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The Projects page shows current and proposed projects on the San Juan National Forest for watershed restoration, habitat improvement, recreation sites, timber sales, roads, and more. Projects on the San Juan National Forest follow guidelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This act was signed into law on January 1, 1970.
Each national forest and grassland are governed by a management plan in accordance with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). These plans set management, protection, and use goals and guidelines. Monitoring conditions on a forest or grassland ensures projects are done in accordance with plan direction and determines effects that might require a change in the management plan. Scroll down to view current & recent projects.
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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 San Juan 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.
Physical closure of 2 abandoned inactive mine open adits which pose a physical hazard to the public. Will consist of steel grated adit closures with bat ladders for wildlife access. Access to both sites is by foot from existing road
The proposed work includes closing the open mine shaft with polyurethane foam and then backfilling by hand with onsite material. Mining equipment and trash will be removed. All disturbed areas will be seeded. Access will be on foot with pack horses.
Reclamation and clean-up of mine features, including: reclamation of tailings ponds, waste rock reclamation, portal protection, run-on controls (water drainage), rock quarry road maintenance, highwall mitigation, and trash removal.
Use and maintenance of Forest Road #822, including correction of outsloped grade on rocky narrow portion of the road. Also allow use and rehabilitation of approximatley 400 feet of non-system two-track road to reach a second private waste rock pile.
Move mine tailings from FS to a repository on private land where they originated. No new access roads or vegetative disturbance would occur on FS land. All work would be conducted by the State of Colorado, Division of Mine Reclamation and Safety
Remediation actions at several mine adits and/or shafts for public safety reasons. Activities could include back-filling with native materials, metal grates, and/or trail re-routes to avoid hazards.
Proposal to install a wastewater trench absorption system to replace the existing system at the McPhee Recreation Area which services the group campground loop. This system will consist of two (2) 1,500 gallon septic tanks.
Create 2 barriers to non-native fish in Big Bend Crk. Construct by hand within 1/2 mile from the confluence with Hermosa Crk using spruce logs. Barriers to be approx 6 feet high. Will provide 1.5 miles additional habitat for San Juan Cutthroat Trout
Repair of areas of active bank erosion along the East Fork Hermosa Creek and the main stem Hermosa Creek above the confluence. Also, installation of fish habitat improvement structures in the streams. Work would occur over several years.
Construct barriers to prevent upstream fish movement on Hermosa Creek and East Fork Hermosa Creek to aid in the re-introduction of native Colorado River cutthroat trout.
The proposed action would create a fish barrier between pure San Juan cutthroat trout and non-native trout species. The second part of the proposed action is to modify the diversion structure in Fall Creek at the Bruce Spruce Ditch Diversion.
Development of a management strategy and treatment scenario for climax and successional aspen stands within the Beaver Meadows landscape; approximately 1146 acres of aspen are identified for treatment.
Post-BAER rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction. Exact tasks & locations are unknown until ground-based assessments are completed. Examples: debris removal, fence & trail reconstruction, hazard tree felling, tree planting, bank stabilization.
Timber stand improvement project where ponderosa pine sapling size trees would be thinned. Work would be accomplished by hand crews using chainsaws or brush blades. Project area is approximately 260 acres.
Proposal to improve aspen age class distribution and provide commercial aspen wood product with clearcut treatments in various treatment units that total approximately 300 acres.
Treatment of 4,000 ac - 6,000 ac of mature aspen-dominated forest using even-aged treatments. Connected actions include slash treatment; temporary road construction & obliteration; and reconstruction of existing system roads.
Forest health improvement on ~70 acres with associated fuels reduction benefits for the adjacent community. Treatments would be a combination of commercial and non-commercial harvest of shade tolerant conifers and to a lesser extent, ponderosa pine.
Thin approximately 3300 acres to alter vegetation to maintain condition classes that support desirable fire behavior, and increase forest and ecosystem diversity and resilience to disturbance. Use prescribed fire on 13,000 acres for same purpose
Proposal to use timber harvest, thinning, mastication and prescribed fire to improve forest health and resistance to a bark beetle outbreak and to reduce fire fuels.
Treatments to control further spread of insects and disease, improve forest health, increase redilience to disturbance, and complement the treatments already underway in the rest of the Jackson Mountain area.
Proposed pine vegetation management actions to move forest from 'mature closed' to 'mature open' and establish patches of young forest. Includes salvage of dead trees from recent beetle outbreak.
Plant approximately 3000 acres of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and limber pine in high severity burned areas from the Missionary Ridge Fire over the next 8-10 years.
Reforest up to 1000 acres of burned dead spruce stands with spruce seedlings. Planting will be approximately 550 trees/acre in the shade of down logs and dead trees.
The SJNF proposes to plant ponderosa or other native trees as young container seedlings within the 2018 Plateau fire moderate to high severity burn areas exhibiting high tree mortality.
