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Projects Archive

Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)

The central Oregon Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) is published quarterly and contains reports on Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests and Prineville District, Bureau of Land Management proposed activities and invites involvement as part of implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Forest Service (SOPA):

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) SOPA:

Current & Recent Forest NEPA Projects

Projects are proposed actions that are analyzed through the NEPA process (EIS, EA, or CE) that involves analyzing different alternatives to the proposed action, requires public notice and comment, and results in a NEPA decision (ROD, DN, or DM) which, subject to an administrative appeals process, and is implemented on the ground. The Forest Projects below are projects that we are analyzing or have analyzed under the NEPA process. Projects that are "Developing Proposal" or "Under Analysis" may have an opportunity for public collaboration and input on the proposed actions and the analysis being conducted.

The links below allow you to sort projects by Name, Status, Management Unit or Purpose.

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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 Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland 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.

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Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland Projects

The proposed project would reissue permits for several events and guides. All permits have been carefully reviewed to ensure permittees are in full compliance with terms and conditions of their special use authorizations.

New Cingular Wireless PCS (AT&T) would like a permit to use 3,542ft of existing Forest System Roads and would like to create approximately 106ft of new gravel road on the grassland to access a communications tower on private land near Madras Prison.

The proposed facility will include the installation of a new 40' tall monopole tower, 51' x 20' concrete slab, 10' x 15' generator shelter, 4 x 1,000 gallon propane tanks, and an equipment shelter. Total permitted area: 50' x 34' and/or 0.04 acres.

The decision will amend the Ochoco Forest Plan by adding the chemical aminopyralid to the list of available herbicides for use in invasive weed management and control.

This project will create about 20 miles of official system trails using routes that currently exist on open and closed roads and livestock and user-created trails, in the vicinity of Allen Creek Horse Camp.

The proposed project would authorize a temporary special use permit for construction of additional structures at the Apple Hydroelectric facility.

Replacement of 12 deteriorating wood poles within the existing transmission line on the Crooked River National Grassland.

The proposed project would fell trees in various streams in the Badger and Elkhorn allotment to enhance stream function through streambank stabilization and sediment holding capacity.

Salvage of fire killed trees and removal of roadside hazard trees within the Bailey Butte Fire perimeter.

Project will create summer trails on 6.5 miles of non-motorized winter trail routes. This project will create the tread for summer use including hiking, biking, and horse riding. Plus 5.6 mi. of retread on existing trails and trailhead signs.

The proposed project would reauthorize grazing permits and modify grazing management in four allotments: Bear Creek, Elkhorn, Snowshoe and Trout Creek. Actions include changes in livestock management requirements as well as riparian restoration.

The proposed project would plant hardwoods (Willow, Alder, Cottonwood, Dogwood) in the sediment beds created along portions of Beaverdam Creek.

Commercial and noncommercial thinning and prescribed burning on approximately 1950 acres of lands designated as insect and disease treatment areas.

The proposal is to allow Bend Broadband to install fiber optic cable within existing utility rights of way. This would be accomplished in two ways: burying the cable along existing roads or installing the cable on existing utility poles.

Reissue grazing permits; change management plans to meet forest plan standards and guidelines.

Reforest 75 acres burned in 2008 Black Canyon Fire.

The proposed project would implement dry forest restoration on approximately 15,810 acres in the project area.

The proposed project would non-commercially thin the Blevins Seed Orchard to reduce density and competition and increase cone and seed production in remaining trees.

The Blue Mountains Forest Resiliency Project will propose thinning and prescribed burning on approximately 610,000 acres on the Ochoco, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.

The purpose of the project is to protect critical elk habitat in the headwaters of the Bridge Creek watershed by controlling and preventing the spread of invasive plants.

Reauthorize livestock grazing on the Burn and Crystal Springs Allotments. Terms and conditions in the grazing permit would be updated.

Commercial and non-commercial vegetation management activities and fuels reduction.

