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As part of managing the vast natural resources under Forest Service care, agency resource specialists conduct an environmental analysis of proposed projects following guidance provided in the Forest Plan and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) . These analyses are documented in a variety of NEPA documents.
The projects listed in the "NEPA Projects" quick link (right) are currently being analyzed or have been recently completed. Oversight of this process for all of the National Forests in Florida, and the Florida National Scenic Trail, lies with the Supervisor's Office in Tallahassee.
The Forest Service depends on public involvement to make this process most effective and your involvement is strongly encouraged. In addition to your involvement during the project planning and development stages, you may also be entitled to appeal a project decision. Learn about your right to appeal a decision.
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 National Forests in Florida 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.
Harvest/reforest 4700 ac sand pine/crookedwood. Harvest 500 ac sand pine and prescribed burn for scrub oak. Site prepare/reforest 550 ac sand pine, 200 ac longleaf pine, and 27 ac. slash pine. Road work to support harvests. Decommission 50 mi of road
Plant longleaf pine on 220 acres to replace pines damaged by fire. Sites would be prepared by roller drum chopping over palmetto/gallberry shrubby groundcover.
This project will provide suitable habitat for several threatened and endangered species such as the Red Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW), Gopher Tortoise, and Eastern Indigo Snake.
This project will improve forest system roads, decommission unnecessary travel ways, repair eroded shoreline, stabilize and improve existing boat launch on Lake Dorr.
The Forest Service proposes to remove fire damaged and insect prone slash pine from existing plantations. This area will be roller chopped and planted with longleaf pine.
The Forest Service is requesting your comments regarding potential salvage operations on the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF). Activities would include the removal of fire damaged timber on approximately 260 acres located in Wakulla County, FL
The FS proposes the prescribe controlled burns on the Apalachicola National Forest, totaling 571,088 acres. The proposed action would occur within designated burn units on two- to three- year rotation over a five year period.
The purpose of this project is to improve forest health within SPB infected areas and restoring, if possible, a more site appropriate, pine species that is also less susceptible to beetle outbreaks.
To construct an accessible wayshowing and interpretative structures at the existing developed recreational and historical sites, visitor information areas (VIAs) and gateways along the Big Bend Scenic Byway (BBSB) corridor on the Apalachicola NF.
Thinning of pine stands to help improve fuel reduction. This would reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire within the project area and improve habitat for protected/listed species.
The Forest Service is proposing silviculutural and restoration treatments on approximately 3800 acres of forestland in the southwestern part of the Apalachicola National Forest.
The USDA Forest Service proposes administratively re-designating a section of the FNST routing and planning corridor in the Big Bend region from its current alignment as a road-shoulder walk to a more permanent location along state public lands.
The proposed action would include treatments such as first thinning of young pine plantations, intermediate thinning of mature slash and longleaf stands, and herbicide application for timber stand improvement.
This project looks to address two bridges that are in need of maintenance/replacement. The bridge replacement is proposed to occur at mile post 1.7 on forest service road (FSR) 100. The bridge repair will occur on FSR 120.
Thinning of pine stands to help improve fuel reduction. This would reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire within the project area and improve habitat for protected/listed species.
Timber Thinning in slash pine plantations and mixed longleaf pine/slash pine stands to improve conditions for herbaceous groundcover and to restore wildlife habitat.
Demolition of concrete block cabins at Camp Ocala, a former recreation site. The cabins are in poor condition and the special use permit for the site will expire in summer 2015.
Roadway widening of Capital Circle Southwest (SR 263) from an existing two-lane rural facility to multi-lane urban facility from Springhill Road (CR 2203) to Orange Avenue (SR 371), approximately 4.5 miles.
Harvest about 6,600 acres of sand pine. Reforest about 6,000 acres to sand pine. About 800 acres will become a part of prescribe burning blocks in Scrub Jay Management Area and managed as fire-maintained scrub
The Proposed Action is to issue a special use permit for the construction, occupancy and use of a 230kV electric transmission line on approximately 6.4 miles of national forest system lands on the Apalachicola National Forest.
Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEC) is planning on constructing an overbuild of an approximately 14.4-mile segment of the existing 25-kV Fort McCoy to Salt Springs distribution line with a new 115-kV transmission line
The USFS proposes a land exchange in which Columbia Co. and Plum Creek would receive an easement to build 1/3mi. of railroad on the Osceola NF and the USFS would receive an easement for approximately 5mi. of trail (FNST) on Plum Creek land.
