An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
As part of carrying out the mission of the Forest Service, agency resource specialists develop environmental analysis and documentation, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and agency direction. A Citizens Guide to NEPA is available from the CEQ and covers what NEPA is and how the NEPA process works in depth.
The Forest Projects listed below are projects that we are currently analyzing or have analyzed under the NEPA process. Projects are the proposed actions on National Forest System lands that are analyzed through the NEPA process. The analysis results in a NEPA decision which is then implemented on the ground over a period of months or years.
Projects that are "Developing Proposal" or "In Progress" may have an opportunity for public collaboration and input.
If you are looking for a project that is not listed below, please contact the appropriate Forest Office.
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 Lolo 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.
Integrated forest resource project that includes vegetation management, big game winter range maintenance, watershed improvements, fuels reduction, and recreation enhancements within the 69,000-acre project area located north and west of St. Regis
Integrated project that includes vegetation and road management activities to address insect and disease concerns, reduce fuels within the wildland urban interface, and maintain a suitable transportation system.
Project includes management actions on specific roads and trails to comply with Forest Plan access standards for wheeled motorized vehicle use within the portion of the Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone that overlaps the Lolo National Forest.
The Barrette Creek Fuels project proposes to reduce hazardous fuels from 2009 timber harvest and 2010 post commercial thin in units adjacent and/or near the wildland urban interface (wui) located between Bird and Fire Creek drainages.
Hazardous fuels reduction in WUI including salvage of bark beetle caused tree mortality using improvement cutting, slashing understory ladder fuels, hand piling, and underburning. Culvert removal and storage of currently closed roads.
Proposal is to implement a comprehensive vegetation management plan for the two campgrounds to improve the health of the stands, address trees killed by bark beetles, and improve public safety
Application of bacterial insecticide to prevent spruce budworm from defoliating Douglas-fir screening material in the Big Larch Campground/Recreation area.
Use prescribed fire (primarily aerial ignition) on about 7,300 acres to: restore wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of high severity wildfire within the project area.
Improve ecosystem function, integrity, and resilience; reduce stream sediment sources; improve fish passage, wildlife habitat and security; provide timber for harvesting, and increase wildlife habitat in mixed severity fire types.
Application of the insecticide Carbaryl to prevent mountain pine beetle attack and mortaliity in pine trees in the Crazy/Pattee Canyon and Rock Creek recreation areas.
Application of the insecticide Carbaryl to prevent mountain pine beetle attack and mortality on pine trees in the Rattlesnake Trailheads and Rattlesnake Trail (Road 99).
Forest Service proposes to issue a 5-year special use permit to landowner to use/maintain approx. 2800 ft. of existing NFS roads to access the northern portion of their private property located in the West Fork Petty Creek drainage
The Superior RD of the Lolo NF is proposing to amend the Lolo NF Plan to include a newly acquired 204 acre parcel in the Cedar Creek drainage. The proposed action is to create Amendment #31 that would establish the Cedar Creek Zoological Area.
Integrated forest management including: vegetation and watershed restoration, fuels reduction, and recreation enhancements within the Cedar and Thompson Creek drainages, located southwest of Superior, Montana.
Collaboratively developed integrated ecosystem management including restoration of fire adapted ecosystems, soil productivity, watersheds and aquatic habitat, and management of recreation opportunities and motor vehicle access.
The Cherry Cr. project's purpose is to promote healthy stands of resilient tree species that can better resist insect and disease agents as well as reduce fuels near neighboring communities.
The proposed project is salvage of a portion of the timber on National Forest System lands that burned in the Chippy Creek Fire in 2007 on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District
Issuance of additional outfitter permits for use of the Ferry Landing and Cascade boat launch sites located along the Clark Fork River between St. Regis and Paradise.
Integrated landscape management including forest vegetation restoration, wildlife habitat and watershed improvements, and recreation enhancements within the Clear Creek drainage.