The propose project would authorize Cascade Natural Gas to replace an existing four inch gas line with a six inch gas line.

The proposed project would reforest areas that experienced high severity, stand replacing wildfire in the Cemetery and Hammer Creek Fire areas.

The proposed project would amend an existing permit and authorize temporary construction to install 36 feet of 7.2 kv powerline to an existing power pole number for new residential power service.

The proposed project would authorize Central Electric Cooperative to replace 40 wooden utility poles.

Reissue a communication site lease to CenturyTel of Eastern Oregon DBA Century Link.

The proposed project would issue a 20 yr special use permit to CenturyLink for installation of copper phone lines for TransCanada's Transfer Station #11 on ~19,400 feet of existing Central Electric Cooperative power poles and 445 feet of buried line.

The proposed project would authorize a new temporary special use permit for construction of an 8x8 ft building at an existing communication site. The project would also amend the existing lease to allow expansion of the site by ~30 square feet.

The City of Mitchell wants to extend their outflow lines on two spring developments. Spring 1, they propose to extend the line under the adjacent road. They propose to repair a water meter along their pipeline. Spring 2 they want to extend 20ft.

The proposed project would reauthorize a special use permit to the City of Mitchell for use, maintenance, and repair of a water transmission pipeline, three spring boxes and an animal exclusion fence.

The proposed project would reauthorize a special use permit to the Crook County Sheriff, City of Prineville, and Crook County Fire Department for radio communications at Round Mountain, Wolf Mountain, and Drake Peak. The permit would be for 20 years.

The proposed project would issue two special use road permits to allow a private landowner access to his property via Forest Service roads.

The lightning-caused Corner Creek Fire burned over 29,000 acres on the Paulina Ranger District in July 2015. The FS proposes to plant about 325 acres with conifer species and about 9.5 miles of specific stream reaches with riparian species.

This project would designate about 50 miles of system trails using the route established by the Bandit Springs Endurance Ride, which includes open and closed roads and livestock and user-created trails. Also includes road closure reinforcement.

Improve the vigor of native plants, restore spring flow and increase forage for wildlife and livestock by using prescribed fire to reduce juniper on 2,400 acres.

The Paulina Ranger District will reduce roadside hazard trees along several open roads in the Crazy Creek wildfire area through commercial salvage.

To meet objectives for wildlife habitat improvement, improvements in hydrologic function, and increase in forage for wildlife and livestock, seven units (about 3,408 acres) are proposed for addition to the public use firewood program starting in 2012

Crystal Springs Org Camp has applied to reissue their permit for the next 20 years.

The proposed project would issue a new road use permit that would authorize David Potter to operate and maintain approximately .07 miles of non-system road to access his property.

The proposed project would approve a special use permit that authorizes Daysprings Ranch to use and maintain a road to access their water right located in Rock Creek.

The proposed project would issue a special use permit to Blair and Carry Deaver authorizing use of non-system roads to access private property.

The proposed project would fall and leave live trees in Derr Creek and tributaries of Derr Creek to reduce livestock access to streambanks by increasing the amount of large woody material.

Special Use Permit would authorize a new 24%u201D water pipeline and the reissuance of the 12%u201D and 20%u201D existing waterlines with the associated facilities.

The Dodson Well Pipeline project would trench and bury 1.5 miles of pipeline to transport water from Dodson Well to a holding tank in the North Grizzly pasture of the Grizzly allotment.

The Crooked River National Grassland is proposing to issue a five year Special Use Permit to authorize Pointing Dog Field Trials and Hunting Tests in and around Boyce Corral.

Create 5 miles of official system equestrian routes out of closed roads in the vicinity of Dry Creek Horse Camp, including signage and trail markers. Trails will be open to all non-motorized use.

Two electronic vehicle charging machines will be installed at the Crooked River Day Use Area parking lot.

Proposal is to burn needles and small branches on felled juniper while ground is frozen or snow-covered. Purpose is to reduce fuels and improve habitat for wildlife and herbaceous vegetation.

