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.
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 Lincoln National Forest that will soon begin or are currently undergoing environmental
analysis and documentation. It provides information so that you can become
aware of and indicate your interest in specific proposals. We encourage your
early and ongoing involvement in any proposals of interest to you.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to remove sediment from underneath the 107C bridge near South Fork Campground that has built up as a result of the Little Bear Fire, in order to allow for the safe passage of water in a high flow event.
Four communication leases expire in 2012. All four can be extended 20 years, fulfulling their maximum length of term. The leases are assigned to the following parties: Select Path; KVIA-NPG of Texas, L.P.; City of Alamogordo; and LIN TV Broadcast.
Reverse or stop the danger of abandoned mines using the following methods: 1.) Closure by Backfill; 2.) Closure by Polyurethane Foam and Backfill; or 3.) Closure with Bat-Friendly Grates. Remediation will occur at 24 Abandoned Mine Land features.
Fencing of approx. 113 acres including construction of permanent fence to replace existing electric fence (13 ac.), and new trap (100 ac.) with handling facilities and a trickle ("trick") tank.
Complete restoration activities within the Agua Chiquita watershed to reduce nonpoint source pollution and reduce the amount of sediment in the water, which currently exceeds standards.
The proposed action is to clean out old dirt tanks in Wayland canyon that were not previously recorded on the permit. An excavator would be used to clean out the dirt tanks.
Installation of temporary electric fences and construction of one new livestock handling facility(corral and trap)to improve and protect New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat.
The project would implement a prescribed fire designed to reduce stand densities, increase stand health, reduce activity and natural fuel loadings, improve wildlife habitat, and move the project area toward a more sustainable condition.
This project is for mastication of up to 200 acres of activity generated slash in wildlife patchcuts a half mile north of Weed, New Mexico on Lincoln National Forest managed lands.
Issuance of a new special use permit for continued use and maintenance of the site. The new permit would replace an outdated permit. All facilities are existing and no new facilities would be authorized from this action.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately 234 acres of pinon and juniper woodland Just off of Forest road 120B for wildlife habitat and timber stand improvement.
Actions would include the installation of a generator (Genarac SD080-80kW) utilizing a 131bhp internal combustion engine and a 300 gallon diesel fuel tank at an existing tower at Long Ridge.
Restoration of ~2 miles of stream and within ~15 acres of meadow. Activities include erosion control, arresting head-cuts, installation of Beaver Dam Analogues to improve riparian habitat, and the closure of a user created road in the stream bottom.
The Lincoln National Forest is proposing to treat acres in and adjacent to the Tucson Mountain allotment using prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, and wildlife friendly fencing for wildlife habitat and timber stand improvement.
To provide reliable water sources and distribute wildlife and cattle across the landscape, the USFS is proposing to install water pipelines, water troughs, and water storage tanks within the Arroyo Seco grazing allotment.
The purpose of the action is to allow the Astrophysical Research Consortium to construct a new enclosure to house 5 new telescopes, a control room/computer center, and associated utility line. This would impact less than 1/8 of an acre.
Install a pipeline and drinker in the Atkinson Pasture at the Rio Peñasco. Replace and extend the existing barbed wire fence exclosure with a pipe fence at the Sacramento Lake wetland, and extend an existing pipeline to a drinker south of the lake.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to reclaim a user created road and restore the meadow in Benado Gap. Restoration efforts would allow for the recovery of damaged soils and vegetation.
This project will help to restore aspen stands and improve riparian areas and stream channels by installing beaver dam analogs and planting riparian hardwood species along the Big Bear Creek, a tributary to the Rio Bonito.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of six water troughs and water storage tanks to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock in the area of Black River canyon.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is proposing to reconstruct a post and pole fence that was burned in the 2022 McBride Fire, which deterred off-road travel on Blue Lake. USFS also plans to expand the previous fence footprint to encircle the wetland area.
Improve and restore wetland habitat in a 16 acre open meadow called Blue Lake. The project will deepen two existing wetlands and create six additional wetlands in various sizes throughout the meadow. Native plants will be established.
The bridge at the Bluff Springs recreation area is in poor condition and presents a potential safety hazard. We propose to remove the faulty components of the superstructure and replace them.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of 6 water troughs and 7 water storage tanks to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock on the Board Tree / Last Chance allotment.
