekian Access Easement

Access driveway across National Forest lands to private property through issuance of FLPMA Easement: 30 years, renewable. Using existing unclassified road 0.7 miles/20 feet either side of centerline (~3.39 acres). No additional construction to road.

Paul Allred - Pirates Gold Mining Claim

Proposed mineral exploration using a dredge with a 5 inch diameter nozzle to reach deeper into holdes in the creekbed. Original proposal included use of a 3-inch diameter nozzle. Project may include off-system motorized access to mining claim.

Re-Issue of Communications Use Lease for VRE Towers, LLC

VRE Towers, LLC owns a pre-existing communications tower on Pole Mountain for which the lease needs to be re-issued. There will be no physical alterations to the tower itself; changes are administrative only.

Special Use Authorization for Use and Occupancy of Additional NFS Lands at Black Thunder Mine

Amendment of existing permit to add 334.5 acres for overstrip of topsoil and overburden and stockpile material for reclamation and other mining activities at Black Thunder Mine. And USFS administrative actions or orders to manage public land use.

Union Pacific Communication Tower Replacement Pole Mountain

Replace existing guyed tower with guy-less taller tower on same site.

Union Telephone Co. Buried Fiber Optic Line

Union Telephone Co. to install below-ground fiber optic cable to provide high-speed data communications to support broadband network and communications for emergency services in rural areas, traveling public, and properties along the route.

West Prong Falls Project

Construction of a wing wall to protect a native Colorado cutthroat trout population.

Wyoming Pathways Pole Mountain Trail Reroutes

Relocate roughly 5.5 mile of trail at Pole Mountain to alter the current resource damaging alignments. Affected trails include: Middle Aspen; Aspen; Haunted Forest; Headquarters; Crow Creek; and Turtle Rock.

2015 USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Special Use Authorization

Classic Bicycle Racing LLC makes temporary use of NFS lands during 4 of the total 7 stages on four National Forests within Colorado for ancillary facilities such as staging areas with portable toilets, signs, barricades, message boards, and filming.

Amendment to Sale Contract for Mineral Materials for Use at Black Thunder Mine

Assess and incorporate any changes to terms or conditions applicable to mineral materials mining into an existing sale contract for scoria or clinker.

Battle Creek Ditch and Stream Enhancement

Install a headgate, measuring flow box, 991 feet of 24-inch diameter pipe along existing ditch right-of-way. In addition to installation of in-channel diversion and in-stream structures.

Conditioning O&M Plans for Parks Platte River Ditch Bill Easements: Batch #1

Conditioning of O&M Plans for six water facilities with Ditch Bill Easements.

Conversion of National Forest System Road 272.1 to a Non-Motorized Trail

Convert 1.5 miles of NFSR 272 to non-motorized trail. Currently .6 miles is Level 1 rd., .9 miles is Level 2 rd. Conversion will reduce impacts to wildlife habitat, water quality, and riparian areas while maintaining non-motorized opportunities.

Darcy Ditch Pipe Installaton

Installation of 30 inch pipe to line 2 sections of the Darcy Ditch, 800 feet in Section 1 and 600 feet in Section 2.

First Creek Restoration Project

Stream and riparian restoration projects on First Creek to benefit watershed, riparian, and aquatic resources.

National Forest System Roads 660.1, 669.1, and 609.1 Restoration Project

Decommission and reroute portions of National Forest System Roads 660.1, 669.1, and 609.1 to reduce impacts to wetlands, streams, and watershed health.

North Savery Project

Signed Record of Decision now available! Up to 6,834 acres hazard tree clearing, precommercial thinning & timber harvest; associated road proposals to improve motorized public access to the forest while minimizing road impacts to other resources.

Pagoda AMP

Grazing Management, Allotment Plan Revision

Rangeland Management in the Black Mountain Planning Area

Conduct an environmental analysis of livestock grazing on three domestic sheep allotments to fulfill Rescission Act requirements and provide guidance for future management.

Reprise 2D Seismic Survey

Two-dimensional, or 2D, geophysical exploration for geologic information associated with oil and natural gas. The proponent is Devon Energy Production Company, L.P.

Steamboat Ski Area Improvements

Analyze the impacts of approving selected projects identified in the 2011 Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation Master Development Plan Amendment, which was accepted by the U.S. Forest Service on January 2, 2013.

Teller Ditch headgate replacement.

Replacement of currently non-functional headgate on Jack Creek, on Teller Ditch.

Tonopas Creek Fish Barrier

Construction of a fish barrier in Toponas Creek to protect a native trout population from invasion by non-native trout.

Wyoming Army National Guard Thunder Basin National Grassland Training Operations

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) proposes to authorize Wyoming Army National Guard to occupy NFS land for training operations on the Thunder Basin National Grassland on August 3-5, 2014 on the Lynch and Dull Center Roads and south on the Cow Creek Rd.

Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA) "Mad House" Powerline Removal

Removal of existing overhead power line to a building on the Routt National Forest that has previously been removed. All existing power poles will be cut off at 1 foot below grade and the hole filled. Each pole will be removed whole or cut to length.

Battle Mountain Prescribed Burn

Prescribed burn to regenerate aspen in conifer-encroached aspen stands, re-introduce fire into a fire adapted ecosystem, and reduce continuous fuels near forest inholdings and perimeter.

Borer Small Tracts Act

Private citizen is considering whether to pursue purchase parcel of National Forest System land or not. Project is on hold until citizen decision is made. Parcel is eligible for purchase under the Small Tracts Act for several reasons.

Elk Park Road

Develop alternatives for the management of Elk Park Road in order to address soil and water resource concerns and to analyze effects to recreational use of the road.

HPBE Trail Reroutes & Relocations

Minor reroutes of segments of National Forest System Trails 1190, 1188, and 1188.1A. The reroutes are proposed in order to reduce resource damage that occurs due to erosion, incision, and trail braiding.

Juancorena Water Transmission Line and Springbox Special Use Permit

Authorize springbox and water transmission line for domestic use

NFSR 970 (Beaver Creek Road) Redesignation Project

Possible redesignation of NFSR 970 from Level II road to motorized trail open to vehicles <50 inches or less in width and non-motorized use. Purpose is to protect resources. A parking area, gate and sign may be installed.

OHV Trails Planning

Planning and analysis of priority motorized trail opportunities per the District Trails Master Plan.

Pierce Whitney Creek Diversion special use permit

Use of the existing Last Chance Ditch to divert additional water from Whitney Creek to private property.

Power Line to Highland Flat Federal 34-34 Oil Well

Authorization for an existing 1,970-foot 14.4kV distribution electrical overhead power line that provides service to several oil wells. The authorization would be for operation and maintenance of the power line and right-of-way.

Riparian Area Restoration in Douglas Creek Watershed

Rehabilitation of approximately 0.5 acres of wetland, damaged by an unauthorized route, to restore soil productivity, hydrologic function, and wetland vegetation.

Sierra Madre Sheep

Allotment Management Planning for 7 sheep allotments in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Thunder Basin National Grassland

West Side Snowy Range Travel Management Environmental Analysis

Analysis of the motorized road and trail system on the west side of the Snowy Range. Analysis includes addition and removal of roads from the current road system and addition of ORV trails.

Western Area Power Administration Right-of-Way Maintenance and Reauthorization Project

Update vegetation management activities along 278 miles of transmission lines located on NFS lands in Colorado, Nebraska, and Utah. These activities are intended to protect the transmission lines by managing for stable, low growth vegetation.

Black Hills Plateau Production, Natural Gas Pipeline Construction

BHPP is proposing to construct and install approximately 3,700 feet of pipeline adjacent to an existing access road from the Murphy B-11 oil well to an existing KN gas gathering pipeline to capture and use natural gas vented at the well site.

Blackhall TSI

The Parks Ranger District is reviewing potential thinning needs within the Blackhall TSI project area. Density control through thinning will be completed by hand tools. No mechanical equipment or road building/reconstruction will be necessary.

Burgess Creek Fish Barrier

PROJECT CANCELLED: After the NEPA was initiated we learned that there was an existing barrier downstream. Using this barrier would increase the length of stream occupied by fish more than the proposed site thereby better meeting project objectives.

California Park Seasonal Area Closure

Annual closure of California Park from May 1 through July 1, to protect wildlife in the spring calving, lek, or nest seasons.

Charger Resources - APD for Tuit Draw Federal 11-2PH Well

SUPO for proposed Tuit Draw Fed 11-2PH well. The APD SUPO includes operations associated with accessing, drilling, testing, and completing a horizontal oil/gas well. Approx 886 feet of new road, 400' x 400' wellpad; total disturb 6.4ac

Charger Resources Porcupine Fed 44-19TH and 44-19PH APDs

Proposal to authorize SUPO of APDs submitted for the proposed Porcupine Fed 44-19PH and 44-19TH wells. SUPO includes operations assoc with access, drilling, testing, and completing horizontal O/G wells. 151ft of new road and one 400ft square wellpad

Commercial Recreation Permits Project

Conduct an environmental analysis on the effects of issuing additional commercial recreation use permits on the District.

Dumont Lake Day Use Shelter

Project Canceled: No NEPA review required. It was determined that this project falls under Maintenance of Recreation Sites (replaced former assets); and it was also determined that there are no resource concerns associated with the project.

Existing Outfitter and Guide Permit Renewals

Reissuance of existing permits for new terms. Any modifications to permits do not increase the scope or intensity of authorized activities.

Federal Coal Lease Readjustments

Analysis of several federal coal lease readjustments associated with lease periods.

Forest Road 792/ Michigan River Culvert Replacement

Replace existing culvert with a larger culvert or a bridge to address engineering structural and safety concerns and improve aquatic passage and hydrologic conditions.

