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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 Allegheny 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.
This project proposes improvements to four non-motorized trail systems: trail re-routes on the Hickory Creek and Morrison Trails, installation of a new restroom at Jakes Rocks and a shelter on the North Country Trail and Hammond Run.
The Forest Service is proposing to install four integrated fixed radio towers on the Allegheny National Forest to provide additional radio coverage for its employees.
Special use authorization to install a plastic 2-inch natural gas pipeline in Warrants 1465 and 1778, Highland Township, Elk County for the purpose of supplying natural gas to their facilities located in Warrant 3776.
Construct and designate 5.8 miles of snowmobile trail on National Forest land that would connect to 2.6 miles of newly designated snowmobile trail on private land. All but 0.3mi of the route is on existing corridors.
Design Criteria in the Allegheny National Forest 2007 Forest Plan will be applied to reserved and outstanding oil and gas development. This proposal responds to the 2/15/08 Forest Plan Appeals Decision made by the Chief of the Forest Service.
To issue a new special use authorization to Apex Resources, Incorporated to replace four currently expired authorizations for buried natural gas pipelines
To better understand how to effectively manage areas infested with emerald ash borer, we are proposing to study how different treatment methods to suppress emerald ash borer populations will affect ash health.
To maintain aspen stands and clones through non-commercial cutting of mature aspen stands and clumps scattered across the district.The cutting would occur during the dormant season and felled trees would be left on site to prevent browsing by deer.
The project is proposing to designate two tent campsites and a RV campsite within the dispersed camping area, define and harden the access road and parking areas, rehabilitate compacted areas, and install a seasonal "wilderness" toilet.
For Elk County Freshwater Association to construct three remediation sites under a special use authorization on National Forest System lands to reduce the impacts of acid rain on Big Mill Creek, a tributary of the Clarion River.
PennDot requested special use authorization to construct and maintain a snowplow turnaround on Billman Road, Pleasant Township, Warren Pennsylvania on 0.15 acres of National Forest.
Install an inter-connect or tap on behalf of Seneca Resources Company to tap into Dominion Energy Transmission's LN-20 natural gas pipeline for their Meter & Regulating site. This tap will be constructed, owned, and operated by Dominion.
Decommission (plug) water wells at four boat-to recreation sites on the Bradford Ranger District including Handsome Lake, Hooks Brooks, Hopewell, and Pine Grove Boat Access Campgrounds in Elk and Mead Townships, Warren County.
Maintain or improve ecological conditions that will improve ecosystem resilience and sustain biological diversity in stands to be affected by forest pests and diseases and increase the amount of early structural habitat on the Forest.
To issue new special use authorizations to replace 27 currently expired authorizations for existing springs, roads, and pipelines. The authorized uses would remain the same, and no increase in the scope or intensity of activities would occur.
Regenerate declining stands of Allegheny hardwood through tree harvesting and reforestation activities,removal of nonnative invasive plants, and road management activities.
This programmatic CE covers several wildlife enhancement activities including aspen regeneration; daylighting rock outcrops and boulder fields; and apple, fruit, mast shrub and tree pruning and release.
The Forest Service is reviewing a request from PAPCO Inc. and Gas & Oil Management Associates, Inc. for amendments to their existing special use permits to relocate three natural gas pipelines within the Robert Falconer Warrant, Mead Township, Warren
Salvage uprooted/damaged trees on approximately 182 acres of NF System lands from the windstorm that occurred on May 1, 2017 and construct 0.4 miles of temporary road. The temporary road will be decommissioned following the timber salvage harvest.
To demonstrate and collect information on how glossy buckthorn responds to manual treatment. Five acres of treatment are being proposed. After the initial cutting, the treatments may be repeated in the third and fifth years after the initial cutting.
Constuct 8.3 miles of pedestrian trail on National Forest Land to connect Bradford, PA (Marilla Spring Trail System), Tracy Ridge Trail System, the North Country Trail, and the Allegany State Park in NY (Blacksnake Trail).
Catalyst Energy Inc. requested a special use authorization for a road accessing their mineral rights. This requires a right of way on Allegheny National Forest Land approximately 500 ft long by 19 ft wide (~0.2 acre).