Replace bridge on Morrell Creek, relocate 500 feet of roadway at the bridge approaches to place the bridge at a more stable location on the stream. Replace and relocate culvert on Clearwater Loop Road 4370, 75 feet upstream of existing structure.
Integrated ecosystem management under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Protection Act (CFLRP) including vegetation and watershed restoration, fuels reduction, and management for wildlife habitat.
Salvage of dead and dying trees on approximately 1708 acres within the Copper King Fire perimeter. Project also includes cutting danger trees along roads and tree planting on approximately 6000 acres.
Improvement of forest stand health on approximately 130 acres in the Crazy Canyon drainage and 42 acres in the Pattee Picnic Area. Treatments would include the removal of dead and dying trees affected by the mountain pine beetle and dwarf mistletoe.
We are proposing to implement commercial and non-commercial vegetation management, which includes fuel treatments, on approximately 1615 acres. Additionally, we are proposing to complete ecosystem maintenance burning over approximately 1136 acres.
Project proposes to improve highway safety; maintain/improve forest health; provide for public safety and sanitation at dispersed recreation sites; improve big game winter range; and enhance watershed health.
Lolo NF - Montana State DNRC land exchange
State wants to trade isolated, scattered school trust lands surrounded by NFS lands; FS would consolidate ownership, acquire access, riparian, roadless & recreation lands & big game winter range.
Project includes vegetation and road management activities to reduce forest fuels, improve forest health, support communities, and address road travel management conflict. Project also includes forest plan amendment to correct mapping error.
Non-commercial thinning of small trees in previously harvested stands to increase tree health and vigor, decrease the risk of insects and disease, and improve forest resiliency and resistance to wildfire.
This project would re-route the groomed snowmobile trail to avoid two stream crossings that have undersized culverts. Trail would be mostly clearing a route that a 9-foot groomer can travel through; but will not have tread for summer use.
Seasonal road access for the Estate of Earl M. Pruyn along approx. 9 miles of Forest Road #9961. Includes provision for seasonal access (April - November) to 1,040 acres of private land in the Black Mtn Area west of Missoula.
Decommissioning of approximately 14 miles of non-system forest roads to benefit Bull Trout fisheries and meet TMDL requirements by reducing stream sedimentation.
The Flathead NF is revising their forest plan and preparing an amendment providing relevant direction from the NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy into the forest plans for the Lolo, Helena, Kootenai, and Lewis & Clark National Forests.
Construction of 3 miles of seasonal, non-motorized trail to connect the River Trail #223 near Ferry Landing to the Iron Mountain Wagon Road Trail #242 by Cascade Campground.
The project proposes commercial timber harvest in 16 units totaling approximately 235 acres and approximately 265 acres of mixed severity prescribed burn. No permanent roads will be constructed; less than 0.5 miles of temporary road will be needed.
Issuance of a special use permit for cultivation and production of hay on 35 acres of National Forest Land acquired in the October 2011 Montana DNRC land exchange.
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.
The roads proposed for decommissioning are non-system roads that are roads are currently closed to motorized public access and this proposed project will not alter public access.
The project proposes to reduce wildfire hazard by creating a shaded fuelbreak along 37 miles of forest system road by use of chainsaws and handpiling of debris.
Re-issuance of a 10 year Special Use Permit for Outfitting and Guiding to provide big game hunting and trail ride services in the Rock Creek Recreation Area of the Missoula Ranger District.
Vegetation and road management activities to improve vegetative resilience; reduce forest fuels; improve forage conditions for elk; provide wood products to contribute to local and regional economies; and maintain a sustainable transportation system.
Karl Joost has requested a special use authorization to bury a 6" by 1,953' water transmission line in an existing irrigation ditch from Bill Creek to his property.
The existing electrical line to the campground pumphouse and the host area is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. The replacement line will connect to the main electrical line located across Highway 12 at the entrance to Lee Creek Campground.
Harvesting dead and dying trees is proposed on about 250 acres, requiring about 0.45 mi. of temp road construction. Plant conifer seedlings on about 6,600 acres within the fire perimeter, including all areas identified for salvage.