Four Corners Petroleum - WFCU#22 and WFCU#84 APDs

Proposal to authorize the Surface Use Plan of Operations for Application for Permit to Drill (APD) for WFCU#22 and WFCU#84 re-entry wells. The earlier wells were plugged and abandoned in 2002 and 1995.

Freeman Reservoir Special Use Permit

Issue a Special Use Permit for the operation and maintenance of the Freeman Dam and Reservoir to the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Greater Crossbow Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

Proposed oil and gas project for 1,500 oil and gas wells, on 100 well pads, drilled over the course of 10 years in southern Campbell and northern Converse Counties, with roads, utilities and pipelines for transport of materials are included.

HPBE MVUM Minor Changes

OHVs would be allowed on FSR 400 from Seedhouse Campground east to FSR 443 (South Fork Rd). On FSR 110, OHVs would be allowed on the road from June 15 through December 1. Minor mapping errata corrections across the District will also be made.

Irwin Land Exchange

This proposal has been cancelled. The Inyan Kara Assembled Land Exchange project may be planned to incorporate some of the formerly planned Irwin Land Exchange.

La Bonte Canyon Road and Trail Management

Management of road and trail use such as sign improvements for public safety and compliance with Wyoming State laws applicable to La Bonte Road 658. Project analysis, description, and name has changed.

McClain Spring Number 1 Water Development for Papa's Land Trust

This project is now incorporated into Judd and Grout Spring Development project number 47172.

Miners Claim Fuel Reduction

Boundary fuel treatments along and adjacent to private in-holdings containing structures.

Parks Ranger District Outfitter/Guide Permits Temporary Use Pools 2015

Identify and allow continued use of Temporary Use Pools on first-come, first-served basis for permitted outfitting and guiding on the Parks Ranger District in Grand and Jackson County, Colorado.

Parsons Creek Land Exchange

Proposal to exchange lands in the Warbonnet Peak area of the Laramie Mtns.

Pittington Mining Claim Exploration

Expose mineral vein on the Ram Claim, work would include using a D6 dozer to trench a 120 X 130 feet it to expose the mineral vein on the Ram Claim (CMC276636)

Pittington Private Road (NFSR 634.2) Special Use Permit Reissuance

Reissuance of a Special Use Permit for a 5-year term for use and maintenance of National Forest System Road 634.2 for access to private property.

Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) 69kV Powerline for DCP Midstream LLC

Construction of new overhead 69kV powerline (5-wire; single, treated wood poles), originating from PRECorp Tekla substation and crossing 4,935 feet Federal lands, providing service for DCP Midstream to a natural gas pump station off federal land.

Recreation Residence Use of National Forest System Lands

Re-issue special use permits to continue recreation residence use, with some modifications to the operating plan for the Elk River Tract includes 4 lots on the Hahns Peak-Bears Ears Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.

Red Vista Vegetation Management Project

Harvest treatments of up to 3000 acres in mostly beetle killed conifers.

Rhoades Land Exchange

120 acres of Non-Federal to Federal and 200 acres of Federal to Non-Federal.

Rock Creek State Wildlife Road Use

This authorization will cover the commercial use of NFSR 206 and 225 for the transportation of livestock to and from a loading chute facility located on the Rock Creek SWA. In addition a backup lane and turn around will be maintained/constructed.

Steamboat Powdercats Trail Improvements

Steamboat Powdercats trail work for modifications to less than 0.01 miles of snow trail to increase sight distances through tree removal or slight realignment of snow trails.

Temporary Outfitter and Guide Permit Renewal

Renewal of 1 temporary outfitter guide permit. No changes to previous activities.

Temporary Outfitter Guide Permit Issuance

New temporary outfitter guide fishing permit.

Thunder Basin National Grassland Prairie Dog Amendment

The Forest Service proposes to amend the 2001 Grassland Plan to modify Categories 1 and 2 of the 2009 Prairie Dog Management Strategy based on continuing management concerns raised by the State of Wyoming.

Winter Non-Motorized Trail Development

Designate existing non-system trail routes as system trails. Snowshoe routes will be designated as trails on Rabbit Ears Pass. A snowshoe/skiier loop near Dry Lake will be designated at Buffalo Pass.

Wyoming Pipeline Company Amendment-Mush Creek Pumping Station

Proposes to authorize Wyoming Pipeline Company to occupy NFS land to construct and maintain an additional 361 feet of natural gas line to the Mush Creek Pumping Station, connect to an existing line, and renewal of 20-year term Special Use Permit.

Wyoming Pipeline Company-Butte Junction Crude Oil Pipeline Replacement

The USFS is proposing to authorize Wyoming Pipeline Co to replace 3.2 miles of is existing crude oil pipeline. The work would require an additional 10 ft outside of the existing 20 ft ROW to complete construction activities.

Wyoming Trail-CDNST Trail Reroutes

Reroute sections of National Forest System Trail 1101, part of the designated Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). This project would reduce impacts to wetlands and improve overall watershed and trail conditions.