Proposal to use prescribed fire to treat roughly 240,000 acres of ponderosa pine. Purpose is to maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of high-severity wildfire.
The project entails tree cutting to maintain stand health and vigor over 250 acres within the Purgatory ski area permit boundary. This work is being conducted in response to spruce budworm infestations and the potential spruce beetle epidemic.
Proposed ponderosa pine vegetation management actions including tree cutting, tree planting and activity fuel burning covering approximately 35,000 acres.
Vegetation treatment to restore the area (about 34,000 acres) to more natural conditions. Treatments could include prescribed fire, tree thinning, small commercial wood sales, fuelwood gathering, mowing, and targeted grazing.
Proposal to treat 920 acres of mature aspen and 1700 acres of spruce/fir. Click on the comment/object link in right hand corner of this webpage to access a comment form or email comments to comments-rocky-mountain-san-juan-mancos-dolores@fs.fed.us
Reforest approximately 800 acres of the Missionary Ridge Fire burn area around Vallecito Lake with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir seedlings over a three year period. Planting will occur in the spring of each year.
Utilize a combination of mechanical treatment, hand treatment, prescribed fire and managed natural ignitions on approximately 80,334 acres for the purposes of improving ecosystem diversity and resilience, and for supporting fire on the landscape.
Harvest of conifer trees on 3100 acres, including beetle-killed salvage, as well as affected green trees, to reduce tree competition and promote healthy forests. The project may also include nearby trail maintenance and fisheries improvements.
Project focuses on harvest of dead merchantable trees, retention of live green trees, & reforestation off Fall Creek & Wolf Creek Rds. Opportunities to stabilize wetlands, address erosion problems, & do fisheries improvements also being considered.
Project focuses on the salvage harvest of dead and dying merchantable trees and the selection harvest of green trees. Opportunities for fisheries improvement projects are also being considered.
Timber harvest on up to 2,600 acres in the Upper Rito Blanco and Buckles Lake area, including salvage of dead &dying trees, coppice with reserve, & improvement cuts. Fisheries, watershed improvement & travel mgmt. projects are also proposed.
Fuels reduction in the Echo Canyon Area. The project is within the WUI and would expand on an area already approved for treatment in the Echo Canyon area and compliment treatments planned on nearby private land.
Proposed timber harvest, hydromowing and Rx burning to regenerate aspen stands. Stands affected by Sudden Aspen Decline will be targeted to regenerate young, disease resistant stands. Dying aspen will be harvested for wood fiber for local mills.
Thinning & fuels reduction on approx. 2,500 acres in the Blanco Basin Area in WUI and Condition Class II & III to increase the resilience of ponderosa pine & shrublands to insect & disease infestations & reduce potential for high intensity wildfires
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to conduct prescribed burning in the ponderosa pine and warm-dry mixed conifer on the Pagosa District. Burning would be low to moderate intensity surface fire when weather and fuel conditions allow.
Proposal for vegetation treatments in ponderosa pine forests that may include pre-commercial thinning, hand-thinning, mastication, timber-sale, bio-mass utilization and prescribed burning.
Fuels reduction in the Spiler Canyon area. These areas are adjacent to areas analyzed in the 2004 Kenney Flats EA. They were not included in 2004 because they were under private ownership at that time. They were traded to the FS in 2012.
Fuels reduction on up to 2,800 acres in Valle Seco area. Treatments done by mechanically mowing & shredding shrubs & small trees, and/or felling trees by hand or machinery. Material removed as saw logs, firewood, post/pole, biomass, or left on site.
This project is near a highly populated area in Archuleta County. The proposal includes fuels reduction activities (thinning, mowing and mastication)as well as tree cutting and removal activities(improvement cutting, thinning, and salvage harvest).
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 is a historic NEPA document (issued in 2008) being entered for tracking purposes. The decision authorized a new sheep allotment, known as the "Gold Run Allotment"
Improve core values of the RMRI across the project landscape : 1. Communities, 2. Clean Water, and 3. Forests and Wildlife. Proposed actions include vegetation management, Rx burning, water developments for wildlife, and others.
Atlantic-Richfield Company has submitted an application to acquire three tracts of National Forest System lands under the Small Tract Act. Parcels are located in Dolores County, near the Town of Rico settling ponds and total 19.41 acres
Proposed acquisition of 320 acres of privately owned property in Hermosa Park and Mitchell Lakes in exchange for 265 acres of federal property north of Tamarron.
The Forest Service proposes to purchase the surface rights to 3 patented mining claims, consisting of 27.723 acres, in the vicinity of Chicago Basin, wholly within the Weminuche Wilderness.
Proposal to exchange portions of National Forest land known as the Job Corps site along the Piedra Road for private inholding known as Laughlin Park, and a parcel in the Kenney Flats area.