Special use authorization to construct, maintain, and use three oil and gas access roads on 6.3 acres of National Forest System lands to access its mineral holdings in Warrant 3122, Wetmore Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania
Catalyst Energy Inc. has proposed the development of a new pipeline following along FR 169 within Pleasant Township, Warren County. The proposed Right of Way is approximately 2,000 feet in length by 15 feet wide, totaling about a 1 acre clearing.
The Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest (ANF) proposes the Cherry Run Project to improve forest health, streams and fisheries, and wildlife habitat within the 7,578 acre project area, within Sheffield Township, Warren County, Pennsylvania.
Designate eight new dispersed campsites, establish/harden parking areas for campsites; close three campsites, and rehabilitate two campsites. Includes improving river access, installing a SST and information signs, and stabilizing shoreline.
Develop Comprehensive River Management Plan for the Clarion Wild and Scenic River. March 2018 Update: The SOPA listing for this project has been cancelled. We expect to re-start the project in 2019, and will create a new project listing at that time.
SUP Renewal of Rights of Way (ROW) for 2 existing natural gas pipelines located within Warren County, Pennsylvania. Includes widening of a 15 ft. ROW to a 30 ft. ROW over 6,687 ft. for one of 2the two SUP renewals.
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. is proposing to modify one of their natural gas pipeline special use authorizations by relacing approximately 4,000 feet of existing pipeline, which is to be abandoned in place, with 6,741 feet of new pipeline.
This vegetative managmement project includes silvicultural treatments, wildlife habitat improvements, NNIP species treatments, and soil and watershed improvements in conjunction with road maintenance within the 16,672-acre project area.
The Forest Service is proposing to change the previous thinning prescriptions of the 11 stands to shelterwood regeneration harvests or overstory removal harvests, with associated reforestation activities.
Amend existing special use permit to allow for construction of a natural gas measuring and regulating station and associated facilities within a cleared area along their existing pipeline.
This database and SOPA entry is being cancelled because it is an accidental duplicate of project #60530. A decision for the project has been made, and may be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60530.
The Forest Service is working with American Rivers and Warren Conservation District and will provide matching funds for the engineering design of a dam removal, permitting, technical assistance, biological monitoring and invasive plant removal.
Construct log jams and place large wood in and along portions of the East Branch Spring Creek to improve aquatic habitat diversity, stabilize eroding stream banks, and restore floodplain function.
To help slow or stop the spread of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer, we are proposing to continue restricting wildlife feeding activities on National Forest System land.
The purpose of this project is to salvage 198 acres of partially blown down stands of trees, resulting from a wind event that occurred in July of 2012.
Realign FR136 and FR343 to eliminate several stream crossings by realigning 2.1 miles of road, reconstructing 0.4 miles of existing road, decommissioning 2.9 miles of road, and restoring 120 linear feet of stream channels and 0.55 acres of wetlands.
The Forest Service is proposing special use permit renewals in Warren County, Pennsylvania, BRD413802, Papco powerline, Lot 467, 0.06 acre, BRD550801Lobdell access road, Lot 396, 0.82 acre, BRD412102, Holden access road, Lots 585, 586, 1.45 acre.
The purpose of the project is to address forest health concerns, provide a diversity of vegetation patterns and age classes, address large woody debris deficiencies in streams, manage forest roads, and treat non-native invasive plants.
To decommission the Forest Road 376 trailhead, 0.2 miles of Forest Road 376, and 0.1 miles of hiking trail, which is part of the Buzzard Swamp Trall System.
Land management activities including vegetation management, stream and fisheries improvements, wildlife habitat improvements, invasive plant treatments, transportation management, and other activities to achieve desired conditions.
Amend their special use permit to replace and relocate an underground primary power line built in 1970 that provides power to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a cell phone tower.
To suppress gypsy moth populations, Btk, a naturally occurring native bacterium, would be applied aerially to the crowns of overstory trees as early as April 2021. Implementation would continue in future years as needed.
This project proposes to realign 1.7 miles of the Hemlock Loop trail, between mile post 0.9 and 2.7, that is chronically wet. The existing trail would be decommissioned.
The Forest Service is proposing to use integrated pest management techniques to suppress the non-native (introduced) insect pest hemlock woolly adelgid on the Allegheny National Forest.
The project would address forest health issues, improve early successional habitat objectives, treat non-native invasive plants, improve fishery stream habitat, improve transportation systems, and provide improved recreation opportunities.