Restore ecological functionality to fire-adapted ecosystems to improve forest health and resilience. CANCELLED--The Little Bear Fire (which started by lightning on June 4, 2012) burned 100% of the project area.
Project cancelled because the proposal was never fully developed. A wetland restoration project (Rio Penasco Wetland Restoration #50504)is proposed for the same area that will cancel the need for this project.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately 269 acres of pinon and juniper woodland northeast of the Capitan Mountains for wildlife habitat and timber stand improvement.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to authorize Lincoln County Emergency Services to construct a tower that can serve the area by providing communications during local emergencies.
Purpose is to improve water availability and riparian habitat for wildlife. We propose to restore the existing wetland to improve its function and replace the existing fence to prevent livestock from accessing the wet meadow.
This project will restore existing water diversion ditches, and possibly install new ditches, that provide water to the Bullis Lake seasonal water source. This will increase the duration of the year that water is available to wildlife and livestock.
Installation of new range improvements as follows: 3 - 3,000-gallon storage tanks and associated 3 drinkers with 1 mile of approximately 1.25-inch polyethylene pipeline.
Proposing to open a new mineral materials pit on Forest Road 338 and allow the Lincoln County Road Department to excavate, crush, and utilize the mineral material for road maintenance activities on National Forest System roads and county roads.
The proposed action is to install a new trick tank and associated infrastructure to improve wildlife habitat by providing additional dual use water source for wildlife and livestock.
The proposed action is to construct a new storage tank on approximately 10 miles of above ground replacement pipeline. The pipeline would begin on the Agua Chiquita allotment and end on the Carrissa allotment.
This project proposes to treat approximately 72 acres of ponderosa pine on Carrizo Mountain near Outlaw Canyon, while providing forest products. This stand is significantly composed of young, overstocked small diameter ponderosa pine.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately 72 acres of pinon and juniper woodland northeast of Carrizo Peak for wildlife habitat and timber stand improvement through a commercial fuelwood contract.
Construct a gate at the entrance pit of Cave 023. Gate would bar unauthorized access while still allowing for entry by those with a valid LNF cave entry permit. Gate will protect unique cave habitat and resources while still allowing wildlife entry.
The Lincoln National Forest is proposing to close the entrance to a small cave to protect unique habitat and cultural resources from damage. The cave is small enough that it does not provide caving recreation opportunities.
To provide inclusive recreational experiences in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, the USFS is proposing to install a new trail or reconstruct an existing trail and trailhead parking area to comply with Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines.
Reconstruction of the main Cedar Creek Trailhead which would include expanding and surfacing the parking areas and installing two restrooms, utility lines, and other features. Planning to construct a vented ford water crossing across Cedar Creek.
Proposing to (1) construct a new trailhead, (2) reclaim a user-created parking lot, (3) construct a new trail bridge, (4) construct a new parking area on the west side of Cedar Creek Drive, and (5) construct trails within the Cedar Creek area.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to improve the trailheads at the entrance to the Cedar Creek and Perk Canyon trails.
The Forest Service proposes to construct temporary exclosures to improve and enhance Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly
habitat. The purpose of this proposed action is to protect existing habitat and enhance by revegetating with native plant
Re-issue a 400' x 5' right-of-way easement for a water conveyance system. This re-issuance includes a two spring development, buried pipeline and a wildlife water trough.
The Forest is proposing to make a decision on a proposal from the Chippeway Park Water Association (CPWA) to install community water tanks at a higher elevation on National Forest System lands.
The proposed action was to install a new trick tank including a catchment pad, storage tank and drinker within the Russia Canyon Grazing Allotment. The project has been cancelled due to resource conflicts at the proposed project site.
Issuance of a new special use permit for continued use and maintenance of the treatment facility. The new permit would replace an outdated permit. All facilities are existing and no new facilities would be authorized from this action.
The current authorization for the shelter will be reissued for a new term. Also, the shelter will be relocated to a new location. The old shelter will be completely removed and new shelter will be constructed at the new location.
The South Central Mountain RC&D Council is seeking Forest Service funds to complete mechanical thinning and prescribed burning projects on non-federal lands funded by a federal grant; thus, the project will not implement the Forest Plan.