This EA evaluates the withdrawal, for a period of 100 years, of 953.06 acres of public lands and 309.56 acres of National Forest System lands for reserved used by Reclamation and the USFS in connection with McPhee Dam and Reservoir.
Sale of the San Juan National Forest Trimble Administrative Site under competitive bidding procedures. Approximately 20 acres including mineral and water rights. The property consists of land plus three garage-type structures and miscellaneous sheds.
The Forest Service proposes to exchange approximately 452 acres of SJNF lands in ten Federal parcels for approximately 880 acres of one non-Federal parcel of land adjacent to NFS land managed by the SJNF.
Alianza Minerals Limited (Alianza)has submitted a preliminary Plan of Operations to explore its Twin Canyon property in the Caviness Mountain area for locatable minerals through a limited exploratory drilling program.
The wells would be on existing well pads and would not increase total surface disturbance. They fall within the criteria for Energy Policy Act Categorical Exclusion #2: drilling at a location where drilling has occurred within 5 years.
Temporarily expand 8 well pads using 1.4 acres of previously disturbed ground, horizontally drill 16 wells from these 8 well pads, and construct 1.6 miles of gas pipelines within prior areas of disturbance. Hydraulically fracture 4 of the 16 wells.
Re-authorize expiring SUPO and SUP to temporarily expand 3 existing well pads, horizontally drill and hydraulically fracture 6 wells from these 3 pads, and to construct 2 connecting pipelines. <1 acre new long term disturbance. Analysis done in 2017.
BP America proposed to construct a buried 3" waterline to carry produced water from gas wells to an existing waterline. Total length would be 3000 feet, or 1.7 acres of disturbance.
Drill 9 horizontal natural gas wells from 3 pads: 3 wells from one existing well pad, and 3 wells each from 2 new pads. Approximately 2 miles of new road would be required. Gas and produced water pipelines would be laid in the road corridor.
Modification of a Surface Use Plan of Operations to upgrade existing 0.9 mile water and gas pipelines from a gas well. Within an existing disturbance corridor.
Construction of an 8.4 mile pipeline system and the expansion of one existing gas well pad to facilitate re-completion of one existing gas well and horizontal drilling of seven new gas wells from the same pad.
Proposal to drill 2 exploratory wells. Wells to be located on existing roads and log landings whenever possible. Each hole would be 2000 feet deep and have a sump area 18x30x3 feet deep. Proposal is for exploration only.
Determine conditions of approval for construction of 5 well pads and access roads with co-located pipelines.Total surface disturbance would be about 20 acres. Tiers to former landscape-scale EIS analysis.
Approve Applications for Permits to Drill from IKAV for directional gas wells from existing well pads. Minimal expansion of existing well pads will be within the previous overall disturbance footprints.
Seismic study which includes drilling source points, detonating explosive charges within the holes and recording underground geologic patterns. Holes are small diameter, filled in after use and not used again.
Process application for exploratory core sampling to determine mineral potential in the area. ~14 drill sites located in Bedrock Creek (La Plata Canyon, Columbine RD) and headwaters of East Mancos River (Dolores RD). Some sites accessed by helicopter
Determine conditions of approval for construction of 2 well pads and access roads with co-located pipelines. Project is cancelled from the SOPA because it is authorized under the Energy Policy Act, which does not require a NEPA decision document.
Projects proposed include approval of construction of up to 2 miles of interpretive trails, new visitor facilities & parking areas near the existing visitor cabin, visitor shelters near the upper parking area & adoption of specific prohibitions
Develop a management plan to guide the long-term management of the Hermosa Creek Watershed, including the Special Management Area, new wilderness, and project level travel management.
Construct a semi-permanent 16'x24' range cabin and portable 24'x24' corral to assist in effective livestock management on the Elkhorn Grazing Allotment. Also construct a spring exclosure to protect a nearby spring from trampling.
Proposal to revise allotment management plans for 8 cattle allotments to improve or maintain conditions for healthy rangeland conditions of grasses, forbs and shrubs for cattle use, wildlife habitat, and watershed health.
Issuance of a Range On-Off permit for a period of 10 years. The permit will authorize 12 animal units (AU's) with a period of use from June 1 - October 15 with total use not to exceed 54 animal unit months (AUM's).
This project would utilize targeted grazing, with 500-1,000 goats, to browse oak brush resprouts, reducing understory canopy of oak brush within the project area.
Construction of a pipe corral for use in conjunction with an existing grazing permit to facilitate livestock loading and unloading. Corral would cover approximately 2 acres.
Expand and upgrade an existing livestock corral off of Lower Hermosa road south of Sawmill Spring near the second cattleguard. Construct wing fences to guide livestock movements in the area.
Proposal to reauthorize term grazing permits and modify grazing management on all or portions of four allotments: Spring Creek, Turkey Creek, Jersey Jim and Gold Run
Relocation and construction of allotment boundary fence between the V-Rock and West Harris Allotments, and reconstruction of a corral between the Coyote Creek and West Harris Allotments on the Pagosa Ranger District.