Columbia County has requested a Special Use Permit for the construction, maintenance and year-round use of a 250-foot public safety communications tower to improve fire and law enforcement communications in the Sandlin Bay Area.
The OSC is proposing to salvage approximately 3,600 acres of dead and dying timber left by the County Line Fire. All sites are slash pine plantations of varying ages. Both thinning and clearcutting is proposed.
The action proposed is to issue a 10-year term grazing permit on the Deer Hunt Allotment and make a site-specific Forest Plan amendment to keep the Briar Patch Allotment open.
The National Forests in Florida proposes to authorize funding for a bridge across Devil's Creek on the Withlacootchee State Forest to allow safe use of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The Forest Service is proposing to designate approximately 18.5 miles of trails and a Trout Pond Trailhead on the Wakulla Ranger District of the Apalachicola National Forest in Leon County, Florida.
The FS proposes to reconstruct a footbridge on the Florida National Scenic Trail along the Sopchoppy River near Oak Park Trailhead located immediately north of FR 343 in Compartment 331of the Apalachicola NF.
Proposed project to construct 1" waterline to service a medical building, vet building and a housing building for staff. The waterline will be a service line to Florida Wild Mammal Association, that the city of Sopchoppy will own within existing ROW
Several forest stands have been selected for thinning pine down to a density of 40 to 60 square feet basal area to meet Red-cockaded woodpecker recovery standards for future habitat.
Timber thinning in Forest Compartment 71. These activities will take place in mixed longleaf/slash pine stands to improve habitat for herbaceous groundcover plants and for wildlife.
CitySwitch is proposing a 305ft gray galvanized steel self-support tower with a lightning rod and without guyed wires. It will provide Communication service and road coverage along Interstate 10 and southwest Baker County.
Re-reoute of the FNST out of the Pinecastle Naval Bombing Range Safety fan. Also, several re-routes of the FNST around old wooden boardwalks and re-routes that are needed for trail maintenance.
Proposal to use herbicides to prepare a recently harvested 320-acre tract of land in Bay County, Florida to control hardwood vegetation and prepare the area for tree planting and restoration to a native sandhill vegetative community.
The Forest Service proposes improvements to an 11mi FNST segment on the western side of the forest in partnership with the Florida Trail Assoc. Specific work includes replacing and adding puncheons in wet areas and a short reroute around Hull Creek.
The Osceola National Forest, proposes to issue an ammendment to an existing special use authorization to Florida Power and Light for replacement of seven existing wooden poles.
The Ocala National Forest (ONF) proposes to complete timber harvesting by thinning to improve forest health, improve groundcover conditions, and reduce hazardous fuels. Connected actions could include roler drum chopping after harvesting.
This amendment will update the current list of Management Indicator Species by removing eight wildlife species and adding two wildlife species. The amendment would also replace the monitoring of individual plants with groups of plant species.
This project proposes Management Area designations for approximately 33,693 acres on the Osceola National Forest that were acquired after the 1999 revision of the Forest Plan.
The Forest Service proposes to reassign ~50,000 of scrub habitat on the Ocala National Forest from MA 8.2 (sand pine timber focus) to MA 8.4 (Florida scrub-jay and rare species focus) and to revise the desired condition for MA 8.4.
Evaluation of current forest plan monitoring program and implementation of changes to comply with the monitoring requirements of the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219.12).
FS Road 215 is a graded improved road providing access to private land south of County Road 250. Columbia County has requested permission to reconstruct the existing roadbed, replace culverts, and pave the road to improve access for residents.
Close and decommission 4.4 miles of Forest Service system roads and close 13.5 miles of unauthorized non-system roads by installing barriers. After being closed, roads would revegetate naturally.
Installation of Fiber Optic Line along Highway 40 within the existing ROW both on existing utility poles and underground (through side boring and minimal trenching) on the Ocala National Forest
Harvest about 3,425 ac. of crookedwood, and about 3,120 ac. of sand pine. Reforest about 3,350 ac. to early successional sand pine scrub. Convert and restore about 15 ac. of off-site sand pine to longleaf pine.
The Forest Service proposes to seed sand pine on about 200 acres within the Hopkins Prairie wildfire area (about 1800 acres) in the east central part of the Ocala National Forest.
The Apalachicola National Forest looks to implement fuels reduction and restoration work across 19,000 acres of forestland. Activities will include: salvage of timber, mechanical fuel reduction, and planting of longleaf pine trees.