Special use authorization to construct an oil and gas access road approximately 950 feet (0.18 miles) long in Lot 260, McKean County, Pennsylvania, to access their mineral estate in Lot 261.
Construct, maintain, and use a 16-inch diameter steel natural gas pipeline on National Forest System lands to allow gas to be gathered from wells owned and operated by Hunt Marcellus Operating Company.
expand parking at Irwin Run Canoe Launch, redirect traffic, establish an outfitter-guide drop-off zone, replace toilet, improve canoe access, remove culvert on Irwin Run, and place large wood along Irwin Run.
Construction of a 46 mile mountain sustainable singletrack bike trail network along the southern and western side of Allegheny Reservoir. The proposed trail includes internal loops that vary in difficulty and distance.
We are proposing to treat infestations of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) on the Allegheny National Forest along roads and trails and near recreation and administrative sites.
Proposal includes vegetation management and other activities on NFS lands within the project area to achieve a healthy and resilient ecosystem with a diversity of desired trees and to diminish the risks and consequences of forest health threats.
The proposed action is to construct, maintain, and use a 4-inch diameter plastic natural gas pipeline within forest road 261 and along an oil and gas access road for the purpose of transporting natural gas from existing gas wells.
To construct, maintain, and use an access road to allow access to a gas processing plant. The proposed authorization will involve construction on the National Forest System lands of approximately 275 feet long by 33 wide (0.21 acres).
Salvage wind thrown and damaged trees on approximately 140 acres in the Kane Experimental Forest and allow scientists to address and interpret effects of windthrow on the long-term Allegheny Hardwood Management Strategy Study.
To reconstruct, use, and maintain an existing road to access their property in Warrant 2878, Howe Township, Forest County, which is surrounded by National Forest System lands, for forest management activities.
Proposal from Kane Hardwoods to reconstruct, use, and maintain an existing road to access (0.2 miles) their property in Warrant 5269, Kingsley Township, Forest County, for forest management activities for a term of up to 20 years.
To reconstruct, use, and maintain 211 feet of existing road to access Kane Hardwoods' property in Warrant 5269 for forest management for up to 20 years including forest system closed roads 223 and 683.
Construct a 9.3 mile non-motorized surfaced trail on the existing Kinzua Valley Railroad grade from the Allegheny Reservoir at Red Bridge Bank Fishing Area to the national forest boundary southeast of Guffy.
This project responds to a request from the Kinzua Valley Trail Club to realign an unbuilt but previously approved trail alignment from Westline to Highway 219.
To provide for safety and to enhance aquatic organism passage, the Forest Service is proposing to shift the location of the ASL Trail crossing on Wagner Run upstream 20 feet of the existing trail crossing.
Renew MSL Oil & Gas Corporation's special use authorization for a 3,550 foot by 14 foot natural gas transmission line that covers 1.14 acres or 0.67 miles.
To issue new special use authorizations to replace two currently expired authorizations for an oil pipeline and tanker loading facility and for a buried electric transmission powerline.
Proposing to issue new special use authorizations to replace twelve currently expired authorizations for six existing spring developments, two oil and gas pipelines, a fish hatchery and a liquid waste disposal area on the Marienville Ranger District.
To issue new special use authorizations to replace eight currently expired authorizations for electric powerlines, a telephone line, access roads, an oil and gas pipeline, and a spring on the Allegheny National Forest.
Construct approximately 17 miles of 2 way ATV trail from Township Road 356 in Warrant 3184 Jenks Township, Forest County to the Marienville ATV Trailhead on State Route 66 in Warrant 2464, Howe Township, Forest County and restore an adjacent wetland.
To issue new special use authorizations for the continued use and maintenance of the two existing spring developments and seven roads to replace expired special use authorizations.
Replacement of 7,140 feet (1.4 miles) of 2- to 3-inch steel above ground natural gas pipeline with a buried 6-inch high density plastic pipeline to accommodate a new tap to an existing pipeline located in Warrant 2993 and expansion of ROW to 30 feet.
To restore more direct sunlight to rock outcrops scattered across the district on 200 acres by cutting or girdling (non-commercially) trees and shrubs that are shading these features.
The Forest Service is proposing to install a bat-friendly gate on a cave located on NFS lands. The proposed cupola gate would be designed, constructed, and installed by Bat Conservation International through a Challenge Cost Share Agreement.