The Long Park Allotment permittee has proposed to construct a small corral in the Ormiston Point pasture to assist in livestock management and distribution.
Reroute 0.2 miles of pasture boundary fence on the Park/Valle Seco Allotment to improve existing pasture boundary and better control livestock movement and distribution between pastures.
Construction of a boundary fence between Divide Park and Trail Creek. Construction of one corral between Middle Fork and EF Piedra Allotments, and one corral on the Fourmile Allotment.
Issuance of a Range On-Off permit for a period of 10 years. The permit will authorize 5 animal months (AM's) with a period of use from May 16 to October 15 with total use not to exceed 25 animal unit months (AUM's).
Analyze sheep grazing management on allotments in the Silverton area: Red Mt, W.Lime, Little Molas/W.Needles, Deer Crk, Engine Crk, Flume, Graysill, Needles Mountains, Deer Park, and Elk Crk Allotments. Joint analysis with additional BLM allotments.
Construct 4 ponds on the Snowball Allotment, 2 ponds on the Log Park Allotment, and a corral in the Kenney Flats area of the Park/Valle Seco Allotment. Two of the ponds in the Snowball Allotment are in the Turkey Creek Colorado Roadless Area.
Analysis of grazing, including domestic sheep, on 13 active or vacant allotments in the Weminuche Landscape:Burnt Timber, CanyonCrk, Cave Basin, E.SilverMesa, FallCrk, FlintCrk, JohnsonCrk, Leviathan, PineR, RockCrk, Spring Gulch, and Virginia Gulch.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to 3rd Generation Outfitters (Forest Bramwell) to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for hunting & trail rides.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to Highlands Unlimited (Geoff Burbey)to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for hunting and pack trips.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue an special use outfitter & guide permit to Fish Creek Outfitters (Larry Melton) to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for guided summer pack trips and hunting
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to Trapper Creek Outfitters to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for guided day hunts.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter and guide permit to East Fork Outfitter and Guides to replace a permit that has expired. This permit is for big game hunts, summer pack trips, and trail rides.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to Fawn Gulch Outfitters to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for elk and deer hunts.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to Sundown Outfitters to replace a permit that has expired. The permit is for summer horse pack trips and elk and deer hunts.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter & guide permit to Wilderness Journeys/Pagosa Rafting to replace a permit that has expired.The permit is for driving tours, hiker/skier shuttles, mtn bike tours & guided hikes.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter and guide permit to High Country Fishing Charters to replace a permit that has expired. This permit is for guided fishing.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter and guide permit to Majestic Outfitter to replace a permit that has expired. This permit is for summer horseback trail rides and pack trips.
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter and guide permit to Sonlight Adventures to replace a permit that has expired. This is a summer use permit for day hikes and backpacking trips
The Pagosa District is proposing to reissue a special use outfitter guide permit to Lobo Outfitters. Use includes trail rides, summer & hunting pack trips, hunting drop camps, & lion hunting
The Pagosa District is proposing to reissue special use outfitter guide permits to Pagosa Outside LLC, Voice of Wilderness, Jim Bramwell Hunting, and Crazy Horse Outfitters.
The SJNF proposes to expand the existing approximately 0.44 acre parking lot at Barlow Creek through the addition of approximately 0.58 acres of parking area on the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. Signage and interpretive panels would be installed.
The Boggy Draw trail expansion involves the construction of approximately 20 miles of new connecting or loop trails within the existing Boggy Draw trails area. Trails would be designated for nonmotorized use.
Reroutes and trail additions in the Chicken Creek trail system area, including less than 2 miles of new trail and less than 2 miles of trail decommissioning
Analysis of the existing trail system accessed from the Chicken Creek Parking Lot; analysis of approximately 12 miles of new non-motorized single track trails; and analysis of designating 1.5 miles of existing trail as open to motorized use.
Authorize construction and maintenance by Durango Mountain Resort of a 1.7 mile mountain bike flow trail from the top of Lift 4 to the base area. Trail would primarily use a combination of existing cleared ski runs and segments through the trees.
Review of Durango Mt. Resort's Master Development Plan, describing construction, improvement, & upgrades of recreation facilities within the current permit area. Summer/winter Trail Plan is also included. Project Leader RICHARD SPEEGLE 970-375-3310.
Re-route trail from intersection of Engineer and Pass Creek trails to the shoulder of Engineer Mountain. Replace highly eroded non-system trail with contouring new trail, including rehabilitation of old trail. Adoption of new trail into FS system.
Proposal to groom portions of the Junction Creek Road (NFSR #171) and Junction Creek Campground in the Durango area for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, while maintaining existing motorized uses.