The primary purpose of this project is to reduce the fuel loading and restore forest health in areas that were damaged by Hurricane Michael by removing downed and damaged trees.
The purpose of this project is to rapidly restore the breeding habitat of frosted flatwoods salamanders and other rare and imperiled amphibians by removing brush within and around wetland basins with mechanical equipment.
This project proposes to use chain saws, brush cutters, and hand tools to thin under- and mid-story hardwood vegetation from frosted flatwoods salamander and striped newt breeding habitat. Herbicide would be used selectively to reduce re-sprouting.
This wildfire was one of three that started as lightning strikes on June 6, 2011 under extreme drought conditions; these fires were grouped as the Impassable Bay Complex 2011. Most of the area had young slash pine or newly planted longleaf pine.
Approximately 45 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail are proposed for relocation from the western to the eastern side of the Kissimmee River to provide for a safe and connected route of the FNST and eliminate major infrastructure needs.
The National Forests in Florida is proposing the sale of eight unmanageable tracts of land totaling approximately 383.8 acres in Lake and Santa Rosa Counties, Florida.
The Forest Service proposes to conduct 4,800 acres of timber management treatments on the Apalachicola National Forest. Proposed activities include thinnings, clearcuts and modified group selection.
To issue a Temporary Closure of two undeveloped Recreation sites to stop future natural resource damage and to restore the natural flow of water within these watersheds.
Proposing plant longleaf pine on 864 acres to replace pines in poorly stocked areas within RCW foraging areas. Sites would be prepared by mechanical site preparation, mowing and pushing, to reduce oak and off-site sand pine competition.
Harvest about 616 acres of damage timber stands from the Major Wildfire. There is about 500 acres of Sand Pine Scrub and 116 acres of Slash Pine. Removing the damage timber will reduce future fuel loading and create scrub jay habitat.
This fire suppression repair plan is designed to guide the planning and implementation of repair measures on the Major and Tracy fires, which burned on lands managed by the National Forests in Florida and private lands.
The Maple Creek Project continues ongoing restoration activities in the Saint Marys Landscape Analysis Area. Preatments will include timber thinning and converting some slash pine plantations to longleaf
The FS proposes several silvicultural treatments on approximately 2,500 acres within the Munson Sandhills II Analysis Area of the Apalachicola National Forest.
Treatment of Non-Native Invasive vegetation within Wilderness Management Areas 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 as identified in the 1999 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Florida.
Harvest ~9,400ac of sand pine. Reforest ~7,200ac of this to sand pine and convert ~2,200ac to open oak scrub managed for Florida scrub-jays. Chop and seed sand pine in ~1,300ac in understocked stands. Associated road maintenance and minor activities.
This project proposes thinning slash pine plantations with some under-planting of longleaf pine for restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem and fire fuel reductions.
Remove sand pine and oaks on 70 acres on Norwalk Island near Salt Springs, Florida in Marion County by harvesting and chipping material for use at biomass plants
The Forest Service is proposing to reconstruct and improve trail 1 of the off-Highway Vehicle Trail System, beginning from Silver Lake OHV Trailhead to FSR 301 (Approximately 2.5 miles).
The US Forest Service proposes activities to improve open scrub conditions following three wildfires, including authorization of commercial timber sale for habitat improvement and hazardous fuels reduction.
Mow about 352 acres of brush and small trees to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland-urban interface to enhance fire protection. Mow about 81 miles of 30 foot wide strips, and increase up to 60 foot wide in areas with highest fuels.
The Osceola National Forest proposes to thin mature timber and pine plantations in areas near Ocean Pond, in the south-central area of the forest. These sites are crowded stands with a dense woody understory which creates hazardous fire fuels.
Treatment of ephemeral wetlands to restore suitable conditions for frosted flatwood salamanders. Herbicide and mechanical treatment to allow wetlands to be effectively managed with prescribed fire to obtain desired habitat conditions.
The Osceola National Forest proposes a program of Integrated Pest Management for the treatment of non-native invasive plants across the forest. Methods may include one or a combination of mechanical, manual, biological and EPA-approved herbicides.
The Forest Service proposes silvicultural and restoration treatments on approximately 2,000 acres within the Red Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Core Analysis Area.
Gulf Power Company has applied for a special use permit to construct an electric transmission line on an existing utility right of way on the Apalachicola National Forest. Project information is available at www.NFRCEA.ene.com or upon request.