Cancelled--This project will not be initiated in the reasonably-foreseeable future. Construct and reconstruct approximately 3 miles of deteriorated pipeline from a perennial spring at the mouth of Copeland Canyon to a storage tank in the middle of th
Reconstruction of 3 miles of pipeline and the repair of a preexisting spring diversion to provide waters to wildlife and livestock. See "other project information" for additional project description.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to place a gate and/or large boulders at the end of Forest Road 163 in Copeland canyon in order to prevent motorized entry into the Capitan Mountains Wilderness.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of three water troughs and storage tanks, to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock in the area of Dark Canyon/ Soldier Springs.
This project will install 6 water storage points and 4 wildlife friendly troughs, with 6 miles of pipeline and 2 solar pumping stations to provide year round water to wildlife and livestock. Water will come from existing wells.
The purpose of this project is to reduce pinon-juniper and conifer encroachment within the grasslands for approximately 4,520 acres to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel build-up.
Install a 1 mile pipeline from an existing well on private land to a new storage tank and drinker on the Diamond Peak Allotment. The drinker will have an overflow to provide drinking water to wildlife where reliable water is currently unavailable.
Forest Service proposes clearing of down trees and tread improvement (e.g., water bars, raising/lowering trail, removing obstacles (vegetation)) on the Rim Trail (T105; 30.5 miles). All activity will be within preexisting trail alignment/footprint.
Forest Service proposes clearing of down trees and tread improvement (e.g., water bars, raising/lowering trail, removing obstacles (vegetation)) on 12 trails totaling 31.6 miles. All activity will be within preexisting trail alignment/footprint.
Forest Service proposes clearing of down trees and tread improvement (e.g., water bars, raising/lowering trail, removing obstacles (vegetation)) on 18 trails totaling 53.8 miles. All activity will be within preexisting trail alignment/footprint.
Cancelled--This project will not be initiated in the reasonably-foreseeable future. Environmental analysis for the continuation of authorization for livestock grazing.
Issuance of a new 30-year permit to Bell Ranch Joint Venture for continued operations and maintenance of a spring development and water transmission line.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to open 148 acres of pinyon-juniper woodland to commercial and/or personal fuelwood harvesting, and perform manual and mechanical thinning on an additional 50 acres.
To improve riparian habitat, including fish habitat, the Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear Ranger District plans to install stream restoration structures and implement vegetation plantings along Eagle Creek.
Extension of Rio Grande Electrical Cooperative transmission line from Hamm well to Shattuck well. This would be an addition of 900 to 1,000 ft to the existing transmission line on Forest Service land. This extension would continue on private land.
Proposing to open a new mineral materials pit on Forest Road 489 and allow the Lincoln County Road Department to excavate, crush, and utilize the mineral material for road maintenance activities on National Forest System roads and county roads.
The Lincoln National Forest (LNF) is proposing to authorize a forest wide approach to managing aspen stands. This project will improve the viability of existing aspen stands, and restore stands to suitable areas.
Maintenance treatments for previous vegetation improvement projects that were completed under existing NEPA decisions. This will affect previous projects at various locations across the forest.
Village of Ruidoso is proposing to install flood control structures within the Gavilan Canyon drainage on National Forest System lands to control future flooding and debris flow from the McBride Fire burn scar.
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 Sacramento District of the Lincoln National Forest is proposing to connect the south and north trailhead of the Grandview Trail (T130) to create a continuous loop. The connector trail will be approximately 0.48 miles.
To improve riparian habitat and prevent further incision/erosion, the USFS is proposing to plant native plant species and install beaver dam analogs, one-rock dams, and other erosion control features within Grindstone Canyon.
The Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to install a post and pole fence around an existing 3-acre wetland feature located on Grindstone Mesa to exclude feral horses, but allow wildlife utilization.
Restore a wetland and a reliable water source in the Grindstone Mesa area. The project will deepen one existing wetland and create four additional wetlands in various sizes throughout the meadow.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing changes to the management of lands near Hale Lake that would improve the access to a variety of recreation uses within the Hale Lake area, while addressing issues with travel management and recreation.
Environmental analysis for continuation of authorization of livestock grazing.--This listing is being cancelled. The projects will be listed separately in PALS and on the SOPA since these actions will be analyzed in separate NEPA documentation.
Project cancelled -- The Lincoln National Forest is proposing to authorize the Fort Bliss to conduct High Altitude Mountain Environment Training Strategy (HAMETS) helicopter operations, including helicopter landings on the Lincoln National Forest
The Lincoln National Forest is proposing to conduct maintenance thinning and prescribed fire on 1,349 acres of pinyon pine/juniper that was treated in the past through mechanical grubbing/pushing and prescribed fire.