Proposal to designate a user-created non-motorized trail that is popular by hikers desireing to summit El Diente and Mount Wilson, and to construct a new segment of this trail to provide a more sustainable location that minimizes resource damage
Authorize a downhill mountain bike trail in the Logchutes trail system. Route would be approximately 3.5 mi long using existing alignments. Additionally, the project would rehabilitate other non-system trails in the area.
Designation of a downhill mountain bike zone in the Logchutes area, approximately 3.5 miles in length and 400 feet wide, for single-use single-direction bike travel.
Adopt 0.9 miles of user-made trail into the FS system in the Logchutes area. The trail will be brought up to FS standards and maintained by volunteers. Additionally, another 3.8 miles of existing closed system road will be maintained for use as trail
Amend existing special use authorizations to add service days for the use and occupancy of National Forest System lands by commercial Outfitter and Guide businesses.
Issue a new special use authorization for the use and occupancy of National Forest system lands by a commercial outfitter and guide business in the Pagosa Springs area.
Issue a new special use authorization for the use and occupancy of National Forest system lands by a commercial outfitter and guide business in the Pagosa Springs area. The permit is for guided mountain lion hunts on the Pagosa Ranger District.
The Pagosa District is proposing to reissue three outfitter and guide permits that have expired. Two permits provide summer and fall trail rides, pack trips, and hunting services and one permit provides guided snowmobile tours.
Renew an existing special use authorization for continued use & occupancy of National Forest system lands by a commercial outfitter & guide business in the Pagosa Springs area.The permit is for guided mountain lion hunts on the Pagosa Ranger District
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue an outfitter & guide permit that has expired for guided backpacking/day hikes/LNT . The permit will be issued to Stacy Boone dba Step Outdoors. This project was originally listed with Project 46013
Special Uses - Renew existing special use authorizations for continued use and occupancy of National Forest lands by commercial outfitter and guide businesses
Purgatory has requested to build four new trails and reroute two current trails within the ski area permit boundary for a total of about 10 miles, or 4 acres of new disturbance.
Constructing new quad ski lift and four new ski runs. Rerouting of snowmobile access trail. Would require 2.5 acres of ground disturbance and 25.9 acres of tree removal.
Proposal for an approximate 4.5 mile motorized trail was withdrawn by project proponent due to natural resource concerns. NEPA analysis has been cancelled.
Issue a one-time permit for a wilderness trail running race to be run in Sept. 2016. The route will follow existing roads and trails, starting and ending in Silverton, CO.
Issue a one-time permit for 50k and 100k wilderness trail running races to be run on August 3, 2019. The route will follow existing roads and trails, starting and ending in Silverton, CO.
Remove of three toilets as recommended in the May 2016 Recreation Site Assessment: a broken composting toilet in the upper parking lot at Andrews Lake, a toilet at the fishing site along the Old Lime Creek Road, and an outdated toilet at Henderson.
Develop a comprehensive trail management plan to enhance and improve opportunities for trail-based recreation in the larger Turkey Springs area in a manner that is both socially and ecologically sustainable.
The Pag. Dist. is proposing to reissue special use outfitter guide permits to Backcountry Outfitters, Indian Summer Outfitters, Elk Heart Outfitters, Wilderness Journeys, Fish Creek Outfitters, Southwest Wilderness Experience, & Majestic Outfitters
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue special use outfitter guide permits to Backcountry Outfitters, Majestic Outfitters, and Saddle-Up Outfitters.
Rico Trails Alliance and the Town of Rico propose to construct a trail connecting the Town of Rico to the existing Rio Grande Southern Trail. The trail would traverse National Forest System Lands and private property. Easements have been secured.
Rentry into the existing Gordon Creek gravel pit and reentry and potential expansion of the Chub Draw gravel pit to provide a local supply of aggregate material in order to rehabilitate road surfaces, campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead parking.
The project would involve road management activities on approximately 7.57 miles of Cottonwood Road (Forest Service Road 532), including road reconstruction and resurfacing, cattleguard replacement, replacement of a bridge, and widening.
Proposal to renew existing outfitter guide permits, for a new 10 year term. Outfitters include Durango Dog Ranch, Durangler's Inc., Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, Moondance Adventures and San Juan Mountain Llamas Treks.
American Tower proposes to remove the 120 foot tall tower and 228 square foot shelter, along with any underlying foundations and pads, from Caviness Communication Site Lot 6.
Protection of a private water right located on USFS land. Water collection and distribution infrastructure installation to convey water more efficiently and effectively. Exclosure fence installation to protect water resources from livestock tramplin.
The proposed action would authorize motorized access to the Born-Bennett, LLC private property on an existing private road from the West Fork Trailhead. Motorized use of this private road would be when the West Fork Road is open to the public.
Harry W. Bradley passed away and his water transmission line and spring box authorization is nontransferable; therefore a new authorization is requested for Bradley family Trust. The water line will need significant work to get it back up and running
Proposed Forest Road Permit to authorize and maintain an existing, native surface roadway that crosses a 300-foot section of National Forest lands in the vicinity of Rico, Colorado. Snow removal may be authorized. A 20-year permit is proposed.
