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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 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests 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.
Relocate approximately .4 mile of the Endurance Route located in Laurens County, near FS RD.334 and the Ridge Road to a better location that makes the race facilitation safer for participants/workers/spectators.
The purpose of this project is to repair the floating dock, stabilize the bank, and relocate sections of the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail that were damaged during the 2015 & 2016 flood events
Project will include repair and maintenance of existing trail and a small portion of the trail will be rerouted to avoid impacts to existing resources in the area.
Special Use Permits renewals to include combining, reauthorization and name changing of South Carolina Electric and Gas permits on the Sumter National Forest to Dominion Energy South Carolina, INC.
Renewal permit for all existing lines in Oconee County, 7,183 feet exisiting fiber optic and copper overhead lines with a 10 foot ROW (1.65 acres) and 215,646 feet of existing fiber optic and copper underground lines with a 5 foot ROW (24.75 acres).
We propose a mix of commercial and non-commercial thinning along with selection cutting silviculture activities on approximately 64 acres in portions of 6 stands in Compartment 54. No even-aged regeneration treatments are proposed.
Controlled burning on approximately 4500 acres in six different geographic areas to decrease the threat of wildfire by burning accumulated fuels and to increase plant and wildlife habitat diversity.
The Forest Service is considering a project that would include a mix of commercial and non-commercial thinning silvicuture activities on approximately 2,000 acres of National Forest.
The project would restore native vegetation in stands currently composed of non-native loblolly pine. The intent is to restore native species and habitats, increase diversity and viability of plant and animals in the long term.
Renewal of AT&T's permit, authorizing their lines in Oconee County. This renewal would cover 7,183 feet of fiber optic and copper overhead lines with a 10 foot ROW (1.65 acres) and would cover 215,646 feet of fiber optic and copper underground lines.
Aerial Fertilization would be completed using a helicopter with GPS control "Sat-Lock". A high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer would be applied during the spring months on 1,454 acres.
Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest is proposing to seed approx. 1,700 acres across regeneration units in Laurens, Newberry, and Union County, South Carolina. The proposal involves broadcast spreading seed by helicopter (aerial seeding)
We are proposing to collect seeds from existing American chaffseed populations and seeding existing populations as well as areas without existing populations that may provide suitable habitat.
We propose removing the Back 90 dam which is located in the Long Creek drainage. An engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.
We propose removing the Back 90 dam which is located in the Long Creek drainage. An engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.
Easement across National Forest lands in Berkeley County SC to TMS 2560000063 and TMS 2560000064. Located in Compartment 113 the easement requested is approximately 20 feet wide by 35 feet long.
The installation of 7,700 feet of .075 inch diameter fiber optic cable, buried 36 inches in depth within the northern road shoulder of US Hwy 76 to upgrade stability and reliability of cellular towers in the area, in Oconee County, South Carolina.
Placement of fiber optic cable along State Hwy 107 to provide service to cell tower located at 871 Hwy 107. This is needed due to weak cellular services in the area.
Placement of fiber optic cable to provide service to FAA tower at 199 Pine Mountain Tower Rd, Westminster, SC 29693. This is a needed upgrade from copper facilities over to fiber. Approximately 2550' of fiber optic cable with an outside
Berkeley County is proposing to acquire public road easements and do road improvements across four existing roads that pass through portions of the Francis Marion NF. In addition, Berkeley Electric would relocate portions of its powerlines.
Re-issue permit to Berkeley Electric Coop for existing utilities on Francis Marion National Forest. This combines two permits formerly issued by Wambaw and Witherbee Ranger Districts.
Improvement activities including replacement of 1.14 miles of single phase overhead line with three phases line and construction of 1.87 miles of new underground lines along US Hwy 17 Charleston County SC.
Renew existing special use permit and amendments to provide electric utility services to rural customers in Charleston and Berkeley Counties, South Carolina.
