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The project is designed to restore fire-adapted ecosystems, reduce fuels, and reintroduce fire on the landscape by prescribed burning.
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 Los Padres 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.
An emergency repair is needed to the Lower Oso Bridge footings due to channel bottom erosion under the bridge and associated undermining of the eastern bridge abutment footing.
AT&T proposes to replace the existing 12' by 8' passive reflector at Manuel Peak with a new 24' by 20' reflector. A new reflector is urgently needed to provide critical infrastructure to the Big Sur area including 911 emergency phone service.
AT&T requests the reissuance of 2 fiber optic line permits - MPD11001 and MPD429401.
The entire length of the cable is approximately 15.23 miles of which 6.93 miles are on NF lands. All line exists within Kern Co Rd RoW on existing power poles.
The US Forest Service, on behalf of the Santa Barbara County Trail Council, proposes to construct a 3.5-mile non-motorized trail in the Gaviota region of the Santa Ynez Mountains in the Santa Barbara Front.
The proposal is to issue a temporary permit to Blacksmith Endurance Co. to conduct a foot race event on National Forest System trails and roads on the Santa Barbara Ranger District. The proposal is very similiar to last years permitted event.
The Ojai Ranger District proposes to decommission the campground and infrastructure (parking, spurs, campsites, concrete ford, and rip-rap bank protection) utilizing heavy equipment to remove infrastructure and restore area to natural conditions.
CALTRANS requested authorization to replace two culverts along State Route 1 near the Monterey/San Luis Obispo county line. This will require a special use road permit for an expansion to the existing right of way.
CHP requested authorization to replace the Forest Service building and tower at Black Mtn Communication Site and to co-locate with the Forest Service and other public agencies in the new facility. Within or adjacent to Black Mtn. IRA.
The Santa Barbara Ranger District proposes to reissue a private road permit for an existing dirt access road to private property. Road is accessed from East Camino Cielo across NFS land to a private land inholding. L=2495', W=20', Ac =1.15
Mechanically remove vegetation from a pond to improve breeding habitat for California red-legged frogs. This project was previously listed in the SOPA as the Ranger Peak Pond Restoration Project. Project in the De La Guerra IRA.
Proposal to reroute an approximate one-mile section of the Cold Spring Trail (26W01) out of the Gibraltar Reservoir sedimentation bed to an upland location that will provide more sustainability and improve the trail user experience.
Proposal to remove one concrete low-water crossing on Munch Creek and complete channel restoration, and replace two low-water crossings on Davy Brown Creek with stream-spanning bridges to improve aquatic organism passage.
The proposed action includes the construction and maintenance of barriers to reverse and prevent further resource damage caused by user created trails and group congregation locations that were established in areas impacted by the 2009 Jesusita Fire
The proposed action is to complete repairs to 12 roads at 31 different sites across the forest. These roads sustained damage from natural events and are approved for repair under the U.S. Federal Highways approved ERFO program.
Approx. twenty 5x5 meter study plots will be delineated with pin flags. Plots will be raked to remove leaf litter & stimulate seed bank, invasive weeds removed by hand, seed collected, & germination techniques tested. Partnership with UCSB & NFWF.
Project involves replacement of underground tank for wildlife guzzler utilizing hand tools. In addition cleaning and patching of the asphalt water collection apron, repair of the barbed wire fence and sign installation will occur.
Formerly called the Forest-Wide Noxious Weed Program. The intent of the project is to control targeted invasive plant species throughout the Los Padres National Forest using an integrated treatment approach.
Reopen the portion of the Franklin Trail on NFS lands from the Los Padres National Forest boundary to the top of the ridge, connecting it with the Divide Peak OHV route. The lower end of the trail connects to a Santa Barbara County trail easement.
Proposal to reduce fuels and fire hazard risk; manage the top of Frazier Mtn for the health of the old growth Jeffrey pine/white fir forest; and establish and maintain a healthy Jeffrey pine/pinyon pine forest along Frazier Mtn Road corridor.
Reissue special use authorization for community water storage and distribution system, to include access roads. No change in level or type of use is proposed.
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.
Installation of three bat gates on three adits at the Grizzly mine to prevent human - bat interaction. Project will improve bat habitat and reduce safety risk to visitors.
