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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 Gila 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.
Construct 1 mile of new standard trail that will serve as a CDT Connector trail serving local and thru hikers near the Little Walnut Rd and Bear Creek Ben Lily Overlook areas.
Install and bury approximately 1.4 miles of poly pipeline and a drinking trough, to provide an alternative watering location for the excluded Adair Springs.
Crown Castle GT Company, LLC is modifying its existing communication tower at the Jack's Peak Communication Site for greater stability. It is also going to allow T-Mobile and AB Spectrum to locate their antennas and repeater equipment on their site.
Purpose of project is to improve existing water sources on the Agua Fria Allotment. Improvements would benefit wildlife and livestock. Proposed to install approx. 2.7 miles of pipeline, 1 or 2 storage tanks, and 2 troughs.
Install a water system with 3.5 miles of buried pipeline, 2 drinkers, and storage tank in Antelope Pasture on Spur Lake Allotment to provide water for and improve distribution by both wildlife and livestock.
Proposed project is for the installation of a 48,000 gallon water tank for use by Apache Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. Tank will be located at the former Aragon Transfer Station.
El Paso Electric has applied to renew their permit on FS lands and amend right-of-way to include permanent access to existing authorized 345 kV transmission line for maintenance on BLM and FS lands. See http://www.blm.gov/nm/epeaccess for more info.
Hand thinning treatement to improve forest health while mitigating intense fire along the primary ingress and egress route for multiple land owners. Buffer of approximately 47.8 acres along FSR172.
Approximately 7 miles of corridor clearing of trees and brush and new trail construction (including installation of appropriate features such as retaining walls, waterbars, and climbing turns) to connect the Continental Divide Trail from the Forest
Purpose of project is to increase aircraft, pilot, and passenger safety for the backcountry airstrip that is part of the Beaverhead Work Center administrative site by removing encroaching woody vegetation from around the airstrip and flight path.
Ben Lilly Pond is a man-made feature with an earthen berm and primitive concrete spillway. There is a need to protect pond features from both ungulate use, public use, and vehicle parking. Propose to implement fencing and parking mngt controls.
The project includes implementing measures to decommission 62 miles of roads, restore road-impacted resources to productivity, and return former roadbeds to a more natural appearance. These roads have been previously closed.
Install riparian exclosure fence to facilitate watershed, fish habitat and riparian restoration by excluding livestock from the perennial San Francisco River except at designated water access locations.
This project proposes to authorize livestock grazing consistent with Forest Service policy and to provide long-term management direction for domestic livestock grazing. The Black Bob Allotment is proposed to be split into two Allotments.
Wilderness RD is scoping a restoration proposal by New Mexico Environmental Dept. for projects in Black Canyon, to reduce water temperature impairment through planting, improving instream habitat for Gila trout and watershed function.
approximately 239 acres within the Allie/Avalanche grazing allotment will treat juniper and pinon pine using mechanized equipment and hand tools, to improve wildlife habitat and provide forage for wildlife and livestock.
This EA will reauthorize a suitable level of livestock grazing for the Black Range Allotment that meets all laws and regulations and the Gila Forest Plan.
Permittee will install a pump and black plastic pipe on the surface from Black Hawk mine area approximately 1/4 mile to an identified trough on Forest Service land. Use would be part year for up to 2 years.
Improve timber stand and wildlife habitat. There is a need to improve timber stands resilience to risk of insect and disease infestation, drought and wildfire. Improve grassland and aspen wildlife habitat by removing encroaching trees.
The Silver City Ranger District is proposing to improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by reducing natural fuels on approximately 200 acres in the Burro Mountians using a combination of mechanical thinning and prescribed fire.
The purpose of the project is to reduce potential hazards to the public associated with open mines while protecting and preserving the intrinsic value of mining related features such as wildlife habitat and historic artifacts (25-30 possible sites)
The project includes a combination of salvage of timber, roadside hazard tree mitigation, and site preparation for natural regeneration with the option of planting across the high and moderate fire severity areas of the Buzzard Wildfire.
Permitee to construct small riparian exclosure in T21S, R15W, section 29 to exclude livestock use and invigorate the native plant population. Project area is about 25 miles southwest of silver City in the Burro Mountains in Grant County.
Reissuance of a special use permit for continued use and maintenance of communication equipment and building at the Glenwood Brushy Communication Site.