The installation of approximately 1425 feet of aerial distribution lines in South Tibwin Compartment 217 in Charleston County, South Carolina to provide power to pumps that will be used to decrease the depth of current marshland.
Blue Ridge Electric Coop (BREC) and Gunby Communications are proposing to swap sites for communications equipment on Long Mountain. BREC would also construct a new 150 foot communication tower, a comm. building with generator, LP tanks and fence.
Approximately 12 miles of the 310F trail section would be relocated from highly impacted, non-sustainable locations to a side hill location that overlooks some of the most scenic mixed hardwood drains.
This project would consist of vegetation, wildlife habitat, wetland, recreation, and transportation improvements in an effort to move the project area toward desired conditions outlined in the forest plan.
Restore and manage giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) along the Chattooga River. Purpose of project is to restore the canebrake plant community, improve wildlife habitat and provide giant cane as a cultural resource for the Cherokee people.
We propose installing biodegradable tubes in the ground within one kilometer of three separate ephemeral wetlands on the Francis Marion. The tubes would serve as refugia for gopher frogs.
Central Electric Cooperative will rebuild approximately a 1 mile section of transmission line on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District replacing the wooden poles with metal poles.
The proposal involves spreading seed by helicopter (aerial seeding) on open areas of the Chambers Branch Prescribed Burn Unit where timber sale activities and prescribed burning for early successional habitat have been implemented.
Permit to CCPRC to conduct hikes, biking, canoe/kayak and birdwatching opportunities on Francis Marion National Forest. Includes Wambaw Creek, Palmetto trail (Awendaw and Swamp Fox Passages), Buck Hall and Awendaw Canoe Launch. 4-6 trips/yr
Charter Communications is proposing to move existing fiber optic lines from Berkeley Electric poles and place then underground along SCDOT Hwy 17A Right-of-Way in Macedonia, SC.
The Forest Service is proposing to establish access points for boaters on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River within the boundaries of three National Forests (Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Sumter).
Erosion control structures (check dams) would be placed on small ephemeral stream channels in compartment 165. The intent is to reduce soil erosion and to stablize the stream channels.
This project would involve restoring and enhancing the hydrologic, riparian and aquatic funcitions within four watersheds - McCluney Branch, Little Turkey Creek, Clarks Creek and an unnamed tributary to Clarks Creek.
The Forest Service, Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District, is working on a proposal to salvage harvest of dead and dying trees on approximately 95 acres in stands 18 and 20 of Compartment 149 in Newberry County, SC.
The Enoree R.D. of the Sumter NF proposes 49 acres of pre-commercial thinning in Compartment 35, Stand 9 and Stand 15. The project is needed primarily to improve forest health in these stands.
The USDA Forest Service, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest is proposing to salvage harvest of dead and dying trees from storm damage on approximately 77 acres in stands 8 and 10 of Compartment 89 in Laurens County, South Carolina
Request to hold competitive trail rides on existing miles of the Buncombe and Woods Ferry Horse Trails on the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest.
Vegetation treatments in the form of thinnings, seed tree regenerations, loblolly pine removal and woodland establishment on approximately 3,125 acres of national forest system land.
Till and no-till methods would be used to plant native vegetation on approximately 16 acres of utility ROWs to benefit game and non-game wildlife species.
The Forest Service is proposing to acquire 1,588 acres from Davis Land and Timber, Inc. in exchange for 1,436 acres of federal lands. Land use would remain essentially the same on the two land tracts.
Management activities will emphasize development and maintenance of small game habitat with particular emphasis on quail habitat. Forested areas will continue to be managed for timber and NNIS will be controlled.
A land-for-timber (tripartite) exchange in which the United States will acquire a non-federal tract of land that would be managed by the US Forest Service. The land tract is located in Union County, South Carolina.
Dominion Energy SC proposed to rebuild 8 miles of Transmission line replacing wooden poles with metal poles. The current poles have reached their life expectancy.
Thin approximately 70 acres in Compartment 13 to increase hardmast production and construct dike (500 feet long by 10 feet high) to increase floodable area by about 11 acres.