Himalayan blackberry has become established within the riparian zone and along Trail 68 above Sitting Bull Falls following the Last Chance Fire in 2011. We propose to remove blackberry in the affected area using manual and mechanical methods.
Holloman Air Force Base is proposing to build an wireless telecommunications facility on Buck Mountain. The facility will include an equipment shelter, propane tank, generator, and self-supporting 180-foot tower.
The Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest is proposing to salvage fallen trees from a 14 acre area in Hornbuckle Canyon. The trees fell as a result of a wind event in early 2016.
Installation of an inverted umbrella water storage tank. Placement of drinker and an exclosure fence will be placed to protect the development from livestock grazing.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately 522 acres in the area east of Jack's Peak using prescribed fire and mechanical thinning for timber stand and wildlife habitat improvement.
Activities proposed include removal of burned wooden bridge and replacement with steel bridge; installation of six tent pads with metal tables and campfire rings, rip rap on slopes, four bear proof trash receptacles, fence, and kiosk.
Environmental analysis for the continuation of grazing authorization. Planning for this project is being delayed for an unknown period of time to focus on other project priorities.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest has received a Plan of Operations, Jicarilla KD Placer Exploration (JKDPE), to conduct a minimal impact, limited-scale mineral exploration program.
This project will restore existing water diversion ditches, and possibly install new ditches, that provide water to the Juniper Lake seasonal water source. This will increase the duration of the year that water is available to wildlife and livestock
This project will be the planting of native trees, grasses, and shrubs within the riparian areas burned and destroyed during the Last Chance wildfire of April 2011.
To provide a reliable water source and better distribute wildlife and livestock, the USFS is proposing to install a water well, water pipeline, water storage tanks, and water troughs in the Latham grazing allotment.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to authorize the Lincoln County Road Department to manage three existing gravel pits for the extraction of gravel to be used on county maintained system roads on the district.
Wildlife habitat improvement project. The project would reduce tree densities while providing increased understory forage. In the pinyon-juniper there would be a 60% openings to a 40% cover ratio to optimize wildlife habitat.
Proposing vegetation treatments on 598 acres within the McBride Fire scar east of Ruidoso, NM. Project activities would include mechanical and manual vegetation treatments to reduce combustible fuels and to create optimal reforestation conditions.
Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to implement vegetation treatments (e.g., felling trees on the contour, mastication, etc.) to prepare a portion of the McBride Fire scar for future reforestation activities.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is proposing to remove hazard trees impacted by the 2022 McBride Fire on approximately 10 acres near Gavilan Road and Warrior Drive. USFS may open the area to commercial and/or personal timber and fuelwood sales.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plans to cut and remove dead trees within 10 acres near Gavilan Road and Warrior Drive. To help accomplish this action, USFS may open the area to commercial and/or personal timber and fuelwood sales.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of 3 water storage locations with 7 water troughs to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock on the McCollaum allotment.
Authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the City of Alamogordo, to construct a sediment basin under a 30-year special use permit. The purpose of the sediment basin is to reduce flooding.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of 9 water troughs and 4 water storage tanks, to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock on the Montgomery allotment.
White Sands Missile Range has applied to continue the use of Mule Peak under a Special Use permit that authorizes the use of public lands for instrumentation and access road.
The Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest is proposing to construct habitat improvement projects on the Agua Chiquita Grazing Allotment to aid in the protection of New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (NMMJM) critical habitat.
The Sacramento Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest is proposing to construct habitat improvement projects on the Sacramento Grazing Allotment to aid in the protection of New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (NMMJM) critical habitat.
Lincoln National Forest is proposing to construct a metal pipe and barbed-wire fence near Nogal Peak trailhead. The fence would be located along and outside of the White Mountain Wilderness boundary and would be 216 feet long.
Permit to authorize the creation of a driveway to allow access to Tract A2 off of NM Highway 37 near Nogal NM. This driveway will be the main access to private land. approximately 1 acre will be impacted.
Installation of a 3,500 gallon capacity inverted umbrella collection and storage tank. Tank will be plumbed to a ground drinker. An enclosure fence will be constructed to protect the development (Approximately 2 acres in size).
Village of Ruidoso proposes to expand an existing building which houses water monitoring equipment in the North Fork Eagle Creek wellfield. The 7.3' x 7.3' building would double in size. Total surface disturbance would be less than 0.5 acres.