Remove pinyon, juniper, and oak from up to 2398 acres of invaded grassland; reduce tree density within up to 1679 acres; and clean a silted tank. This is to improve wildlife habitat.
The proposed action would allow the installation of two new powerlines and associated poles on National Forest System (NFS) lands by Sierra Electric Coop. One line would be ~0.6 miles and the other ~0.4 miles in length both leading to private land.
Vegetation improvement project aimed to reduce tree density in woodland and ponderosa pine forests utilizing a combination of mechanical and prescribed burning. There will also be opportunity for forest products to be available to the public.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection desires to establish communication facilities at the Mangas Mtn Communication Site on the Apache NF (Adm by the Gila N.F). The antenna used by this Agency will be placed on the existing tower owned by the State of NM
Freeport-McMoran Chino Mines has applied for a permit to drill 13 exploratory sites on 3.6 acres east of Fort Bayard. Less than 1 mile of roads would be constructed for access.
Currently, about 2 miles of the CDNST and Forest Service Road (FSR) 226 share the same travel route in the Monument Park area. The purpose of this project is to separate motorized and non-motorized uses by constructing approx. 1-2 miles of new trail.
Propose to treat approx. 5,699 acres to improve timber stands. High densities of pinon-juniper, gray oak, and ponderosa pine trees have resulted in reduced tree growth and stand conditions more prone to high mortality.
Develop 2 campgrounds designed to meet need for amateur astronomy viewing areas. Includes access road, parking, signing, toilet, fence, and campgrounds.
Remove pinyon, juniper, and oak from up to 1000 acres ofinvaded grassland and reduce tree density within up to 174ac of woodland to improve forage for wildlife (elk).
Purpose of the proposal is to study and collect information on an archaeological site on the Quemado Ranger District near Toriette Lakes area. Work will be conducted by the Denver Museum using various research techniques and activities.
Project proposal will be to treat encroaching one seed juniper with thinning and prescribed fire. Project will help improve mule deer and quail habitat.
Extension of two pipelines to provide a reliable water source for wildlife and livestock use. (Uno Pino Pipeline Extention combined with this project.)
The purpose of the project is to improve watershed functions by re-routing a section of FSR 4072 L up onto the hill slope and remove it from within Turkey Run drainage while also improving ingress/egress for private landowners.
Propose to permit the 0.13 miles from existing gate to private land where there is adequate space for motor vehicles to turn around versus in narrow canyon at private land. Install a walk through swing gate for access to NFS lands.
Gila NF proposes a series of plantings to address: 1) need to increase availability of traditional use plants for utilization by the Tribes that partner w/ the Forest & 2) need to protect & expand upon the availability of habitat for pollinators.
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.
Issue 5 year term recreation event permit for Gila Monster Gran Fondo to use 3 rest stops along Hwy 15 - Wildhorse Mesa, Copperas Vista, and Gila Cliff Dwelling parking lot located on Silver City and Wilderness Ranger Districts.
The Forest is implementing the Travel Management rule, which calls for establishing a system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motorized use; and determining suitable locations for motorized dispersed camping.
Propose to conduct lethal and non-lethal feral cattle removal from the Gila Wilderness to address the presence of feral cattle. Feral cattle have negatively impacted habitat, water quality, riparian, and wilderness character.
The Gilita Creek watershed supports a recovery population of Gila trout & is listed under the Clean Water Act Section 303d for temperature & nutrient impairments. Project objective is to improve stream, riparian, and meadow habitats.
Project to perform maintenance within administrative boundaries to include building repairs, fence construction and repairs, landscaping, road and associated accesories (such as culverts) repairs
There are multiple locations where illegal motorized intrusions are occurring in Wilderness & wilderness study areas, threatening wilderness character and quality. Proposal is block motor vehicle intrusions using one or more methods of barrier types.
The privy at Hillsboro Peak & Black Mtn lookout towers are at capacity. It is time to replace both with new privies which will include such things as removing old structures, blasting and/or digging new pits, & building new structures.
Improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by prescribed fire and mechanized equipment (chainsaw, mower, dozer, etc), to restore habitat and reduce future wildfire risk by improving watershed resiliency.