Five separate foot races are scheduled for 2013. Locations include portions of the Palmetto Trail (Swamp Fox and Awendaw Passages) as well as various forest roads in the Ion Swamp Area.
Phase 3 will begin at the end of Phase 2 and continue for approximately 3.0 miles from the original trailhead constructed in Phase 1 to Awendaw Creek. It will include an at grade crossing on Doar Rd. and continue to Awendaw Creek.
We are proposing to thin or remove timber infested with pine beetle. Entire stand removal would be determined on a case by case basis, this is commonly referred to as the salvage or cut-and-removal of trees with commercial value.
Proposal to improve the existing Enoree Ranger District, Francis Marion and Sumter NF administrative facility (known as Indian Creek Office), located in Whitmire in Newberry County, South Carolina
Reconstruct primitive access point along road 336A on the Enoree River. Provide a safe access point for the public and repair resource damage that is occuring at the site.
Dominion Energy SC in conjunction with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will construct a canoe launch at the Keitts Bridge on the Enoree River in Union County, SC.
The Francis Marion Ranger District is proposing to create a new green tree reservoir (GTR). A GTR is a seasonally flooded wetland managed for waterfowl.
Pre-commercial thinning of 635 acres of predominantly loblolly pine sapling size trees withi Abbeville , Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda counties, South Carolina.
The Andrew Pickens Ranger District proposes prescribed burns on approximately 7,004 acres across 13 burn units. Some mechanical and manual vegetation management is also proposed.
The Forest Service proposes controlled burns on approximately 4,710 acres. The district plans to burn these areas every 2-3 years. Both dormant and growing season burns would be done.
We are proposing to amend the Sumter Forest Plan to convert approximately 5,600 acres to the Woodland and Grassland/Savanna Habitats management prescription
Three bridges on the Francis Marion need to be replaced due to deterioration and they are unable to support the traffic on the roads. The bridges would be replaced with similar materials, location, and size.
The Forest would acquire 637 acres of land in the Honey Hill area. This acquisition will be completed by tripartite exchange. Funds generated from timber receipts would be used to purchase the land.
The proposed action describes an adaptive management strategy to manage prescribed fire on approximately 262,000 acres of national forest lands and nearby tracts of state and private lands covered in a Wyden agreement.
This project proposes to create new wildlife openings (WLO) on the district. The creation of WLO would be achieved through mowing, heavy-brushing, and disking areas.
In conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, we propose installing a beaver pond leveler at an existing beaver pond dam at Fury's Ferry to reduce flooding impacts to adjacent private property.
A landownner has requested access to private land using Forest Service Road 547-E in McCormick County. They are waiting for a determination on their claim for a title from the federal government.
The USFS, Francis Marion and Sumter NF, proposes to perform baseline data geophysical investigations to support future stream rehabilitation activities within watersheds of the Enoree Ranger District in Chester County, SC.
Donald and Bettina George currently have a special use permit for a grassed emergency spillway from Thrift Lake to Lick Log Creek. They propose to construct a micro hydropower plant structure in an alcove to the side of Lick Log Creek on NFS lands.
The Long Cane Ranger District is proposing to expand Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianus) populations by planting seedlings grown from seed or by direct seeding. Seeds collected for outplanting would come from local populations.
The Sumter National Forest is proposing activities to enhance existing Georgia aster populations, expand Georgia aster at new sites, and restore shortleaf pine communities on sites that are currently dominated by loblolly pine.
Three bridges need to be replaced on the Francis Marion and Long Cane Ranger Districts. Prior to replacing the bridges, borings need to be drilled to ensure proper support of the bridge designs.
To use Growing Season Prescribe Burning on approximately 5,708 acres in Compartments 13, 16, 27, 38, 41, 67, 108, 116, 147 and 160 on the Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest
Proposal to implement additional growing season prescribe burning on approximately 2,909 acres in Compartments 24, 124, 125 and 126 on the Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest.
