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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 Ottawa 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 includes reissuing special use permits to the private landowners involved, for use and maintenance of existing roads on National Forest System lands. Use of these roads is needed to access their private property.
Renewed use of National Forest System lands to access private property has been requested by 3 separate permittees on the Ontonagon and Bergland Ranger Districts. The parcels are not contiguous.
Access across National Forest System lands has been requested by 4 separate landowners to reach their private properties on the Bergland, Kenton, and Ontonagon Ranger Districts.
Mr. Beauchamp, Mr. Gazda, Mr. Helka, Mr.s Kalousdian and Shamion, and Mr. Tucker request access to their private separate properties via Forest System lands.
The purpose of this project is to reissue 2 special use road permits that will be expiring at the end of 2015. 1 on the Bessemer District & 1 on the Iron River District.
To reissue 6 existing special use road authorizations currently issued to private landowners and one special use authorization issued to a Township for use of an existing utility line.
This project will be to reissue 11 special use road permits that will be expiring at the end of 2019. This project contains 2 special use road located on the south zone and 9 special use roads on the north zone.
This project is to reissue 21 special use road permits to allow for access to private property. Roads are located on the Ontonagon, Bergland, Kenton, Bessemer, Watersmeet and Iron River Ranger Districts.
This project is to reissue 21 special use road permits that are expiring on 12/31/2020. Routes are located Forest-wide, with the majority on the Bergland and Ontonagon Districts.
Fiber optic placement. Will use the vibratory and/or static plow and directional bore methods. The fiber will be placed entirely within road right of way. Best management procedures will be followed to prevent and minimize erosion and sediment runoff
Proposal to issue three new Special Use Permits to separate private landowners to access their private property across National Forest land using existing and new travel ways. Permits would set terms/conditions for use up to 10 years starting in 2021
proposal for a special use road permit that covers Forest Road 2130-M for use and maintenance to access private property. Approximately 0.45 miles of road.
Hokens permit expiring, resource survey of original route FR 6930Y w/2 other permittees using 6930 signed 4/2016. 3/2016 requested to keep .5 mi of orig routeadd .5 mi of new rd and drop .6 mi old rd OR drop.5 mi of orig rd add new 550'in sec 2.
Maintain the open rock native plant community. Reconstruct portions of the hiking trail leading to the overlook, such as the failing steps near the trailhead ; and to block access to the trail from unauthorized use by off highway vehicles.
We propose to restore aquatic habitat over the next 10 years (2016-2026) by adding large woody material to lakes and streams across the Ottawa National Forest.
This project will implement Forest Plan Objectives for aspen. We propose to clear cut approximately 1700 acres of aspen each year for 10-20 years, up to 30,000 acres. Road maintenance and reconstruction will also be proposed, as needed.
The Baraga II VMP includes approximately 21,674 acres within Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, and Iron Counties, Michigan. Approximately 865 of these acres are comprised of jack pine stands located outside of the primary project area.
The project seeks to replace approximately 1,200ft of dock infrastructure in the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The dock is requiring extensive maintenance and repair. This project also includes potential improvements to interpretative displays.
This project proposes to reroute sections of the NCT, between Copper Peak trailhead and Conglomerate falls, where the trail has eroded into the Black River
The goals of the proposed project are to restore channel processes to a 2,000 linear foot stretch of Bluff Creek and enable fish passage through the Choate Road crossing and into the upstream reaches of Bluff Creek and its tributaries.
Proposal is to issue new special use permits to four landowners for access to private property. Driveways are existing and have been in place for many years.
Creation of an additional trailhead and new trail segment to better accommodate users, equestrian and others, of the multi-use trail system associated with the Courtney Lake campground.
Proposal would reconfigure 65 feet of the Middle Branch Ontonagon River at the Crooked Lake Outlet. This project would improve aquatic organism passage.
A segment of the existing hunter-walking trail is now underwater due to beaver activity. Users must traverse a beaver dam, which can be precarious, or bushwhack through the surrounding woods, to bypass the flooded trail segment.
Proposal to use prescribed fire to improve wildlife and plant habitat conditions and reduce fuels within the Davidson Lakes hunter walking trail (HWT) area. The project area is on the Kenton Ranger District.
Mr. Robert Delich has proposed a land exchange with the Ottawa National Forest. The proposed land exchange includes approximately 421.5 acres of land owned by Mr. Delich and 320 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands.
To issue new special use permits for use and maintenance of FR 6945, and use and maintenance of existing, non-system road segments to two private landowners to access private property via OHV. Total area approximately 1.71 miles long, 12 feet wide.
The project proposal includes vegetation treatments (est. 200 MMBF), hazardous fuels reduction, refinements to transportation system and old growth classification, wildlife and aquatic habitat improvement (including WSR treatments) and gravel pits.
There are remnant pilings within the East Branch Ontonagon River causing aquatic organism passage issues. This project will remove the pilings and restore the river to its natural state.