Installation of a power line to proved electricity to private land. This project will comprise approximately 2,417 feet of above ground powerline across Forest Service land and 8 associated power poles.
The Otero County Electric Co-Op has a need to remove trees that are deemed a potential hazard to the transmission lines. Activities include felling trees, sawtimber, and piling of activity slash within the 23-acre project area.
Otero County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) has applied to construct 4,400 feet of underground single-phase powerline along Forest Service Road 564 (Telephone Canyon) to a new customer in Telephone Canyon.
U.S. Forest Service is considering allowing Otero County Electric Co-Op to replace a section of powerline that follows Forest Road 117 up to Monjeau Lookout. Electric lines, poles, and other equipment in the corridor would be replaced.
OCEC is proposing to amend their existing special use permit to add 75 feet of overhead power line in order to supply electricity to a private residence (one hole 2 feet in diameter and 6 feet deep for pole and one anchor point on Forest Service).
Replace ~12 miles of overhead line with buried line (24 inches wide by 52 inches deep)and new overhead line to provide safer and more reliable service.
Construct approximately 300 feet of primary overhead line, and 2 new poles with guy wires to supply power to operate a well that supplies water for livestock and wildlife on a grazing allotment.
Realign 1960 feet of powerline within the permit area of Camp Dale Resler in Apache Canyon (Section 4). Green Hazard trees will be removed along the new powerline area.
Install a new 115 KV transmission line from the Biscuit Hill area in Ruidoso Downs, through Goat Mountain to the Alto substation. The transmission line will include a single pole line, approximately 80 feet high, and will parallel the existing line.
Installation of buried and aerial telephone cable on National Forest System lands extending from both existing and underground facilities in the Agua Chiquita, Seep Canyon, Tall Pines, Rio Penasco, Blue Water areas.
Issuance of a new special use permit for continued use and maintenance of telecommunication lines forest-wide. The new permit would replace the existing permits. All facilities are existing and no new facilities would be authorized from this action
Installation of 4.54 miles of buried and aerial telephone cable, extending from both existing and new facilities to provide telephone service to the project area due to an increase in demand since the initial copper cable was installed 25 years ago.
The current bridge on Perk Canyon is old and needs replacement. The bridge would be replaced with a culvert that is appropriate for the size of the drainage and expected vehicle weight. The road at the work site may be closed during construction.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to place a gate and/or large boulders at the forest boundary along Perk Ridge to prevent entry by ATV's and other vehicles via an unauthorized, user created route.
To restore stream channel form/function and adjacent riparian habitat in Philadelphia Canyon, Lincoln National Forest Smokey Bear Ranger District proposes to install erosion control features within and adjacent to the drainage channel.
Construct a pipeline and storage tanks to provide reliable permanent water to the Skinner, Alienated and Kudner allotments. This project will be cancelled--these project activities will be included in the Skinner Grazing Allotment Mgmt(Project 43170)
Authorizes the replacement of 3 alpine ski lifts (Chair 2, Chair 4, and the Gondola) on NFS lands within the Ski Apache ski area, west of Ruidoso, NM. The existing lifts for were irreparably damaged by the Little Bear Fire in June 2012.
This project will deepen one existing wetland from three to six additional feet and create four additional wetlands in the vicinity of Lucas Wells Canyon.
The Forest Service proposes to construct a permanent fence exclosure around a small population of the Endangered Prickly Poppy population located in the upper portion of Alamo Canyon. The proposed site will be approximately 1 acre.
Proposal for handling facilities; exact facilities design to be completed in conjunction with the permittee. Facility design may include sorting and holding area(s), loading chute, holding trap, and drift fence. Total area should not exceed 0.5 acre.
Forest Service is proposing to conduct improvements (e.g. removal and replacement) on an existing radio facility located on Sacramento Peak. The action is needed to bring the site into compliance current guidance and ensure proper protection.
The purpose of this proposal is to harvest 40 acres of timber for a commercial logging operation. This project would aid in landscape restoration and fuels reduction. This project would also assist with industry needs.
Construct a 0.16 mile shortcut to Bridal Veil Falls. This project was originally included under Project #53285 during scoping, but was then placed under a different project number for clarification since the projects are separate projects.
Part 1- construct 13.51 miles of 4 primitive trails from the tip of the Switchback trail to the Fresnal Road. This project originally included Part 2 and Part 3. Part 2 is on hold and a new separate project number was created for Part 3 #59470.