Wakulla Co. has applied for an easement to install sewer lines under 2.5mi of Lawhon Mill Rd. and Floyd Gray Rd. widen and pave the roads (50ft wide easement, approx. 15ac. total).
Tarpon Towers LLC requested use of USFS roads on the Apalachicola National Forest (FR 143 &143F) and a firebreak to construct a telecommunications tower on adjacent private land.
Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission will continue to operate and maintain the Apalachicola National Forest shooting range located in Leon County, Florida (2.75 acres) for general public use.
Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission will continue to operate and maintain the Ocala National Forest shooting range located in Leon County, Florida (5 acres) for general public use.
Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission will continue to operate and maintain the Osceola National Forest shooting range located in Columbia County, Florida (4.3 acres) for general public use.
Sites in the Saint Marys watershed are being evaluated for activities related to restoration of the longleaf/wiregrass pine ecosystem. Objectives are to restore longleaf pine, associated vegetation communities and to improve wildlife habitat.
This project proposes to continue activities in the Saint Marys area for improving ecosystem health by thinning dense pine stands, planting native longleaf pine, restoring groundcover and removing heavy fire fuel loads near the summer homes area.
The Osceola National Forest is proposing to continue or implement human-ignited prescribed burning in the Saint Marys watershed and newly-acquired lands, along with mowing, fireline rehabilitation, and a pilot project to reduce saw palmetto.
The Apalachicola National Forest proposes to reconstruct the parking area in the Silver Lake Recreational Area. Actions include repaving and expanding existing OHV parking, installing signage and fencing, and enclosing a work shed.
The Forest Service proposes to change the site preparation method from herbicide to mechanical in two stands that were approved in previous separate Environmental Assessments.
The Forest Service is proposing to treat approximately 2070 acres of forest land on the Apalachicoal National Forest. Treatments include: pine thinnings, clearcutting, hazardous fuel reduction treatments, planting pine seedlings, hardwood reduction
Proposed activities would restore longleaf pine to areas now planted in slash pine, rehabilitate areas damaged by 2011 wildfires, and lower fire fuel loads.
Short-term (up to 2 years) closure order for all caves and abandoned mines in the Southern Region (2 exceptions)to minimize transmission potential of the fungus that continues to cause white nose syndrome in bats that has affected populations.
The purpose of the action is to close caves and mines to minimize the transmission potential of white nose syndrome and for the protection of associated wildlife species.
Propose harvest of about 3,700 acres of sand pine. Reforest about 4,000 acres to sand pine through seeding and natural regeneration. Propose decommissioning of 1 mile of Forest Road 14-2.6.
This project is third priority for projects identified in the Suwannee Upper Basin Landscape Analysis and will involve mechanical fuel reduction, timber thinnings and planting longleaf pine to reduce risks from wildfire and improve wildlife habitat.
This project is fourth priority for projects identified in the Suwannee Upper Basin Landscape Analysis and inovlves mechanical fuel reduction, timber thinning, and restoration of longleaf pine to reduce wildfire risks and improve wildlife habitat.
The Apalachicola National Forest has received an application proposing the installation of approximately 1,265 Feet of a new underground conduit with an electric cable that will run from the existing powerline pole, through an existing firebreak.
The proposal is to rebuild an existing 60 year old single-phase, 14.4 kV overhead electric distribution line attached
to wooden poles for indefinite, year-round use. Approximately 3.5 miles of single-phase, 14.4 kV overhead electric
distribution line
Tarpon Towers II, LLC is proposing the construction and operation of a communications tower in National Forest Land by the town of Wilma. The proposed tower will be the Liberty County link to the state wide State Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS).
The Forest proposes to treat approximately 1,600 acres of forestland in the Telogia Analysis Area. The proposed action would include treatments such as clearcuts, thinnings, and groundcover restoration.
The Forest Service is proposing to conduct a variety of management activities designed to maintain or improve Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat, improve forest health, and to implement the Forest Plan direction.
The Forest Service is proposing the construction of a new comm tower & shelter near the Wakulla Work Center in the Apalachicola National Forest. This tower will provide comm support to the forest on issues of public health, emergency, & staff safety.
The Apalachicola National Forest proposes to harvest 5-8 acres of timber to provide egress and ingress of larger type 1 helicopters to the new Helibase that is to be established at the Wakulla Workcenter located at 10703 Bloxham Cutoff Road.
Activities to improve recreational fishing opportunities are planned for two man-made ponds known as Double Pond and Warmouth Pond These ponds will be deepened, fish habitat structures will be added, and access roads will be improved.