Proposed to increase existing water sources on the Jewett Gap Allotment. Improvements would benefit wildlife and livestock. Proposed to install 3 drinkers, approx. 3 miles of pipeline and 3 storage tanks within the Gap and Gallo pastures.
Mechanically thinning approximately 957 acres of pinyon/juniper. The purpose of the project is to maintain meadow and grasslands for elk calving grounds.
Develop new wells with solar pumps, install new water storage tanks & drinkers, place plastic pipeline on ground, construct & replace corrals to better disperse cattle on allotment.
Construct approximately 0.50 miles fence on forest/pvt land. Maintain/repair 1 mile of fence. Cut Junipers and debris out of riparian area, leave cut junipers for fuel wooders and re-locate Bloodgood Spring for watering livestock and wildlife.
Reconstruct & reroute portions of the existing Ladrone Trail #127 which are impassable due to lack of maintenance & impacts from 2013 Silver Fire. Trail between Kingston & Hillsboro Peak; segments lie with Aldo Leopold Wilderness and roadless area.
In approximately 5,000 acres, cut 5 acre openings in dense pinyon-juniper woodland to stimulate grass, forb and browse growth. Travel corridors approximately 50-100 foot wide will be left uncut. The area will be accessible for fuelwood gathering.
Proposal to improve the parking area and trailhead design to ensure safety for trail users by creating adding signing and improve parking and access to accommodate a variety of vehicles and provide ADA accessible parking.
Complete restoration activities and install recreation signage to improve visitor experience and mitigate unintentional resource damage issues within the San Francisco Wilderness Study Area (WSA).
Over the last several years concerns have been heard on increase of user created routes. These routes are primarily associated with illegal wood cutting or off-road motorized vehicle use. Proposal is to decommission user-routes in Luna Planning Area
Ecological restoration project: minimize impacts of high severity fire/community protection; veg/forest health mngt; improve watershed conditions; protect/conserve wildlife habitat. See also http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gila/home/?cid=STELPRD3828973
Improve existing water sources in the Mackey Allotment to ensure wildlife and livestock have access to reliable waters. Proposed pipeline extension and associated drinkers would provide reliable waters in lower portions of O-O and Park Pastures
Treat approximately 6,500 acres of Pinyon Juniper and Ponderosa Pine habitat to link Collins Park with the Plains of San Augustin and facilitate Pronghorn Antelope movement, restoring a native ungulate and game species to its historic home range.
The Silver City Ranger District is proposing to improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by reducing natural fuels on approximately 2,402 acres in the Mulberry fuelwood area located southwest of the oak grove subdivision.
Navopache proposes to install approx 0.4 miles of powerline from its current end point in Pleasanton along Hwy 180 to the Catron County Transfer Station.
The purpose and need for the Noonday-Gallinas Allotment EA is to authorize livestock grazing in a manner consistent with the Gila National Forest Plan (GNFP).
Construct or designate approximately 20 miles of Continental Divide Trail from the Redrock Road north to the Forest boundary near Mangas Springs. Approximately 16 miles will be new trail construction.
This EA will reauthorize a suitable level of livestock grazing for th North Palomas Allotment that meets all laws and regulations and the Gila Forest Plan.
Reissuance of 3 expired priority outfitter/guide permits for the activities including hunting, horseback riding, and drop camps across the entire Gila NF.
The project proposal is to decommission a 1/2 mile of 2-track road and to treat approx. 800 acres with mechanical treatment and prescribed fire. Project will help improve watershed conditions and wildlife habitat.
Hillsboro Garden Club, under the Nat'l Garden Clubs MOU, with help from volunteers, students, NGOs etc. will work with District, to plant trees in locations severely burned in 2013 Silver fire with native trees in upland and riparian areas
Due to an erronous private survey, along the common boundary of private and NFS land, the owner of the property constructed a driveway, buried a water pipeline and constructed some buildings of which part of them entered the NFS land.
Salvage of Dead and dying trees on approximately 250 acres along US Hwy 180, Leggett Loop road - FS roads 33, 4040M, 4040N, 4180 F, 4317I, 4317J, 4317 K, 650, fences, and utility lines. Salvage will include harvest of fire damaged trees.
Issuance of special use permit to enable continued use of Gila NFS lands by Outfitter/Guides to conduct business operations assisting the public hunting big game species in compliance with Forest Plan and applicable laws and regulations.