The Lincoln National Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District is proposing to authorize the installation of 6 water troughs and their storage tanks to provide permanent, yearlong waters to wildlife and livestock in the Red Lake/ Turkey Canyon area.
Reissuing of a communications special use permit to operate a tower and building. Also, add solar panels on individual stands and battery box to outside of building.
Reopen 6 existing gravel pits across the Forest for admin use to excavate, crush and stockpile rock for future road maintenance; 1 pit on the Smokey Bear RD, 2 on the Sacramento Ranger RD and 3 on the Guadalupe RD. Excavation to be completed in 1 yr.
Proposing to reopen a mineral materials pit on Forest Road 443B and allow the Lincoln County Road Department to excavate, crush, and utilize the mineral material for road maintenance activities on National Forest System roads and county roads.
Proposing to reopen a mineral materials pit on Forest Road 5620 and allow the Lincoln County Road Department to excavate, crush, and utilize the mineral material for road maintenance activities on National Forest System roads and county roads.
Proposal to restrict unauthorized vehicle use on user-created routes on the Hale Lake Allotment. Unauthorized motorized use is causing resource and rangeland damage.
Re-authorize special use permit for Rio Grande Electric Cooperative for 52 miles of electric transmission lines within the Guadalupe Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest.
The Lincoln National Forest is proposing to restore a wetland that has been modified and is no longer functioning and improve a road crossing to improve water quality and wildlife habitat for a variety of species including federally listed species.
Proposal for setting three to four small drinkers (approximately 3-feet diameter tanks) in mid/west side of Russia Canyon allotment and one watering facility in Clayton pasture.
The Forest Service proposes to construct permanent fences to protect and improve the Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly habitat. The purpose of this proposed action is to protect existing habitat with permanent fencing and enhance the habitat
The US Army Corps of Engineers is operating under an expired term permit that was issued in 1955 and was authorized from White Sands Missile Range to construct, operate, and maintain the frequency monitoring station.
This dirt tank will collect rainwater during the monsoon season to serve as a water point for wildlife and livestock that will help distribute animals across the landscape
Aquisition of right of way road easement and construction of approx. 0.8-mile of new road to access Forest System Road 256 and ensure legal access to the north side of the Capitan Mountains.
Reconstruction and expansion of an existing 26-acre riparian exclosure to address resource concerns caused by feral horses in federally listed species habitat.
Installation of stream and wetland restoration structures such as beaver dam analogues, Zuni bowls (a step-pool pond feature), one-rock dams, woody debris in channels, and other grade control structures along approx. 1 mile of stream channel.
Replace three ramada roofs (two modern; one CCC) burned during Last Chance fire April 2011; road maintenance on Sitting Bull Falls road; construction of wind wall at host site; and hydro mulch 10 acres for erosion control.
September 2013 monsoonal flood event resulted in closure of Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area. There is concern with safety of the hikers using the current walkway.
The Forest Service proposes to mechanically treat 667 acres to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel laddering stands. The proposed mastication will target removal of smaller and younger trees less than 9 inches in diameter that have developed.
There is a need to improve water availability and improve grazing distribution by providing additional water sources. The proposed action is to T off .5 mile of above ground pipeline from an existing drinker located in handling facilities.
Ski Apache proposes to bore four vertical holes to a depth of 30 feet below ground level to collect soil samples and complete three of the borings as groundwater monitoring wells if groundwater is encountered.
Amend a special use permit authorizing Ski Apache to construct approx. 1 mile of mountain bike trail on NFS lands within Ski Apache, west of Ruidoso, New Mexico. The trail will adjoin an additional 4.5 miles of trail on Mescalero Apache lands.
Authorize postfire rehabilitation activities (prescribed fire, contour falling, log terracing, reseeding, and reforestation) to remove piled hazard trees and repair and improve lands that are unlikely to recover from the Little Bear Fire.
Construct 2 bike trails and a ski access trail at Ski Apache ski area. These activities were scoped with Phase 1 activities. They have been separated to allow for a more thorough analysis of the trail construction.
Proposal to authorize Ski Apache to conduct hazardous fuels reduction and hazard tree removal on steep slope areas of the ski resort that were damaged during the 2012 Little Bear Fire. Proposal includes a project-specific Forest Plan amendment.
Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately 58 acres of pinon and juniper woodland for wildlife habitat and timber stand improvement. The purpose of this project is to thin excess standing pinyon and juniper.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to authorize the treatment of an approximately 90,750 acre are for habitat improvement, including mechanical treatment, prescribed fire, and cut-stump herbicide use on juniper.
Restore South Fork Campground, which burned in the 2012 Little Bear Fire. This will involve campground repairs, and the replacement of damaged or destroyed bathrooms and other facilities. Camp sites destroyed by the flooding will be removed.
Realign a portion of the South Fork Trail (Trail 19), to relocate the trailhead, and to clear burned timber from approximately one mile of South Fork Trail between the trailhead and the White Mountain Wilderness boundary.
Restoration treatments to address erosion issues in intermittent and ephemeral stream channels and in upland areas along approximately 3 miles of stream channels, equating to approximately 7.25 acres.
The Forest Service is responding to a request from Southern Rockies to continue operations of the organization camp. The Forest Service proposes to issue a new 10-year term permit for continued use of existing authorized facilities and activities.
Authorize construction of a new solar array and generator platform by ATT. Also authorize replacement of the BLM/USFWS shelter and tower. A new shelter and tower would be placed in the same location or moved to closer to their solar array.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to authorize the replacement of two communications towers at Summit Peak to provide the area with improved communications.
The Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing to treat approximately two acres of pinon and juniper woodland on Sunset Mesa for a fuel reduction buffer and timber stand improvement.
Cancelled -- project scope to be determined after National Science Foundation completes their EIS for disposition of Sacramento Peak Observatory facilities.
The purpose of this project is to increase long distance recreational opportunities for forest users. The Forest Service proposes to connect a segment of the Rails to Trails' trail with the proposed connector trail, approx. 5.18 miles, to form a loop
Reclosure of an Abandoned Mineland feature that had been reopened due to vandalism. Adit will be closed with bat-friendly gating to prevent human entry in order to protect bat habitat from human disturbance and to provide for public safety.
Issuance of a new special use permit for continued use and maintenance of the existing site. The new permit would replace an outdated permit. All facilities are existing and no new facilities would be authorized from this action.
Prescribed fire and mechanical treatment to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, reduce the risk of crown fire south and west of the community of High Rolls and the Village of Cloudcroft, within a WUI area with a CWPP and improvement of mule deer hab
Installation of two Land Mobile Radio antennaes and two microwave antennaes on existing Forest Service towers. Installation of prefabricated shelter for communication equipment, generator, and propane tank.
Installation of four microwave dishes, two Land Mobile Radios on existing tower, and a 500 gallon propane tank. Replacement of existing 25 kilowatt back-up generator and existing concrete slab.
Activities on approx. 0.5 mile of stream channel including the construction of Zuni bowls, worm ditches, media lunas, one-rock dams, flow-splitters, beaver dam analogues, and other grade control structures such as using woody debris.
The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest is proposing to issue a special use permit to the Village of Ruidoso to conduct a stream augmentation pilot study on the North Fork of Eagle Creek. It is located in T.10S R.11E Sec. 36.
The repair and/or replacement of Walt Smith drainage crossings within the South Fork Campground that were damaged during post-fire flood events and the strategic removal of large concentrations of debris deposited during flooding.
Treat 981 acres of vegetation in pinyon/juniper woodlands to improve timber stand health and function while increasing quality of winter mule deer habitat.
Treat 1,053 acres of pinyon/juniper woodlands in the vicinity of Capitan, NM. This project will authorize stand improvement activities to improve watershed and wildlife habitat. Treatment would be conducted mechanically and with prescribed fire.
The proposed action uses a combination of mechanical thinning and prescribed fire on approximately 3,642 acres of National Forest and City of Alamogordo lands in order to reduce the threat of high intensity wildfires and promote healthy watersheds.
Repair a large headcut in Wills Canyon, which will improve the condition of the stream, reduce erosion, and prevent the neighboring road (D18) from being damaged, which is likely if the headcut goes unrepaired.
Work 3.2 mi of TR 5008: reroute of 0.25 mi out of drainage bottom and 2.0 mi of maintenance. Reduce active erosion and indirect effects to threatened and endangered plants; and increase user safety.
Installation of a two inch pipeline under Cedar Creek Road at the corner of Mechem Drive (HWY 48) and Cedar Creek Road in Ruidoso to improve access to natural gas for nearby subdivisions.