Energy Generation and Transmission Uses
The Pacific Northwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service administers hundreds of special use authorizations for electric transmission and distribution lines on National Forest System lands within Oregon and Washington State. From small, local lines to long-distance, multi-state corridors that accommodate high-voltage transmission lines, special use authorizations on National Forest System lands are crucial to a reliable, resilient, and secure infrastructure.
In 2018 Congress amended the Federal Land Management Policy Act (link opens a PDF document with 71 pages) to add specific agency requirements to reduce the risk of fire from and to power lines.
Requirements for Powerline Facilities: Operating Plans and Agreements
All special use authorization that utilize National forest Service lands for energy transmission are required to have an operating plan or agreement created by the user in partnership with the Forest Service. The Forest Service Handbook 2709.11 provides direction relating to powerline authorizations and the requirements found in Section 512 of the Federal Land Management Policy Act.
Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 80: Operating Plans and Agreements for Powerline Facilities
Operating Plan Template:
Pacific Northwest Region Powerline Operating Plan Agreement V2023.8.docx [Download a PDF version]
Attachments:
- Definitions Operating Plan Attachment 1 (.pdf)
- Activity Chart for Powerline Operating Plan V2023.3 Attachment 2 (.xlxs)
- Best Management Practices Version 2023.2 Operating Plan Attachment 3 (.pdf)
- Section 106 Review for Powerline O M Final (5.11.22) Attachment 4 (.pdf)
- Powerline Contact Sheet for Operating Plan Attachment 5 (.pdf)
Additional Resources:
- Standard Form 299 – Application for Transportation, Utility Systems, Telecommunications and Facilities on Federal Lands and Property
- 36 CFR 251 - Land Uses
- National Office Energy Generation and Transmission Website
- Pesticide Use Form Instructions (.pdf)
- Pesticide Use Application (.pdf)
- Forest Service Standards for UAS Operations (usda.gov)
Fire Geospatial Data
- Wildland Fire Incident Locations to Date - Overview (arcgis.com)
- WFIGS Interagency Fire Perimeters to Date - Overview (arcgis.com)
Weather & Fire Danger Resources
- Windy: Wind map & weather forecast
- Fire Weather forecast
- Spot Forecast Monitor (Current Incident Forecast)
- Weather Resources
- Fuels & Fire Danger
- Seasonal Outlook
Incident Information
- InciWeb the Incident Information System, nwcg.gov (Large Fire Information)
- Incident Management Situation Report (National Fire Perspective)
- WildWeb, wildcad.net (Fire Dispatch Information)
Wildfire Detection Cameras
Fire Risk Tools
- Risk Management Assistance Dashboard, arcgis.com (Planning tools)​
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL)
Contact Us
Contact the Forest where your powerline facilities are located to complete the special use authorization requirements.