Installation of up to four 23' x 23' x 10" concrete pads for holding an avalanche control gun. Avalanche control is currently occurring, but the concrete pads will provide more stable platforms for the equipment.
This project would transfer the Carter Ditch Easement (DOL505402) from Cordy Englehart to Gloria Gardner and Alice Roundtree for agriculture irrigation or livestock water system use.
Proposal to identify existing Century Link overhead and underground telephone line locations across the Dolores District and renew permit for a 30-year period
Installation of approximately 1000 feet of fiber optic cable within the existing access road at the Coal Bank Communications Site in order to connect both Tri-State and Verizon facilities to fiber optic internet capabilities.
Installation of new buried fiber optic communication lines and associated appurtenances on NFS land at the Coyote Creek Rd, along the sough side of Hwy 84 to Trophy Lake Place, and two fiber installations along Hwy 84 near Lower Blanco Road.
Clearnetworx proposes to install fiber optic communications line between Dolores and Mancos. Approximately 882 linear feet would be installed on National Forest System lands.
Proposed 30-year communications use lease to renew an existing lease for a 0.5 acre area at 11,250 feet elevation. Improvements include a 4x4 foot VHF mobile radio relay cabinet with a 10 foot antenna powered by a solar array.
Reissue an expiring FLPMA private road easement as a 20-year FLPMA private road permit to the Columbine Subdivision Property Owner's Association for the use of approx. 1,600 feet of existing road. The easement was originally issued in 1988.
The applicant is proposing to install a new water line that will cross USFS lands through an existing easement in order to bring city water to his home.
Authorize an agricultural water facility under Public Law 99-545 (Colorado Ditch Bill). The ditch diverts water from Lightner Creek for use of existing water rights on private lands. The segment of ditch on the Forest is approx. 200 feet in length.
Proposal to renew four existing special use authorizations for commercial Outfitter and Guide businesses. The Dolores District is also reviewing applications for special use events for the 2014 season.
Proposed private road easement is to authorize, reconstruct, and maintain an existing native surface roadway that crosses a 1.50 mile section of National Forest System lands.
This project would transfer the Cordalis Spring Special Use Permit from Connie Donaldson to Jimmy Donaldson and Deborah Klein. This project is solely administrative in nature and does not include any ground disturbance or other physical work.
Issue a 20-year FLPMA Private Road Permit for the use of an existing, but closed mining road to access a private mining claim. Approximately 4000 feet. No road improvements or snowplowing are proposed.
Double A Ranch LLC has requested a private road use permit for the use and maintenance of an existing non-system road as a private access driveway: approximately 1,590 feet in length and 30 feet in width, containing approximately 1.1 acres.
Proposal to add Nordic ski trails to the existing recreational use permit to include trail grooming, guided tours, and public use of the proposed Nordic trails. Trails to be located either on Black Mesa or Dunton Meadows.
Issue permit for the operation and maintenance of the Dutton Ditch. This project does NOT have an objection period because no parties have standing to object. Ignore any posted Objection Start Dates.
New special use authorization for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a fiber optic cable on National Forest System lands along hwy right-of-ways between Wolf Creek Pass and Cascade Village.
Proposal to renew a special use permit for overhead and under ground power line distribution locations over the next 30-year period. Proposal includes consolidating eight Empire Electric Association's authorizations into a single Master Permit.
Empire Electric Association has an existing, buried electrical line crossing the Dolores River that is at risk of washing out due to erosion. They propose to construct a replacement overhead line, which will require installation of 2 wood poles.
This project would authorize a change an existing trail easement to a motorized access easement and transfer ownership from David and Sharon Farny to Cindy Farny.
Authorize the year-round use and maintenance of the existing Farrow & Peterson ditch and diversion structure, including relocation of the headgate and an in-river cross-vane structure. Total surface area on the Forest would be about 1/2 acre.
Reissuance of an expired special use permit for a water well, well house, and water pipeline. Additionally, road use for an existing non-system road would be added to the permit to access the well. Term of the permit would be for 20 years.
Proposal to authorize an existing gravel surface roadway that crosses 400 feet NFS lands in vicinity of Lower Stoner Trailhead. Permit would transfer jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility of existing concrete bridge and snow removal may occur.
Re-Authorization of approximately 4000 feet of existing buried pipeline (6 feet wide ROW) within the H.E. Freeman Ditch. Permit holder has 1.25 cfs absolute water right from Squaw Creek.
Jared and Karen Hansen are requesting road access to private inholding located on the House Creek Wildlife Easement. The road would be approximately 729 feet long and up to 30 feet wide.
Issuance of a new private road special use permit for the purpose of accessing a private inholding. The road will be 7.95 miles long and will follow the previous alignment of the old Forest Road 245A.