The proposed project would include planting 1,200 acres of conifer seedlings and approximately 3.9 miles of hardwood planting along streams.

The proposed project would harvest fire killed danger trees along approximately seven miles of Forest Service roads.

Prescribed fire, commercial thinning, noncommercial thinning and mechanical fuels treatments would be utilized to increase late and old structure stands, reduce fuel loading, reduce juniper encroachment, and maintain aspen and shrubs.

The proposed project would install four power poles and approximately 1,300 feet of power lines to provide power to a private residence adjacent to the CRNG.

Reissue of expired permit that covered 5.63 acres (4.64 miles at 10' width) and ancillary facilities; fiber optic cable is buried along the west side of Highway 97 south of Madras. No new facilities or activies are proposed.

The proposed project would issue a special use permit to landowner authorizing use of non-system roads to access private property.

The USFS will evaluate alternatives to the wildlife standard of the Eastside Screens that limits harvest of trees greater than 21 inches for the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, Malheur, Ochoco, Deschutes, and Fremont-Winema National Forests.

High priority safety and maintenance repairs including stabilizing shoulder erosion, fixing potholes, replacing failing asphalt.

The proposed project would issue a five year SUP to Four Aces Ranches authorizing outfitting and guiding for large game hunting on the Crooked River National Grassland and Lookout Mountain Ranger District.

The Fox Canyon AMP proposes to reauthorize term grazing permits and modify grazing management in three Range allotments: Antler, Fox Canyon, and Gray Prairie.

The proposed project would authorize Freshwater Trust to install and monitor a stream gauge in Rock Creek under a five year special use permit.

The lighting-caused Frog Fire burned about 3,976 ac in the Maury Mountains on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District in Aug. 2020. The FS proposes to reforest about 2,176 acres within the Frog Fire burned area by hand planting native species.

The Forest is proposing to provide a safe and accessible road system for public and administrative use by removing imminent and likely danger trees through a commercial timber sale.

This project will fall and leave, for stream bank protection, both live trees and snags on short segments of both Fry Creek and North Fork Wind Creek

The proposal is to reduce forest density and fuels and conduct restoration activities.

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 proposed project would reissue a five year SUP to Good Bike authorizing outfitting and guiding on the Ochoco National Forest.

The Grandview Fire burned about 6000 acres (including private land acres) on the Crooked River National Grassland in July 2021. The FS proposes to mitigate danger trees along about 7.9 miles of road by commercial removal and non-saw timber removal.

This project will involve replanting trees and shrubs in portions of the 5900-acre Grandview Fire that burned in July 2021.

The proposed project would authorize jackpot burning of activity created slash not analyzed in the Grassland EIS.

Project proposes to restore Grassland vegetation closer to its historic range of variability and to authorize the grazing of domestic livestock where suitable.

The proposed project would issue a road use permit authorizing Slater Sites and Day Wireless to access and maintain the road to Gray Butte Communication Site.

Proposal is to install four new side hill antennas at the Gray Butte Electronic Site. This project would require a Forest Plan amendment.

Prescribed burning and associated fuel treatment activities.

The proposed project would reissue a five year SUP for the Grizzly Mountain Endurance Ride on the Crooked River National Grassland.

The proposed project would reissue a permit for the High Desert Gravel Roubaix bicycle tour for a term of five years.

The proposal is to expand an existing community mineral material source to accommodate current needs as well as needs into the future. The footprint of the material source would remain less than 5 acres.

Fuels and vegetation management in the Howard Creek, Elliot Creek and Johnson Creek subwatersheds.

We propose amending the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland Land and Resource Management Plan to add Indaziflam to the list of approved herbicides for use as part of the integrated treatment toolbox for invasive plants.

The proposed project would implement restoration actions at Ingram Meadow, in Auger Creek, and the aspen stand at Rooster Rock.

Supplemental EIS for site-specific treatment of invasive plants at approx. 1,892 sites on the Ochoco and Deschutes NF and Crooked River National Grassland. Methods include herbicides, manual, mechanical and cultural.