This project would restore seven acres of tidal salt marsh that was furrowed to grow a loblolly pine plantation. The project would remove the loblolly pine trees and return the land to its original elevation below the mean high water for the area.
Install a telecommunications fiber optic cable in a 1.25" conduit for a distance of 3.23 miles on the Francis Marion National Forest Bethera Road and terminate on Farewell Corner Road.
Installation of approximately 4000 feet of hardened high-speed fiber optic network cable by vibratory plow from Eccles Church Road along South Hampton Road to the Seed Orchard Helibase and Seed Orchard Headquarters.
Home Telephone Company, Inc. ReConnect Program project will extend broadband services to rural areas of the Charleston County and Berkeley County in South Carolina.
Thin approximately 2,766 acres of loblolly pine and loblolly pine removal on approximately 44 acres for hardwood conversion. Herbicide would be used to control early pioneering species in both the thin and pine removal stands.
Oconee County is planning to replace the bridge over the Chauga River on county road CH-29 commonly refered to as Land Bridge Road. Before a final design and proposal can be made, borings are needed to determine the depth to bedrock.
The Oconee County Road Department has identified a need to relocate the bridge over the Chauga River on Land Bridge Road, a county maintained road on National Forest System lands. The new bridge would be located a few hundred feet downstream.
This project would add large wood to streams by cutting down some trees and placing them in streams and the Chauga River. The intent is to improve fish and other aquatic habitat by creating pools and providing organic matter for invertebrate species.
Approximately 500 feet of new hiking trail would be constructed for boaters taking out at Lick Log Creek along this section of the Chattooga River. This decision was withdrawn for further analysis.
Light Source Communications, LLC would install approximately 30 miles of hardened fiber optic network cable in Berkeley County and 8 miles of hardened fiber optic network cable in Charleston County by vibratory plow 36-48 inches in depth.
Masticate the hardwood brush and volunteer pines in two loblolly orchards (31 acres) with heavy equipment to eliminate the dense understory and midstory. Both Orchards were planted in the 1980's with grafted seedlings of superior genetic stock.
The forest Service proposes to use proven cut-and-leave and salavage suppression methods to control Ips engraver and southern pine beetle infestations on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest.
This is a special use permit request for a one day 50 mile endurance run using established roads and trails with staging at Parsons Mountain recreation site.
Pre-commercial Thin 26 loblolly pine sapling size stands on a 10 foot by 10 foot residual tree spacing. Stands range in size from 13 to 77 acres and total of 1,007 acres
Several existing wetlands that have been historically impacted (e.g., drained with ditches) would be restored using a variety of techniques developed by the Center for Wetlands and Stream Restoration. The restored wetlands would appear natural.
Silvicultural Treatments consisting of commercial thinning on 6,361 acres, regeneration harvest (clearcut with reserves) on 2,146 acres and regeneration harvest ( shelterwood with reserves) on 256 acres.
Clearcut approximately 2,370 acres of predominantly loblolly pine. Seed tree regeneration approximately 863 acres. Woodland establishment on approximately 157 acres and intermediate and first thinning on approximately 5,358 acres of loblolly pine.
Environmental Assessment for ecosystem restoration activities in the Macedonia analysis area of the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley county South Carolina.
Consider whether to amend forest plans for three national forests (GA, NC & SC) re: recreation on the upper segment of the Chattooga River. Previous comments will be considered.
Approximately 313 acres of manual and mechanical understory vegetation treatments would occur in the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative project area.
Treatment of midstory vegetation by mechanical grinding/shredding on up to 6,222 acres. The objective is to improve/maintain wildlife habitat by reducing vegetation and to treat two areas heavily infested with non-native invasive species.
Six (6) ephemeral wetlands would be restored. Work would consist of: creating shallow depressions; installing ground-water dams as necessary; filling-in ditches that are currently draining the wetlands; and, re-vegetating disturbed areas.