Re-Authorization of approximately 4000 feet of buried pipeline (6 feet wide) within the H.E. Freeman Ditch, which transports water from Snow Creek to permittee's adjacent private land. No new disturbance.
The Kremen Ditch (0.9 miles) provides irrigation water to private property in the Starvation Gulch drainage, within the Cherry Creek watershed. The proposed re-authorization does not change any operating conditions for the ditch and right of way.
Rebuild of an existing electric transmission line and clearing vegetation within the existing and proposed 100-foot ROW between the Bayfield and LPEA Ponderosa substations
Permit installation of 335' of new underground powerline with above ground appurtenances along Bear Creek Road from an existing line to a private residence. Permit 20' wide, to occupy approximately 0.15 acres of FS land.
Issue a Special Use Permit for an underground 7.2kV electric powerline to the Grassy Mountain Communication Site. Approximately 1.6 miles long on FS land within existing road corridor.
Issue permit for upgrade of approximately 4190 feet of existing overhead 7.2 kV electric distribution power line on NFS land in the Mayday area of La Plata Canyo, including line replacement and pole additions and replacements.
Permit amendment to authorize approximately 1,372 feet of buried 7.2kV single phase distribution electric line next to the Goulding Creek Trailhead access road, in order to bring service to adjacent private property.
Authorize various segments of existing distribution powerlines that were inadvertently omitted from LPEA special use permits. Most segments are within FS developed sites. Approx. 25 acres total.
Issue Special Use Permit to La Plata Electric Association to install a buried powerline approximately 1400 feet long and 25 feet wide on Forest land, running from an existing communications site on Forest land to adjacent private land.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) proposes to enclose the Leavensworth Ditch in corrugated metal pipe. CPW owns all water and ditch rights associated with the Leavensworth Ditch.
The Lost Valley of the San Juans (LVSJ) Property Owners Association has submitted an application for year-round motorized access on Four Mile Rd. (NFSR 645) from the closure gate to the LVSJ community (about 22,000 feet of road or just over 4 miles).
Re-Authorization of long time use for 312 feet of Forest Service owned pipeline and well along with 312 feet of electric line and well house for supplying domestic water to permittee's house. No new disturbance.
Authorize future construction and ground disturbing projects within the existing footprints and parameters as defined within the Comm Site Plan. Consists of four areas totaling about 4.75 acres.
Proposal to transfer an existing BLM lease for communication use to Forest Service while authorizing the new lease for a 30 year period. The site is approximately 0.5 acres northwest of Dolores, CO.
Proposal to renew and existing permit for another 30-years and include 434-feet of buried 4-inch perforated drain pipe used to aid in draining water in area just north of Hwy 160 and within and adjacent to Northwest Pipeline's gas line corridor.
Proposal to expand from a 10-foot x 10-foot area to a 50-ft x 300-ft area to install a new deep well cathodic protection facility, including a rectifier box and a deep anode bed to protect a portion of pipeline from corrosion.
Special use authorization of motorized access (with appropriate maintenance stipulations) to a private land owner for the use of the first 0.7 miles of the Price Lakes Road
Grant a temporary permit for occupancy and access to the Divinity Well area, for the purposes of conducting a short-term well pumping test. Well water levels, discharge amounts, and water quality will be measured.
Design and construct western skier bypass at Lift 8. This will entail widening the existing cat-walk with the associated dirtwork, tree removal and reseeding.
Amendment to an existing permit to authorize a 875'long x 40'wide buried water pipeline, which would connect a well on private property with existing infrastructure. It would be within the Lower Demon ski trail and a previous water line corridor.
Approval of changed alignment for the Gelande Lift (previously-approved but not constructed). Realignment would result in the need to expand the ski area permit boundary and the corresponding Forest Management Area 8 boundary by about 26 acres.
Realignment of snowmobile bypass along Forest Road 578 (Hermosa Park Road)to improve snow retention and riding conditions. This bypass separates motorized use from skier use. The new alignment would follow an existing old road bed.
Authorize the use of ~300 feet of NFS land for access to a private inholding,
in the form of a 30 year authorization. An initial request to also snowplow the first 1/4 mile of FDR 587 has been dropped.
Proposed 30-year Communications Use Lease at Expectation Mtn. Site which would renew an existing lease. Site is 0.5 acres at 11,500 feet. Project includes 30x30x48 inch steel cabinet with 8 foot mounted fiberglass antenna powered by solar array.
The proposed action would authorize the owners of the Robert Burns Load mining claim, Mineral Survey No. 9932, motorized access to their private property.
Forest Service response to application submitted by Bonanza Boy LLC for issuance of road maintenance permit, public road easement, and a road easement for access to private property and snowplow authorization.