The proposed project would replace two culverts in Jackson Creek and would include placement of large trees in Deep Creek and include riparian planting in several other creeks. The purpose is to increase habitat for fish and increase bank stability.

This fuel break will improve fire-fighting abilities and reduce the potential for fire spread in high-risk areas that developed due to fire suppression and insects allowing for high tree density, mortality and fuel loads over the past 100 years.

Manage stand density and fuels within the Jackson project area.

Jefferson Solar, LLC has proposed a 170 foot wide right-of-way to house two parallel 230 kV transmission lines, approximately 4,700 foot in length, across Crooked River National Grassland for interconnection of a solar facility to the power grid.

Use prescribed fire to reduce fuels, improve vigor of native plants, restore spring flow, and increase forage for wildlife and livestock on 1,256 acres.

authorizing term permits for fiber, electric, and sewer utilities to the administrative site, including modifications to existing lines.

Lamonta Compound Fire Ops Building Approval

The Forest is proposing to construct up to about 52 miles of trail with the primary use by mountain bikes but also open to other users. The proposed system is close to town and would provide a variety of difficulty levels.

Prescribed fire and associated fuels reduction activities in the Lookout Mountain Roadless Area

The Forest is proposing to construct an equestrian bypass trail on the Lookout Mountain trail to reduce safety concerns between equestrian and bike users. The trail bypass will be approximately .59 miles in length.

The Ochoco NF is proposing to develop a number of multi-use, non motororized trails within the vicinity of the Lookout Mountain Recreation Area. The trail proposal would create a 75.2 mile network of trails on both new and existing trails.

Developing project to reduce fuels in the Lower Bridge area of the Crooked River National Grassland in response to the Wildfire Crisis Strategy (WCS). Work will primarily involve juniper thinning followed by piling/burning, and native shrub planting.

The project would restore fish habitat in Deep Creek by creating log jams, reconnecting floodplains and planting riparian vegetation. It would also improve habitat conditions by reducing dispersed camping impacts and thinning conifers.

The Lower Deep restoration project is designed to improve aquatic habitat conditions and riparian function within the Deep Creek watershed through the placement of large wood, in-stream work, riparian planting, and fence placement.

The proposed project would approve a special use permit to improve a conveyance PL99-545 irrigation ditch with a new head gate and new pipe.

The proposed project would remove an existing agricultural water diversion and install a new stream simulation head gate diversion in a more effective and stable location.

Update and reauthorize allotment management plans on several grazing allotments.

The proposed project would issue a special use permit authorizing Markus Lay to construct a 3,368 feet long x 20 feet wide road on the Crooked River National Grassland to access his private property.

To reissue the special use permit that authorizes cultivation on 43.32 acres and a 1,900' buried irrigation water pipeline. There would be no changes to authorized facilities or activities.

The proposed project would reissue a special use permit (5-year term) to Martin and Nancy Richards for use of 50.5 acres of cultivated crop land and an irrigation water pipeline.

Install two new guzzlers to increase water available for sage grouse and other wildlife. One guzzler is on Lookout Mountain Ranger District and one is on Paulina Ranger District.

Reauthorize livestock grazing on five allotments within the Maury Mountains.

The Forest is proposing 11,500 acres of large prescribed fire burn blocks in order to move towards the desired condition of more areas of low fire intensity.

Riparian habitat restoration activities including identification of a fill source, placement of large wood and/or rock instream and on floodplain, obliteration of non-system road and modification of existing dispersed campsites.

The proposed project would replace a culvert and realign a portion of the McKay Creek tributary channel to its historic location.

Commercial and noncommercial thinning to improve stand conditions and reduce risk of unacceptable loss of forested stands due to wildfire, insect & disease.

The proposal is to implement restoration activities on five small meadow systems and one non-meadow riparian zone in the McKay Creek Watershed.

Development of allotment management plans for five grazing allotments on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District.