Closure of an adit and two shafts using bat gates in order to: 1. Reduce the safety risks to the public posed by the open adit, tunnels and shafts
2. Implement measures intended to protect bats and their habitat
Proposal to authorize livestock use on the Happy Canyon Grazing Allotment for a new 10 year Term. This project replaces the prior Happy Canyon Grazing Allotment EA or project number 33801, since that decision was withdrawn. Within De La Guerra IRA.
Proposal to authorize livestock use on the Happy Canyon Grazing Allotment for a new 10 year Term. This re-inititiates the prior Happy Canyon Allotment Reauthorization EA. Project in the De La Guerra IRA.
Restore access opportunity, watershed stability and ecological protection to the N. Fork of La Brea Creek area following damage caused by the 2009 La Brea Fire & subsequent flooding events that resulted in extensive road damage and sediment loading.
Re-establish 1,214 feet of single track OHV trail from private property to it's original location on NFS lands. The Las Chiches Trail is located within the La Panza IRA and the proposed trail re-establishment will be constructed within the same IRA.
The action is to complete road maintenance on 37 level 2 roads, approximately 183.20 miles, that are open to green sticker vehicles on the Santa Lucia, Santa Barbara and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts
An effort to remove tamarisk from all watersheds where it occurs in the Los Padres National Forest. For the targeted waterways, project is in or adjacent to the Sespe-Frazier, Juncal, Camuesa, and La Brea IRA's.
Analysis to determine whether to authorize livestock grazing on all, some portion or none of the Piru, Pothole and Temescal Allotments. Project is in the Sespe-Frazier IRA
Review and analyze status of livestock grazing on the Monroe Special Use Allotment to determine if conditions are consistent with the Los Padres National Forest Land Management Plan and applicable laws and regulations.
Authorize, via special use permit, operation, maintenance, and repair of eight existing ALERT flood warning installations. Four of the flood warning installations are located in the Ventana Wilderness, and four are located outside of wilderness.
Renew an expired special use authorization for two weather monitoring stations operated by NASA Ames Research Center on the Brazil Ranch. The two weather stations are for long-term monitoring of climate change. Each creates a 3 foot square footprint.
New Cingular Wireless proposes to replace their existing 60' tower with a new 80' tall 3-leg lattice tower. The existing equipment cabinet would be replaced with a new 11'x 25' building, and the existing generator and propane tank would be replaced.
Drill up to four test wells at the proposed fire station rebuild site along the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to determine whether adequate water is present to support fire station operations.
The proposal is to redesign the staging area to provide designated overnight/day use sites, parking area, children's riding area, and barriers; decommission Friis and Navajo Campgrounds; close Friis Rd the last half mile north of Navao Bypass Trail.
The proposed action is to complete level 1 and 2 trail maintenance on all LPNF OHV system trails on the Santa Lucia, Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts. The repair work will be completed with hand tools and mechanized equipment.
PG&E proposes to remove soil material, over a 6,312 square foot area by grading down 1 to 3 feet under the transmission line. Excavated material will be spread on site within the right-of-way.
PG&E requested to convert an existing aerial distribution line providing power to Anderson Peak Communication Site into a buried line using an existing utility trench and requested a new Special Use Authorization.
Pacific Bell Telephone Company proposes to install a 35' tall, 3-leg lattice tower on 14' x 14' concrete foundation. In addition, a 10'4" tall x 6'8" wide solar array would be installed on six 24"-diameter concrete piers.
Repair or relocation of a portion of Paradise Road adjacent to Fremont Recreation Residence Tract to repair subsidence of the roadbed due to undercutting from the Santa Ynez River.
Reroute approximately 520 feet of Pfeiffer Falls Trail and rebuild the observation deck at Pfeiffer Falls; both on National Forest. The trail originates within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Work would be performed by California State Parks.
Construct a crib wall to reopen a 0.26-mile section of the Pine Ridge Trail near Barlow Flat Camp to pedestrian traffic, thereby allowing hikers to bypass the two seasonal river crossings that are on the main route.
The USFS in partnership with the Central Coast Motorcycle Association, proposes to re-route 11-12 motorized trails in the Pozo/La Panza area in order to reduce soil erosion and sediment delivery as well as improve OHV trail system usability.
The Ojai Ranger District proposes the reissuance of a special use permit for an existing water diversion, transmission pipeline, access road, and associated structures.