Installation and mainenance of a sign along State Route 6 within Sheffield Township (Lot 194), Warren County, Pennsylvania. The sign would be located near the McKean and Warren County boundary on the north side of State Route 6.
Proposed management activities include vegetation treatments, including timber harvesting, wildlife habitat improvements, NNIP species treatments, transportation activities, and recreational improvements.
To reduce flood peaks by diverting flows to side channels and improve stream habitat by felling up to 70 trees per mile into these five streams and their tributaries (9.3 stream miles total) and onto their floodplains.
Minard Run Oil Co requests Special Use authorization to install, operate and maintain a natural gas pipeline, about 19,000 feet, on 4.72 acres in warrants 4875, 4876, 4907, and 4908, Corydon Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania
This project proposes to add a new, 2 mile trail segment beginning at Kinzua Beach, and connecting to the Morrison Trail System. The trail will be open to hikers and bicyclists.
The Morrison project area is located southeast of Warren, PA, and includes approximately 3 miles of new trail. The Powerhouse project area is located southwest of Bradford, PA, and will include approximately 1.5 miles of new trail.
This project proposes to reroute the NCNST near Tracy Run, build a bridge over Tracy Run and a bridge over Johnnycake Run, and build an overnight shelter in the Tracy Run area.
Realign 2 sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail along Pell Run and Williams Brook. Both realignments will move the trails to drier ground and avoid two failing bridges.
Minor reroute of the North Country National Scenic trail to bypass a chronically wet area between mile posts 7.162 and 7.295. Located near the intersection of Johnnycake Trail and Johnnycake Run.
Proposing to realign a section (approximately 800 feet) of the North Country Trail to avoid a wet, boggy area in Lot 228, Hamilton Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania
A special use authorization to construct, maintain, and use an access road and power line on 0.39 acres of NFS lands to access its mineral holdings (proposed tank battery) in Warrant 3182, Jenks Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania.
Penelec requests special use authorization to install, operate and maintain a fiber-optic line on 2.7 acres of their existing right-of-way on NFS lands on the Bradford Ranger District, Warrant 2428, Mead Township, Warren County, Pennsylvania.
Reissue six expired special use permits authorizing approximately 68.6 miles of electric transmission lines, electric distribution lines, and related facilities. If approved, the permits will be consolidated into 2 permits issued for a 30 year term.
Forest Service is proposing to stabilize the stream bank along Gilfoyle Run by felling or uprooting six trees (spruce and red pine) to create a large wood structure to stabilize the bank and trail.
Proposed activities include vegetation, wildlife habitat, non-native invasive plant species, transportation, and soil and water management. Oil and gas development is ongoing within the project area.
The Forest Service is proposing to change the previous thinning prescriptions of the 62 stands listed to shelterwood regeneration or overstory removal harvests, with associated reforestation activities, and regenerate several wind damaged stands.
To authorize a special use authorization to the Headwaters Charitable Trust to construct and maintain an acid remediation site to help address acidic deposition in the Bear Creek watershed.
Land management activities including vegetation management, stream and fisheries improvements, wildlife habitat improvements, invasive plant treatments, transportation management, and other activities to achieve desired conditions.
The Forest Service is proposing to change the previous thinning prescriptions for 28 stands to shelterwood regeneration harvests or overstory removal harvests, with associated reforestation activities, due to forest health concerns.
We are proposing to treat 100-200 individually selected ash trees with emamectin benzoate or imidacloprid to protect them from infestation by the emerald ash borer. The trees would be located at 36 different recreation and administrative sites.
Proposing to issue new special use authorizations to replace 27 currently expired authorizations for recreational use including fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and varies other recreation events.
Wilmoth Interests is proposing to install a buried natural gas pipeline in lots 172 & 194, Mead & Sheffield Townships, Warren County, PA. The pipeline would be approx. 4,100 ft. long and be located in an approx. 25 ft. wide corridor.
ANF Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is proposing to construct a trail shelter along the North Country National Scenic Trail in Lot 228, Hamilton Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania
Proposed activities include vegetation management, wildlife habitat improvements, non-native invasive plant species treatments, transportation activites, recreation enhancements, and soil and water improvements.