The proposed action is to restore four of the hydrological features and forest composition that are part of the Duncan Creek floodplains. This involves restoring components of healthy wetland riparian corridors in compartment 96 and compartment 97.
Approximately 7,000 acres of timber would be thinned and regenerated in the Middle Enoree Analysis Area along with gully restoration and stream and lake habitat improvements.
This proposal would add woody material to streams to create pool habitat for brook trout. The woody material would be added by manually felling trees into stream channels.
Nature Adventures Outfitters has proposed the addition of motorized tours to existing permit FMF076. Motorized tours will be conducted on Lower Wambaw Crrek and Hampton Creek and Santee River currently permitted for canoe/kayak trips.
Oconee County is proposing installing a broadband line that will follow major highways, county roads and some USFS roads connecting emergency services and remote locations together.
The US Forest Service is proposing to grant outfitting and guiding special use permits to businesses on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest in South Carolina.
The Forest Service proposes paving 1 mile of Forest Road 708 (Burrell's Ford Road) to reduce sediment. A conventional culvert where this road crosses King's Creek would also be replaced with a culvert to allow for aquatic organism passage.
Project would consist of a land-for-land exchange of two isolated federal tracts for two non-federal tracts that would consolidate National Forest System Lands on the Sumter National Forest.
We propose removing the Presbyterian lake dam located in the Cedar Creek drainage of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District because an engineering assessment indicates that the dam is in danger of failure.
Initiate prescription burning on a periodic basis on 312 acres in compartment 63, stands 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 20 in Union County, South Carolina. In addition, the district proposes to conduct thinning on 26 acres in compartment 63, Stand 11.
Mechanical treatment of approximately 2,873 acres by mowing or mastication of understory and mid-story woody vegetation to improve vegetation conditions for wildlife, including protection of red-cockaded woodpecker clusters.
Re-issue permits to McClellanville and St. Stephen Telephone Companies dba TDS Telecom. McClellanville Telephone has 52.04 miles of buried lines in Charleston County and St. Stephen Telephone has 9.93 miles buried and 0.08 miles overhead line.
This project will align the Sumter National forests outdoor recreation offerings with forest strengths/niche, changes in user demand/preferences, and reduced budgets in order to provide a more sustainable and beneficial program to the public.
This proposed action includes the following activities that are needed to meet recommendations from the USFWS to manage RCW in the RENEW project area. These efforts are needed to enhance the population and monitor the results of these efforts.
Aerial treatments of an exotic moth known as Lymantria dispar using mating disruption, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or their combination.
The blueline bridge on Jericho trail was damaged during the 2019 flood event. The trail bridge needs to be replaced for user safety and to prevent resource damage.
The proposed project would replace aging and obsolete water control structures and rehabilitate and restore ditches/canals to improve function and efficiency.
This proposal is to restore native vegetation along Forest Service roadsides where sericea lespedeza or other non-native invasive species have been eliminated. Mixtures of native perennials and annuals would either be seeded or planted.
This project is repair and maintenance on roads damaged during flooding events in 2015 and 2016. Also, 56 culverts would be replaced with aquatic passable culverts to improve habitat conditions for aquatic species. All work is proposed on the SNF.
Repair of flood damaged roads. Periodic road repair and maintenance activities on Forest Service jurisdiction roads and State and County roads with road maintenance agreements. Replacement of 24 culverts with aquatic passable culverts.
This project would reroute, or close various degraded portions of the Rocky Gap equestrian and hiking trail in the Whetstone area. Minor trail additions would also be created as connectors to the existing trail.
The Oconee Soil and Water Conservation District has applied for a special use permit to coordinate a volunteer program to remove encroaching vegetation around the house site, paths and remaining structures at the historic site.
This is a request to hold two Ultra Trail Run Events on the Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest. One event would be held on the Enoree Passage of the Palmetto Trail and the other event would be on the Woods Ferry Horse Trail.