The proposed action includes harvesting dead, dying, insect infested, and diseased trees on 484 acres. The proposed activities would likely begin in winter of 2019-2020, with harvest and associated activities completed within one year.
Vegetation treatment to reduce future tree losses from root disease and improve resilience to insect infestation on 131 acres of National Forest System land located within the wildland urban interface, adjacent to private property and residences.
Fuels reduction in the wildland urban interface (directly adjacent to private property) through noncommercial thinning to reduce ladder fuels and heavy fuel loadings on 10 acres. All activities will be accomplished by hand. No mechanized equipment.
Proposed in-stream modifications of Lolo Creek to improve aquatic habitat, including addition of large woody debris and reconnection of historic channels.
Proposal by Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area to expand its special use permit to upgrade and develop new lifts, ski terrain, parking, access roads, and guest service facilities.
Vegetation management at Lookout Pass Ski Area administrative site. Salvage of dead and beetle-infested lodgepole pine trees. Approx. 129 acres of harvest treatment, 0.5 mile of temp road construction and obliteration.
Application by Missoula Electric Cooperative to bury 2.25 miles of existing overhead power lines and replace one utility pole on National Forest System Lands near U.S. Highway 12 in the Lolo Creek Drainage.
Private landowner is requesting a forest road permit to use and maintain the Martina Creek Road 4256 from the gate to MP 3.07 where it enters their private property. Access has been given annually through a temp road use permit since 2008.
he Lolo National Forest is proposing to modify a bridge approach on the Martina Creek Road (National Forest System Road #4256) crossing of Ninemile Creek near Martina and Mattie V Creeks.
Improve channel morphology, floodplain connectivity, and fish passage at the Mattie V Creek Mine through channel reconstruction and cut and fill activities.
Non-commercial thinning of small trees in previously harvested stands to increase tree health and vigor and decrease the risk of insects, disease and potential wildfire.
The Missoula Electric Cooperative in conjunction with the Missoula County 911 Communication system proposes to install a buried powerline to the Point 118 Communication Site. Point 118 is on a peak southwest of the West Fork Butte Lookout
Missoula Electric Cooperative proposed special use permit to bury existing overhead power lines in Quartz Campground to reduce power outages, reduce fire hazard, reduce disturbance in powerline right of way, and improve aesthetics.
Lolo National Forest proposes to remove hazard trees on about 21 acres in the Monture Creek campground and trailhead area to address dead and dying trees and safety hazards caused by Douglas-fir bark beetle infestation and decommission 2 campsites.
Restore and stabilize approximately 5,000 linear feet of stream channel, streambanks,and associated floodplains to more natural conditions and reduce downstream impacts to bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.
Preparation of a Supplemental EIS to amend land and resource management plans for the Idaho Panhandle, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests to address motorized access management within the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones.
Vegetation and recreation management activities on 120 acres to reduce bark beetle susceptibility and respond to public desires for a gentle, non-motorized trail near communities.
Installation of large wood and other aquatic improvements in Graves Creek, Crow Creek, Cooper Gulch, Fishtrap Creek, and upper Prospect Creek to enhance habitat for native fish.
This analysis identifies the visitor use capacity on National Forest System lands only, on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail to assist in the protection and management of trail resources.
The purpose of this project is to apply prescribed fire to the landscape to address wildfire risk reduction and reduce fuels accumulations within the Lolo NF Community and General Wildfire Protection Zones.
Hand thinning, hand piling, and pile burning of understory ponderosa pine and Douglas fire to reduce ladder fuels directly adjacent to private property.
Noncommercial thinning of small trees in stands that were previously harvested and have densely regenerated. Thinning will increase tree health and vigor, and reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle caused mortality and large fires in the future.
Authorize pesticide use permit and use of normally prohibited activities in designated wilderness. Would allow fish treatment and stocking project by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Scapegoat Wilderness.