A redwood-settling tank at the top of the waterfall in Tequepis Creek provides for water to be gravity fed through a pipe to Rancho Alegre Boy Scout Camp. The line system is cast iron 2" and 3" pipeline. The line is approximately 1.5 mile in length.
In this project no new ground disturbance will take place. This is only an administrative change of a SUP that was issued to 'All American Pipeline Company' and being renewed to 'Plains Pipeline L.P.'.
In the Reyes Peak Ridge Area, treatments would be completed to reduce surface and ladder fuels, reduce potential fire intensities and make the area more resilient to wildfire for community protection, forest health, and to protect wildlife habitat.
SBA Towers proposes to reinforce the foundation of their existing authorized tower at the communication site at Cuesta Peak. 4 pieces of concrete will be installed between the 4 legs of the existing tower, and diagonal braces installed in 4 places.
San Luis Obispo County proposes to replace their existing 50' tower with a new 100' tower on an approximately 20' by 20' concrete pad within the existing footprint of the communications site.
Level 1 and 2 trail maintenance in the Santa Barbara back country. Includes trails within the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness, and within the following IRA's: Tequepis, Diablo, Mono, Camuesa, Malduce Buckhorn, Little Pine, and Santa Cruz.
Construct a 0.92 mile reroute around a failed section of trail between Santa Barbara Canyon Trailhead and Malduce Camp. Decommission .47 miles of existing trail.
Reissue Santa Barbara County communication uses lease at Tepusquet Peak Communications Site. The county has requested reissuance of lease and road use permit, and authorization to complete a minor expansion to their existing building.
The Santa Barbara Ranger District proposes to conduct vegetation management to improve defensible space near the communities of Painted Cave, San Marcos Trout Club, Haney Tract, Rosario Park, West Camino Cielo and Refugio Canyon.
The proposal is to issue a temporary special use permit to Blacksmith Endurance Co. to conduct a foot race event on National Forest System trails and roads on the Santa Barbara Ranger District.
To greatly reduce risk of line failure and for safer operations, Seneca has requested authorization to relocate select lines along existing roads and relocate old swing tanks to a centralized treating facility with newer & safer tanks.
Issuance of three new special use permits for a new term to replace three expired special use permits with only administrative changes. There are no changes to the authorized facilities or increase in the scope or intensity of activities.
On-going maintenance work on four weeper dams / catchment basins located within the Sespe oil field in order to protect lower habitat in case of oil spill. The total area of all four catchment basins is 0.228 acres.
Level 1 and 2 trail work on the Sisquoc Trail from Sycamore Camp to Alamar Camp; the Judell Trail, The Sweetwater Trail, the Jackson Trail, and the Manzana Trail between S. Fork Cabin and White Ledge Camp.
Renewal of permit for the existing communication site at Cerro Noroeste occupying 0.5 acre in T9N, R22W, Sec 26, SBBM. These facilities have been in place since 1961. The facilities include a 30' tall tower, building, solar panels, and fencing.
Approve continued operation, maintenance and use of existing distribution and transmission powerlines and infrastructure for SCE and PGE located within existing corridors on the Los Padres National Forest
The action is to repair a 20-inch high pressure gas pipeline within an unnamed tributary to the Cuyama River. The action includes replacing 74 feet of mostly exposed pipleine with 83 linear feet of underground pipeline.
Hand removal of overburdened soil that is putting pressure on the pipeline and distorting its integrity. Removed sediment would be placed in upland areas where it cannot wash back into the channel. Vegetation removal is not
anticipated.
The Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino national forests propose to amend their land management plans with new guidance for roadless area management and land management plan monitoring.
Multiple authorizations for existing communication facilities that support AM/FM radio, television, cellular service, and other uses will expire soon. The proposal is to re-issue authorizations for these existing uses for new terms as they expire.
The purpose of the five apiaries, approximately 0.5 acres each, is the production of honey. The special use permit authorizing this use would be for a 10-year term.
The purpose of the camp caretaker's residence is to provide a residence and maintenance yard for the caretaker, as part of the general maintenance of an existing camp. The original SUP issuance occurred on 29 June, 1981.