The project would authorize the installation of fiber telecommunications line to provide broadband internet access to the tribal and non-tribal members primarily within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
Issuance of a special use permit for the use, operation and maintenance of the Square Top Ditch (this ditch has been in place since 1889 and portions of the ditch are within the South San Juan Adjacent Colorado Roadless Area).
Grant a Special Use Permit for about 4400 feet of Forest access from Highway 550 to north end of Electra Lake, including temporary reconstruction of an old roadbed for the purposes of reconstructing and monitoring Stagecoach Dam. 3-year term.
Reissuance of a communications site lease for an existing facility consisting of an 8' x 24' building and tower. The applicant proposes to install a new generator and propane tank at the site.
Permit for survey and recordation, and limited testing (shovel tests, scrapes, probes) of historic and proto-historic archaeological sites according to current Forest Service and SHPO guidelines.
Removal of hazardous vegetation to the operation of the powerline. Removal of vegetation would reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire on federal lands and adjacent at-risk communities.
Re-issue the permit for an existing powerline to new owner, Tri-State. Amend permit to authorize installation of fiber optics on existing poles. Will involve use of a helicopter, and temporary work areas within and adjacent to the powerline corridor.
Canceled because project not currently in progress on district. Will revisit in the future. Authorize motorized trail access, via FLPMA Private Trail Permit, to an isolated private parcel.
Re-issuance of a road use permit to a new company which has purchased minerals interests in the Bull Canyon area. The road use permit currently exists and there will be no change in use.
Permit issuance to Visionary Communications for year-round road use on NFSR651 (Eighmile Mesa road) for access and maintenance of a communications site.
Issuance of a Special Use Permit for use and maintenance of an existing hand-dug irrigation ditch approximately 830 feet long, for use of existing water rights.
Reissue an expired special use permit for a building and tower at the south Missionary Ridge communication site. No changes to the facilities are proposed. Reissuance would be for a 10 year term.
Proposal for exchange of 407.05 acres of non-federal lands known as the Flattop Mtn & Mitchell Lakes parcels, located in the Mancos-Dolores RD & Columbine RD, San Juan NF & dispose of two Federal parcels located near the Town of Breckenridge, WRNF.
Travel planning for areas known as Boggy Draw and The Glade. This project implements the new Travel Management Rule and will designate routes for motorized travel.
Project involves a variety of changes to road management on the east half of the Pagosa District, including road decommissioning, closing roads to public motorized use, opening nonsystem roads to public motorized use, and changing trail designations.
Conduct analysis to designate roads and trails for motorized vehicle use by vehicle type and time of year, and address mixed uses on Forest roads. A Supplement to the EA is under analysis.
Travel planning for areas known locally as Haycamp Mesa, Transfer Area, and Echo Basin. This project implements the new Travel Management Rule and will designate routes for motorized use.
Forest Service road and trail planning includes reviewing, changing or re-designating the road and trail system, including types and season of motor vehicle use, maintenance levels of open roads, and decommissioning un-needed routes.
Travel planning for areas known locally as Rico, Bear Creek, Calico, Burnett Creek, Willow-Divide, Black Mesa, and Ryman Creek. This project implements the new Travel Management Rule and will designate routes for motorized use.
Tri-State is proposing to upgrade existing Montrose-Nucla-Cahone 115-kV transmission line to 230-kV. BLM website: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/district_offices/southwest/ TriState230kVRebuild.htm. For construction info see: http://tristate.coop/mnc
Proposals to construct buck and pole fence around two riparian areas; to armor culvert outlet and 6 headcuts with rock, place erosion matting, straw,willow cuttings and to fill ruts and hand rip and seed roadbed.
Update infrastructure on the FS-owned Steinegger Ditch to flow water into and increase the size of the Falls Creek wetlands complex from 7.6 acres to 13.6 acres. Actions include replacing headgates and increasing the size of 2 existing earthen dams.
Restore hydrology and surface vegetation at a number of identified fen complexes on the Columbine Ranger District (four on Molas Pass and one on Grasshopper Creek).
Impacts to the Ophir Pass fen (dewatering, erosion) caused by past mining will be corrected by filling ditches, controlling erosion and replanting wetland plants.
Restore hydrologic function of the fen complex by removing an old roadbed, stabilizing existing ditches, spreading mulch, and vegetating exposed ground.
Ditch maintenance, riparian restoration and stream channel improvement actions are proposed to restore fishery connectivity, reduce maintenance, ensure water right is accessed reliably,decrease sediment, and prevent flooding.
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.
The US Forest Service is preparing an environmental analysis for cave and abandoned mine management options for the bat disease commonly known as white-nose syndrome (WNS).
This project aims to promote and enhance wetlands and instream habitat by using riparian and wetland restoration strategies. These include the installation of mimicry beaver dams, post assisted log structures, and large wood.
Non-federal Parties propose to convey five separate parcels of non-federal land containing a total of approximately 681 acres to the United States in exchange for four federal properties containing a total of approximately 303 acres of equal value.