The proposed project would implement vegetation management, fuels reduction, and RHCA restoration activities in the Mill Creek project area.

The proposed project would issue a new special use permit to Miller Ranch authorizing the use of Forest Service system roads to access private property.

Issue a special use permit to authorize a new low-head small hydropower facility on the western side of the North Unit Irrigation District's Main Canal.

The purpose is to issue a communication use lease for construction and operation of a new communications facility on Mount Pisgah to support communications equipment for the Oregon State Radio project.

The proposed project would issue a special use permit authorizing an encroached gate and code box built by Norton Cattle Company on the Crooked River National Grassland.

The proposal is to authorize replacement of an existing above-ground water line with a larger-diameter, partly underground pipe and to authorize the issuance of a new term special use permit (20 years).

The proposed project would reauthorize a special use permit to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for use of the scaling station on Highway 97 for a term of 20 years.

The proposed project would expand ODOTs special use permit boundary at the Sears Creek Material site.

The proposed project would authorize Oregon Department of Water Resources to install a permanent streamflow monitoring station in McKay Creek.

The proposal is to replace two undersized culverts on Ochoco Creek to improve function and remove barriers to movement of aquatic fauna.

The proposed project would reissue a special use permit authorizing a grooming shed (30' x 60') to store winter trail grooming equipment near the Walton Lake Snow Park. The permit would be for a term of 20 years.

Site-specific analysis of Class I, II and III motorized trail system.

The proposed project would reissue a permit for the Ochoco Trail Runs for a term of five years.

The Forest is preparing an updated Wild Horse Herd Mmgt. Plan for wild horse herd on the Big Summit Territory. The Plan will include an appropriate management level and a set of management strategies to achieve AML and maintain the health of the her

ODOT proposes to install a remote weather information site at Ochoco Summit (US 26, MP 49.89) to provide information for travelers as well as to keep ODOT crews informed of conditions to help prioritize road work efforts.

The proposed project would reissue a special use permit authorizing Oregon Star Party, Inc. to hold a recreation event in August each year from 2018 to 2022.

The proposed project would reissue a special use permit for a satellite transmitter, a small metal box, an antenna, and solar panels for continued monitoring of water levels in the Deschutes River.

The proposed project would authorize a special use permit to Deborah Ostendorp for use of Forest System roads to access her private property. This project was initiated by private landowner Doug Watson, who has since sold his land to Ostendorp.

The proposed project would authorize PGE to install fiber optics onto their existing Grizzly-Round Butte transmission line.

The proposed project would issue PacifiCorp a special use permit authorizing installation and maintenance of a buried powerline connecting to a new private residence.

Issue a special use permit to authorize a new power line (right-of-way would be 60' long by 10' wide) buried 3' deep, and a new meter box.

The proposed has been cancelled from the SOPA because it is in a category that no longer requires a decision memo or project file.

PGE proposes to replace 13 poles within their Redmond to Round Butte right of way.

Authorize a special use permit for Portland General Electric to continue to operate electrical tranmission lines across National Forest lands on the Willamette, Mt. Hood, and Ochoco National Forests.

The proposed project would authorize new 30 year term permits and operating plans for five expired PGE utility permits.

The Forest Service is proposing to lease to-be constructed facilities at the Prineville Airport to support Central Oregon Fire Management Services.

Issue of a new term permit to replace an expired permit that covered 48 acres (19.8 miles/20' width) and included 0.2 miles of underground cable and 19.6 miles of overhead cable. No changes to the exisiting facilities or activities is proposed.

The proposed project would decommission 30 structures and any unneeded roads and parking area at the Rager Ranger Station.

The proposed project would install artificial nesting structures for burrowing owls near Rimrock Springs.

The proposed project would install a four-strand wire fence to protect riparian areas along Roba Creek from cattle grazing.

The proposed project would approve a special use permit that authorizes Robert Dale use and maintenance of a non-system Forest road to access his private property.