The apiaries are for the production of honey. Type conversion of this land to apiaries occurred at the inception of the permit, and has been maintained as such ever since. The special use permit authorizing this use would be for a 10-year
The purpose of the 3.5 acre corral and outbuildings is to provide for an existing livestock grazing area, to store cattle hay, to store water for fire protection in the large water tank, and to achieve access to these facilities via the access road.
The purpose of the gas compressor station, flare stack, and associated water lines is to service gas pipelines in the Sespe oil field. The original SUP for these facilities was issued to Shell Oil Company in December 1967.
A special use permit for this 0.52 acre orchard was originally issued in 1963 for this use. The purpose of the orange orchard is to grow and harvest oranges, as part of the ongoing agricultural activities of the applicant.
The purpose of the 0.25 mile access road is to gain access from Shale Ridge Road across Seneca Resources Corporation's Seltzer oil and gas lease to Seneca's Hansen lease in the Sespe oil field.
The purpose of the 1.5 mile road is to provide access to private property. Type conversion of this road access to private land occurred prior to inception of this permit, and has been maintained as such ever since.
This 1.21 mile long, 16 foot wide access road is to provide access to private property. Type conversion of this land to an access road occurred upon inception of this permit, and has been maintained as an access road since issuance of this permit.
The purpose of the approximate 0.5 acre apiary site is to produce honey. Type conversion to an apiary occurred at the inception of the permit, and has been maintained as such ever since. The SUP authorizing this use would be for a 10-year term.
In Jan 2005 Caltrans closed SH154 due to extensive storm damage. Some of the damaged area crosses NFS lands included in a special use permit. Emergency repairs extended slightly beyond the existing right of way, requiring a permit amendment.
Replace a 177-ft section of the Stone Ridge Trail with a 366-ft section to reduce the worst-case grade from approximately 55% to less than 30% and to reduce the average grade from approximately 35% to approximately 20%.
To re-establish and maintain 24.1 miles of historically used fuelbreaks, all of which originated as firelines within the wildland urban interface threat zones on NFS lands; approximately 7.5 miles in wilderness and 16.6 miles outside of wilderness.
Selectively remove bay and tanoak trees in Bottchers, Ponderosa, and Nacimiento campgrounds to prevent dispersion of disease spores to adjacent disease-vulnerable native oak trees. Treat cut stems with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting.
Review and analyze status of livestock grazing on the Sweetwater Allotment to determine if conditions are consistent with the Los Padres National Forest Land Management Plan, applicable laws, and regulations.
Renewal of 3 expired Special Use Permits (SUP) for a 2" gas pipeline and a road. No new ground disturbance will take place. The pipeline is buried under an existing paved road and the only changes are administrative.
Proposal to issue one special use permit (SUP) to the U.S. Geological Survey to operate and maintain 11 existing seismic instruments located throughout the forest. The SUP will also provide for removal of the instruments when appropriate.
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy proposes to reduce fuels on the east side of the Ventura River Preserve along the interface between the wildlands and developed areas. All of the area to be treated is nonfederal lands.
Request for special use permit for replacement of back up power generator and fuel tank on existing concrete pad near an existing facility owned by American Tower Corp. at Plowshare Peak Communication Site.
Replace existing, obsolete communication tower at administrative facility with a new tower similar in size, scope, and dimension to improve communications and reliability.
The current Whitestar line is located in an area that is subject to landslides. In order to reduce the risk of a line failure the LP NF is proposing to relocate the line along existing roads and in an area that can more easily be monitored.
This proposal has been modified due to a recent court ruling & now is focused solely on rerouting the 1st quarter mile of the Willow Spring trail. NEPA for repair & maintenance of the trailhead and 6-miles of trail has been completed under a 32.12 CE
Proposal to issue a permit for ongoing operation of exisitng target range. Previously an EA (project #2147) overturned on appeal. Project is in or adjacent to Tequepis IRA.
Proposal to issue a permit for ongoing operation of existing target range; previously an EA overturned on appeal. Project has been re-initiated as an EIS, and is in or adjacent to theTequepis IRA.
Proposal to issue a short-term (one year or less) special use permit for the interim operation of the target range, which has been operating under Forest Service special use authorization since 1969, until analysis of a long-term permit is complete.
Trails within the burned areas have been damaged by erosion resultant from the removal of native vegetation by the fires. The purpose of this project is to repair the trails within the exisiting trail corridors.