The project includes installing an accessible fishing dock to improve angler access to Big Mill Creek in Sandy Beach Park and installing fish habitat structures to compliment the dock in Sandy Beach Park and on National Forest System lands.
Saybrook Energy Investments LLC requested a special use authorization for installation and maintenance of a gas pipeline. The proposed location would require a right of way of between 1,000 and 1,500 ft long by 6 ft wide (<0.25 acre).
Proposal from John Shaughnesy to use an existing log landing and skid trail on National Forest System lands off of Forest Road 186 to harvest timber on his property.
A special use permit to construct and use two oil and gas access roads (approximately 0.2 miles each) to access their mineral estate in Warrant 2980, Howe Township, Forest County, off of Forest Road 219. The access roads are located in Warrant 2993.
Sheffield Township requested a special use authorization to extend municipal sewer lines to outlying areas. This requires right's of way along three sections of road that cross Allegheny National Forest land.
Proposing to add shelterwood removal cuts and associated reforestation treatments to 11 stands within the project area. The proposed shelterwood removal cuts and associated reforestation treatments would ensure timely removal of their overstories.
Enhance recreation opportunities in the area around the Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir through management activities that include scenery, recreation, heritage, vegetation and wildlife activities.
Pennsylvania State Police, BCIS/Statewide Radio Network Division has requested authorization to replace a faulty electric service line for the purpose of communication transmission.
The Forest Service is proposing the State Route 59 Enhancement Project to improve highway safety cooperatively with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The Allegheny NF is proposing to address vegetation encroachment.
The Forest Service is working with PennDOT and proposes removing hazard trees and clearing trees along their right-of-way on 1.94 miles of SR62 on NFS lands to reduce the risks of potential falling trees and branches onto the highway.
Sylvan Energy LLC. requested a special use authorization for two roads accessing their mineral rights. This requires rights of way on Allegheny National Forest Land totalling approximately 365 ft long by 20 ft wide (~0.2 acre).
To help slow or stop the spread of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer, we are proposing a one-year restriction on wildlife feeding activities on National Forest System land.
The project involves hardening the toeslope and stabilize streambank for slope stability of Forest Road 145 near its intersection with Forest Road 127 by constructing a multi-faceted log complex and installing other instream structures.
Replacing an existing stone and corrugated metal culvert with a bottomless, arched culvert that would allow for aquatic organism passage where the Sackett Road (Township Road 313) crosses Threemile Run. Place grade controls upstream and downstream.
Issue a new special use authorization for the biannual Tour de Forest Trail Ride to replace their expired special use authorization. The only changes are administrative.
This project would allow mountain biking on approximately 12.5 miles of hiking trails in the Tracy Ridge National Recreation Area. The Forest Plan would be amended, and an order prohibiting bicycle use would be modified.
The Forest Service is proposing to authorize reasonable access for site-specific proposals to develop reserved and outstanding mineral rights within the Allegheny National Forest, with provisions to mitigate impacts to surface resources.
Utica Resources has requested to use and maintain approximately 2,160 feet of an existing non-National Forest System road and construct, use, and maintain approximately 160 feet of new non-National Forest System road.
Proposing to issue a new special use authorization to replace a currently expired authorization for an existing road that accesses private land within the Marienville Ranger District, Allegheny National Forest.
Renew 3 special use authorizations for Verizon Pennsylvania LLC for a total of 86,407 feet of telephone and fiber optic lines. The lines were initially permitted in 1979, 1991, and 1996 as permit numbers RDG400211, RDG400212, and RDG400213.
Moving 1.2 miles of snowmobile trail (Allegheny Snowmobile Loop Connector 11) off of Township Road T-370 (Watson Farm Road) and relocating the trail so that it will run parallel to T-370.
To salvage uprooted and damaged trees on approximately 39 acres of National Forest System lands located in Warrants 2464, 2808, 2916 and 2995, Howe Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania
This proposal involves replacing 2,900 ft of buried communications cable with 350 ft of buried and 1,800 ft of aerial cable on existing power poles in a 100-foot wide utility corridor. The existing buried cable would be abandoned in place.
The Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest (ANF) proposes the Yette Project to improve forest health, streams and fisheries, recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat within the 29,410 acre project area.
The Allegheny National Forest is reviewing a proposal by Zito Media Communications, LLC for a special use authorization to install, operate and maintain a fiber optic line on one acre of National Forest system land.