The project is to treat approx. 3,000 ac including WUI around private land and the Radar Brushy electronic FAA site. The areas has been identified as being at risk for high fuel loads and tree mortality related to insect and disease.
Proposed to add a 2nd buried water pipeline from private property to existing freshwater storage tank. Pipeline is approximately 615 linear feet in length.
Due to a replacement construction project of the NMSH #12 bridge #3446 which crosses SU Canyon, the existing WNMTC fiber optic cable, which is currently located on the bridge needs to be moved out of the area of construction.
Issue a special use permit to Grant County for gravel production for county road maintenance within the Burro Mountains using material from the Red Rock Gravel Pit
Modification of existing permit to approve a well installation and associated improvements including septic system and leach field; and to level and gravel a pad for vehicle parking.
Contribute to conservation of Rio Grande cutthroat trout by
restoring it to approximately 30 miles of interconnected stream habitat in the Las Animas Creek watershed.
In coordination with Federal Highways Admin (FHA), FHA is proposing to replace the Romero and South Fork Negrito bridges due to deterioration and safety concerns.
The project would consist of constructing 1/2 mile of road to access and maintain two waters locted in Donahue and Hot Springs Canyon. The waters have not been maintained in several years due to road access being blocked.
Proposal is to develop the Rain Creek Trailhead parking area & improve experience of visitors to Sacaton Airstrip and Rain Creek Trailhead. Proposal includes single vault toilet & shaded picnic area. NOTE:OCT 6th-Extended comment period on proposal.
Project will consist of prescribed fire in the Sacaton area in Little dry to reduce risk of high-intensity wildfires. Reduction of fuel loading will aid in improving wildlife habitat such as browse for deer & disrupt fuels adjacent to T&E habitats.
Treat approx. 4840 ac of historic grassland habitat being encroached by pinon juniper and ponderosa pine. Provide a wider corridor between Collins Park & Plains of St. Augustin to facilitate pronghorn antelope movement and habitat restoration.
Improve existing water sources on El Caso Allotment near Poison Cyn. These water improvement structures will benefit wildlife, including bats, and livestock. Action will install approx. 2.3 miles of pipeline, 4 storage tanks, 3 troughs, and 1 well.
Sierra Electric Cooperative, Inc. has applied to modify their permit to construct and operate 0.8 miles of re-routed segment of the powerline across NFS lands and upgrade the entire line to 14.4Kv. The old poles and lines would be removed.
The Silver City Ranger District has identified abandoned mine sites that pose a threat to public safety and Forest Service personnel. These sites will be covered either by backfilling or using bat friendly gates.
Reroute 9 segments (approx. 19 miles) of Continental Divide Trail on Silver City RD. Reroute segments that currently overlap motorized roads and trails; and reconstruct/realign segments to Trail Class 2 design and address resource concerns
Currently, many of the district trail access points, lack such things as basic directional signs, information kiosks, infrastructure, or clearly defined parking. Resource impacts have been identified, so proposal is begin implementing improvements.
Mining claim owner proposes to use existing closed routes to access via ATVs to prospect unpatented claim near Twin Sisters. Hand tools used for prospecting/reinforcing existing adit. Site will be camped a couple of weekends/month from May to Oct.
Reduce sediment entering lake and improve water quality by planting riparian, constructing sediment retention structures. Improve boat ramp to prevent undercutting by wave action. Reduce erosion along existing gullying by installing small rock dams
Allow Socorro Electric to add approx. 1 miles of standard above ground powerline on Forest Lands along County Road A010 to provide power to a private land inholding. Work would include removal of vegetation and digging holes for poles.
Reissue of expired SUP to authorize the continued occupancy, use and maintenance of the pipeline, storage tank, Road Easement for FSR 4020M to access private land
Purpose is to re-issue existing non-recreation special use permits to allow for continued use of facilities and roads permits within the Quemado Ranger District.
Re-authorize livestock grazing for allotments on Gila NF-Glenwood RD and on A-S NF-Clifton RD. The Clifton RD allotment decisions can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57226
Develop a water source site for wildlife which includes well, open trough drinker with escape ramp, storage tank and fence placement to protect infrastructure and limit vehicle access.