The Seeley Lake Ranger District is proposing to replace two trail bridges along the Hobnail Tom Trail #32 that provide access across the North Fork Blackfoot River and are located in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Vegetation clearing and pole replacement would be conducted within the Northwestern Energy's Thompson Falls to Burke A & B 115kV power line corridor to comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.
The Lolo NF is proposing to revise the allotment management plan for the O'Keefe Grazing Allotment to ensure compliance with current environmental standards and laws.
The Lolo Post Burn EIS decision was not upheld in court. This project would issue a new decision to complete restoration activities originally analyzed in the EIS.Timber harvest is not proposed, only road stabilization, storage, and decommissioning
Proposal in to conduct hand thinning, girdling, hand-piling, pile-burning and underburning on 1725 acres within a portion of the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area.
The project would reintroduce low intensity fire to primarily southern slopes to reduce natural fuel accumulations within the wildland urban interface (WUI) and to enhance the winter range of big game species by stimulating herbaceous growth.
Montana Department of Natual Resources and Conservation and the Lolo N.F. are entering into a Cost Share Supplement to exchange easements so both parties can have legel access to their lands.
Removal of blown down and wind damaged trees in 5 specific areas on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District: Finley Flats, Prospect Creek, Thompson Falls Administrative Site, Graves Creek, and Swamp Creek.
Prescribed burning on approximately 2,719 acres, to reduce fuels concentrations in close proximity to the Clearwater Crossing Administrative Site and the small community located at the Clearwater Crossing location of Fish Creek.
Precommercial thinning of about 235 stands that range in size from one to 130 acres, located across the Superior Ranger District. This project covers an approximate total of 4390 acres.
Commercial Mushroom Harvest permit system for areas within several 2017 fires on the Kootenai and Lolo National Forests. Personal use mushroom harvest permit system for other 2017 fire areas.
Reissue 5 year Recreation Permit for an over snow dog sled race (4 day) on existing snowmobile routes identified on the Seeley Lake RD OSVUM. No ground disturbance. Installation of temporary checkpoints, stops, route markers, and directional signage.
The Lolo National Forest proposes the closure of three hazardous mine openings (Raven two openings and North Silver King one) on the Plains Thompson Falls Ranger District. Closures would address public safety and use bat compatible locking gates.
Integrated landscape management treatments designed to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels near communities, improve fish and wildlife connectivity, maintain water quality, and provide and maintain forest industry infrastructure.
The proposed action includes harvesting dead, dying, and diseased (i.e., dwarf mistletoe) timber, cutting hazard trees along roads, and planting tree seedlings.
Mining of placer terrace deposits using hand tools. Process excavated material using a trommel. Process water from trommel discharged to a settling pond; solid wastes used to backfill excavations and depressions on site.
Proposed prescribed burning within the Rock Creek drainage in Granite County Montana on the Lolo National Forest. The project would improve big game habitat, forage, and reduce fuels to moderate wildfire hazard and potential spread to communities.
Motorized and non-motorized recreation and travel management on approximately 30 miles of abandoned railroad grades (Milwaukee and Northern Pacific) between Taft and St. Regis, Montana.
A proposal to reduce hazardous fuels on 305 acres within the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Methods would include hand thinning, hand-piling, pile burning, and underburning.
Reconstruction of the boat launch and parking area at the Seeley Lake Campground to improve recreation access and reduce impacts to the aquatic ecosystem.
Improve public safety by removing dead and dying trees, and trees at high risk of beetle infestation in the Big Larch, Seeley Lake and River Point Campgrounds and along their access roads
This project entails removal of conifers within aspen stands by hand feliing in order to improve aspen vigor and increase regeneration within aspen clones.
Harvest of dead and dying trees on approximately 2152 acres (11%) of the Sheep Gap Fire located about 8 miles west of Plains. Proposal also includes cutting of hazard trees along roads and planting of tree seedlings.
Construction of a 600' trail within the Snowbowl ski area permit boundary to allow public and maintenance access to ziplines located on Snowbowl's private lands.