The State of South Carolina, Division of Technology Operations, is requesting approval to make significant repairs and upgrades to its communications facility on the Long Mountain Communications Site, Oconee County, SC ton the Andrew Pickens RD.
An application has been received from the Oconee Heritage Center for the development of a living history interpretive site on Highway 28 near the Chattooga River.
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.
To address management of nesting and foraging habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), an amendment to the land and resource management plan for the Sumter National Forest is needed.
The Sumter National Forest is proposing to replace 59 road-stream crossings on the Andrew Pickens, Enoree, and Long Cane Ranger Districts. These crossings were found to be barriers to aquatic organism passage during their life stages.
Control of non-native invasive plants on the Sumter National Forest using herbicide applications. The proposal includes treatment of non-native invasive private and state lands under a Wyden agreement.
Additional loblolly pine stands have been located and would be treated. Other loblolly units would be changed to commercial treatments. Site prep prescribed burning and 2 additional herbicides would be added. There would be some changes to woodlands.
Control beetle outbreaks and improve overall forest health by using sanitation harvests in conjunction with normal beetle suppression techniques on over 60 current and future beetle outbreaks.
Masticate understory vegetation and undesirable midstory (hardwoods and pines) to improve growing conditions for swamp chestnut crop trees. Preexisting slash, including tops, limbs, and logs would also be treated. Treatment area is 7.2acres
Vegetation control to improve habitat for two federally listed plants - smooth coneflower and small whorled pogonia and two sensitive plants - sun-facing coneflower and fraser's loosestrife. Supplement plant populations as needed.
Involves construction of a trailhead parking lot for the Woods Ferry Horse Trail, and a connector trail, tying the trailhead to the existing trail system. It would also involve the use of herbicide to help control all vegetation in the parking area.
Phase 1 would: remove the existing range structures; add rifle sheds; parking spaces; accessible walkways; range office; and dirt berms would be added or improved. Phase 2 would: add archery and pistol ranges.
An unauthorized road at the end of a Forest Service system road is severely gullied and has active head cuts. Soil is eroding into Stevens Creek. Approximately 1,200 feet of the road would be obliterated and the area stabilized.
This project would implement management direction for campsites along the Upper Chattooga River Trail. Of 34 existing user created campsites, 12 sites would be designated for overnight camping and the remaining 22 sites would be closed and restored.
The Francis Marion National Forest is proposing activities to add improvements to the Wambaw Cycle Trail that include:
Adding one mile of a 36" wide single track dirt bike trail, developing a north loop trailhead, and 1 mile trail connector.
The project will assess the hydrological response after longleaf restoration and commercial thinning has occurred on approximately 278 acres within watershed 77 of the Santee Experimental Forest, Francis Marion Ranger District.
A wildland fire in June, 2011 damaged and killed trees in two stands. Portions of these stands would be harvested to prevent insect build-up, reduce residual smoke from future prescribed burning in the area and to recover any value in the trees.
Activities would improve conditions for wildlife species by managing early successional habitat, restoring wetlands, and enhancing savanna habitat. Establishment of gravel parking areas would protect natural resources and improve public access.
Activities would improve wildlife habitat by: rehabilitating and maintaining early successional habitat; establishing native plants; installing gates for resource protection and prescribed burning; and stabilizing the road at Faulkner Mt. monadnock.
Demolition of 2 administrative buildings on the Francis Marion Ranger District: the Witherbee Ranger Station Office (building 607) and Residence/Temp office (building 601).
This project proposes woodland, grassland, savanna and meadow establishment and maintenance in the Indian Creek area of the district. This includes forest thinning and herbicide treatments.
The project will continue to realign sections of existing trail that are poorly located and not sustainable in their current location. Additional new trail construction will be added to the trail system.
Project proposal would relocate some sections of the existing trail that are not sustainable or in a good location. Additional new trail construction would be added to the Woods Ferry Horse Trail.
Access to private property using approximately 200 feet of an existing unimproved road at the end of French Quarter Creek Road to access family property