Bonaventure Inc has proposed to drill approximately 11 drill pads within the Burro Mountains for mineral exploration. Drill holes would be approx. 300 feet deep. Project is located in previous disturbed mining area.
Treatment of vegetation that occurs in and adjacent to utility powerline corridor and identification for access routes to conduct maintenance activities.
Issue a 5 year term recreation event permit for Tour of the Gila for use of one rest stop at intersection of US Hwy 180 and NM Hwy 159 and stage finish area along NM Hwy 159 on the Glenwood RD.
TEP proposes to replace the existing 20' microwave tower with a 120' tower. Along with this, two new antennas and communication radios will replace the existing equipment. The new tower will have a new concrete pad. The old equipment will be removed.
Reissue as one master special use permit, the individual permits for utility corridor access and maintenance for two transmission lines in Quemado, Glenwood and Reserve.
Reissue special use permit to Tucson Electric Power for utility corridor access and maintenance on Gila National Forest. Most helpful to receive comments on this project proposal by September 16, 2022
Riparian enhancement by planting riparian species along Tularosa R. corridor, construct riparian exclusion fence outside of floodplain to protect riparian and wildlife habitat, and construct water system for wildlife & livestock outside the exclosure
Proposal is to issue USGS a Special Use Permit for installation and maintenance of a proposed gaging station located on the San Francisco River west of Luna, NM
The wet meadow has been affected by flows from areas burned by the 2014 Signal Fire and 2020 Tadpole Fire. This project is to hydrologically stabilize the meadow, rewet the site, and restore riparian vegetation to the system.
Using local, native materials, build in-stream structures and bank structures to slow water speed, encourage sediment deposition, and restore meander to stream channel. This would enhance and protect native fish habitat.
Propose to install a 40 foot extension to existing 124 ft monopole on existing permitted site on Brushy Mountain. Most helpful to receive comments on the project by September 16, 2022.
Buriial of a second 6" pipeline to be routed alongside the existing permitted pipeline and placement of an additional water storage facility, having a 350,000 gallon capacity.
Re-issuance of a special use permit for a road easement located within the Wagon Wheel Lane Neighborhood Association. Easement allows for access to the subdivision for multiple landowners.
Cut all dead and dying trees on approx 180 ac of high and mod intensity burn areas within the 15,370 ac of the Wallow Fire. The objectives of this project are to facilitate reforestation & utilize the burned trees.
Construction and issuance of a road easement to a private piece of property in exchange for a public easement across private land along an existing road for public recreation access.
Amend existing communication site permit to add the following proposed improvements: generator, 1000-gallon propane tank, & fencing around each improvement. Per safety guidelines, propane tank will be placed more than 100ft from existing facilities.
Proposal is to issue a SUP to WNMT for a 2nd communication site on Radar Brushy. Site proposal includes adding a generator & propane tank to an existing tower site & enclose area with a fence. Would be a backup system for 911 and FAA systems.
Project is to improve habitat for Gila Trout by stabilizing eroding banks, constructing large pools for overwintering and planting riparian vegetation for creek shading.
Due to post-fire flooding and ash flows fish were nearly eliminated from whitewater creek and tributaries. This project would restore native fish including Gila trout, speckled dace,Sonora and desert sucker to approx 24 miles of stream
Improve wildlife habitat for mule deer, elk and other native wildlife species and restore historic tree species composition, reduce juniper on the pinyon-juniper grass savanna, reduce understory juniper to achieve healthy woodlands on 5567 ac.
Close trail segments of the Willie Steele that access private land and construct approx. 0.5 mile of trail around private land providing access entirely on forest lands. Escondido Trail re-route has been removed & will be revisited at a later date.
NM Dept. of Game and Fish has proposed constructing a fish passage barrier on Willow Creek to prevent the upstream movement of nonnative trout and protect an establish Gila trout population.
Willow Creek supports a recovery population of Gila trout & listed under the Clean Water Act Sec303d for temperature & aluminum. The project consists of installing structures made of native sourced materials that improve riparian & stream condition.
The Silver City Ranger District is proposing to improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by reducing natural fuels on approximately 3,422 acres in the Willow Fuelwood area located southwest of the oak grove subdivision.
The Zirkles would like to acquire NFSR #4184M as their private land access road to their private property. Evaluate access needs across existing road 4184M or 4011L; private property through Zirkle; or road construction to access Darnell property.