The purpose and need of the project is to reduce high concentrations of hazardous fuels resulting from dead and dying trees. High stand densities within the project area have caused accelerated tree mortality from insects and diseases.
Vegetative treatment proposal to reduce fuels and improve forest health in the South Fork of Fish Creek, while also improving water quality and aquatic habitat and enhancing recreation opportunities and facilities in the area.
Reduce understory ladder fuels, which would reduce the threat of crown fire in the overstory and reduce ground fire intensity, by thinning 84 acres, hand-piling 25 acres, and underburning
Project would reduce hazardous fuels on approximately 1211 acres of National Forest System lands adjacent to the town of St. Regis, Montana. Methods would include prescribed fire only, commercial and pre-commercial thinning, and slashing and piling.
Post-fire salvage of dead and dying trees on approximately 2718 acres (11%) of the Sunrise Fire, located approximately 7 miles southeast of Superior. Proposal also includes cutting hazard trees along roads and planting of tree seedlings.
Project includes vegetation, road, and recreation management activities to restore resilient vegetative conditions, reduce fuels, enhance recreation opportunities, and support communities. It also contains a proposal to amend the Forest Plan.
Project includes the removal of trees that are hazards and those that are affected by or highly susceptible to insects and disease within 6 developed recreation sites to maintain public safety and long-term vegetation health.
Integrated project that includes vegetation and road management activities to restore resilient vegetative conditions, support communities, and maintain a suitable transportation system.
The Swan Face prescribed burn project is proposed to restore the role of fire and enhance the forest ecosystem processes on 2471 acres located at the headwaters of the Clearwater on the Seeley Lake Ranger District.
Up to three test holes would be dug with a rubber-tired backhoe at an unvegetated area in a disperesed campsite. Samples would be processed using gold pans. Process water would be discharged to a test hole.
The City of Missoula holds an easement on McKinley Lake Dam and plans to decommission it. The Lolo NF proposal is to develop terms and conditions to minimize impacts of dam decommissioning activities on NFS lands, resources and wilderness values.
Salvage of dead and dying timber on approximately 610 acres of the Thorne Creek Fire. Project also includes roadside hazard tree removal and tree planting.
Revise allotment management plan to incorporate changes made in past annual operating plans to meet Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and close Bateman Gillespie Allotment
Install lg. woody structures by hand falling trees on about 13 mi. of stream and on about 6 mi. using excavators. Would result in installing 200-250 structures across 4 targeted streams each containing 2-20 pieces of wood from local trees.
Restore stand to a historically ponderosa pine component by thinning under-story Douglas fir. Implement thinning and prescribed under-burning to reduce fuels concentrations. Project will combine fuels efforts with the Petty Rock Timber Sale
Reclamation of abandoned placer mines including restoration of stream channels and fish habitat along Upper Ninemile, Sawpit, Martina, and Twin Creeks.
Approx. 2 mi. of road would be stored (i.e., culverts are pulled at crossings to reduced sediment inputs but the roads remain on the Forest's transportation system inventory for anticipated future forest management) and 10 mi. would be decommissioned
This project is being developed to address forest fuels concerns on the western/northwestern side of Seeley Lake while improving species composition and forest structure.
The project proposes to reduce the risk to wildfire by promoting healthy forest stands that are resilient to insects, disease, and wildfires as well as improve conditions for wildfire suppression through implementation of fuel treatments.
Commercial and Personal use treatment of approximately 95 acres of dead and dying timber within 150 feet of road shoulder along portions of Forest Service Roads 4349, 2190, and 2192
Permittee proposal to conduct day trail rides on routes on the Lolo National Forest, Missoula Ranger District. Permittee's equestrian trail rides would leave from Lolo Hot Springs Lodge and follow roads currently restricted to motorized use.
Removal of and/or abandonment-in-place of approximately 9,693 feet of out-of-service pipeline located on three separate sites within Missoula and Sanders Counties on the Missoula and Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger Districts