The proposed project would issue a road use permit authorizing the City of Prineville and Waibel Ranches access and ongoing maintenance to the Round Mountain Communication Site.

The proposed project would reissue a permit for the Run the Rock endurance race for a term of five years.

The proposed project would include installation of toilets and repair, maintenance, and improvements of campsites and trailhead at Skull Hollow Campground and Trailhead.

The Crooked River National Grassland is proposing to designate the Skull Hollow Trailhead as a day-use site, prohibiting overnight camping, and rerouting about two miles of the Cole Loop Trail in the vicinity of Skull Hollow.

The proposed project would reauthorize Slater Sites Inc. Communications Use Lease at Gray Butte, which will expire as of December 31, 2017. The reauthorization would include adding a propane tank and a generator.

The project would continue to authorize livestock grazing on the Heisler, Wind Creek, and Wolf Creek allotments. The project area totals approximately 70,300 acres.

Conduct timber harvest, precommercial thinning, and burning activities to increase the abundance of large trees, reduce forest fuels, and enhance diversity of hardwood plant communities.

Provide a holding pasture at Stump Springs; construct a small corral area to load and inspect cattle, construct a fence to prohibit livestock from entering the North Fork Crooked River from the West pasture.

About 2.3 miles of new barbed wire fence would be built to create two small transition pastures and a spring exclosure on the Wolf Creek Allotment. These fences would improve livestock management and better protect riparian resources.

The project proposes to construct and replace fences in the Frazier and Porcupine pastures on the Sunflower Allotment. The purpose and need is to protect anadromous fish, increase cattle dispersal and increase forage utilization in the uplands.

The proposed project would re-authorize livestock grazing on the Dry Corner, Sunflower, and Wind Creek grazing allotments (Sunflower Cluster)and promote elk and deer distribution on their seasonal ranges.

The proposed project would amend a special use permit to TDS Broadband Service LLC for the operation and maintenance of existing fiber infrastructure to incorporate recently acquired infrastructure from California Oregon Broadcasting Inc.

Commercial, non-commercial and vegetation management activites across the Upper Beaver Creek watershed

Special Use Authorization allowing property owners continued use of an existing graveled non-system road.

The proposal is to install a solar-powered water system with a gravity storage reservoir to provide water to a new water fill station and to the host site at Walton Lake Campground.

Proposal is to address public safety and forest health in a Developed Recreation Management Area: Sanitation harvest to remove all host species of a root disease and thinning to maintain large ponderosa pine and larch, fuels treatment, planting.

Prescribed fire, commercial thinning, noncommercial thinning and mechanical fuels treatments would be utilized to improve old growth habitat and increase the resistance of forest stands to insects, disease and high intensity wildfire.

The proposed project would issue a new special use authorization for a new term to PGE for the operation of the Whychus Creek fish trap.

The Forest is proposing to provide an off-range facility for care and handling of wild horses removed from the Big Summit Territory while being prepared for adoption.

Reduce stand densities and conduct fuel management activities.

The general purpose of entering this project area is to contribute to the resiliency of the landscape and to promote vegetative conditions that are similar to what occurred historically.

The proposed project would authorize Woodward Companies to expand communication facilities on Mount Pisgah including a new generator, propane tank, and fence. The existing special use authorization would be amended.

Big Summit Prairies, Inc is requesting a special use permit (SUP) to modify an approximately 170 foot section of an Ochoco National Forest non-system road between National Forest System road #4210 and the private property line.

Expanding the Younger Springs material source from its current size (about 1.3 acres) to not greater than 5 acres to provide pit-run rock for reconstruction and for mineral material permits for the next 20 years.

The proposed project would authorize Zayo Group, LLC to construct, operate, and maintain approximately 104,145 linear feet of fiber optic underground conduit and cable system along Oregon State Highway 26 on National Forest lands.

The proposed project would issue Zayo Group LLC a special use permit authorizing operation and maintenance of a section of the Grizzly Substation. Zayo purchased this from Electric Lightwave.

Current Projects

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