This project proposes to restore stream connectivity in the East Branch of the Ontonagon River within the Ottawa National Forest by removing Lower Dam and restoring the river to pre-impoundment conditions.
This project designates roads for off-highway vehicle travel to provide connections between the State of Michigan Multi-Use trails, on the eastern side of the Forest .
Activity would include issuing a permit amendment to Enbridge Energy, adding approx. 30 feet of an existing cathodic bed to their current authorization. Activity would also include the upgrade and maintenance of the cathodic bed.
Enbridge Energy is seeking to perform maintenance on a section of pipeline that crosses under the Cisco Branch Ontonagon River (Recreational), a congressionally designated Wild and Scenic River (WSR).
Proposal is to issue a new special use permit for reconstruction, use and maintenance of existing roadd, in order to access private property. Road is accessed off of Old U.S. Hwy. 2 and is approx. 1,800 feet long
Improvement of road surface to address erosion and drainage issues resulting in rutting and sedimentation into adjacent wetlands and streams. Replace failing culverts. Includes replacing culvert at Boulder Creek to allow for aquatic organism passage.
Modification of a subset of the monitoring questions & indicators for the Forest Plan as a result of the 2017 Monitoring Report findings. Also, the visual quality objectives are being changed to be consistent with Amendment #1 in river corridors.
FR1360 has multiple areas of erosion and drainage issues resulting in rutting and sedimentation into adjacent wetlands and streams. Recent surveys have identified the need to replace additional culverts within drainages, not associated with streams.
The FR3500 Bridge spanning the East Branch Ontonagon River has deteriorated with time and currently is posted for reduced load limits. Therefore, there is a need to improve and maintain safety for users, while protecting water quality and free flow.
The bridge on FR8100 spanning the South Branch Presque Isle River WSR has deteriorated with time and currently is posted for reduced load limits. This project proposes to replace the existing bridge with a new one.
The proposal is to issue a special use permit to an individual for construction, use and maintenance of an OHV trail to access private property. Approx. 0.27 miles of route would be on existing FR 8173, and 0.30 miles would be new construction.
Improving the motorized access system to provide diverse and quality Forest experiences. The Proposed Action was modified using public input to open 86 miles to off-highway vehicles; 428 miles open to all vehicles; and closure of 54 miles of road.
Tree planting within ash dominated stands, traditional deer winter range including connective corridors, and along warm water streamside riparian areas. To restore/enhance, where possible, the diversity and structural composition within these areas.
The proposed activity would authorize the Gogebic County Road Commission to implement the replacement of an existing culvert on the Middle Branch Ontonagon River, a Wild and Scenic River (designated Recreational)CR535.
The proposed activity would authorize the Gogebic Cty. Rd. Commission (GCRC)to replace 9 culverts on CR535. The GCRC holds a 66' wide Easement for portions of CR535; this work is outside of the easement area and will need a special use permit.
Vehicle access on an existing non-system road for approximately 0.61 miles (3,220ft or 1.49 acres). Access requires brushing and tree removal for 0.19 miles of road construction (Plan amendment) to avoid sensitive soils and hydrological features.
User created trails from some campsites along the shoreline of Imp and Henry Lakes have led to erosion causing sediment into the lakes and adjacent riparian areas. This project proposes to eliminate the erosion.
The project includes issuing a special use authorization to a landowner for use and maintenance of an existing, non-system road (0.58 miles x 20') on National Forest System lands in order to access private property.
To issue a special use authorization for an existing, non-system road for approx. 275', and to relocate the entrance onto Dinner Lk. Rd. for improved line-of-sight. Route previously under permit.
Developed through public collaboration efforts, the project would maintain and/or improve conditions based on Forest Plan direction to provide for healthy/resilient/diverse ecosystems; and actions outlined in local Community Wildfire Protection Plans
The proposal is to issue a long-term special use permit to landowners for use and maintenance of FR 3460 and other existing roads approx. 0.83 miles in length on NFS lands in order to access private property.
The proposal is to issue a long-term special use permit to an individual for use and maintenance of FR 4020 and a non-system road, to access private property. Proposed access is approx. 0.30 miles long x 20 feet wide.
The purpose of this project is to modernize the JW Toumey Nursery to meet the reforestation and restoration demands of the 21st Century associated with climate change response, tribal food sovereignty, and watershed protection.
The proposal is to issue a long-term special use permit to an individual, for reconstruction, use and maintenance of FR 6942, 6942-C and a non-system road, in order to access private property. Total length approx. 1.16 miles by 15' wide.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking to replace a culvert on the Kenton to Sidnaw portion of Snowmobile Trail 8. This analysis is for extending the culvert onto National Forest Service lands outside of the state's right of way.
The project proposes to issue a special use authorization to Keweenaw Land for the use and maintenance of two existing, non-system roads in order to access private lands for timber hauling. No tree removal is proposed. Total project area
The Forest Service is proposing to authorize a special use permit to establish a set of routes on 86 milse of Forst Roads for use in the annual Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) for to the Sports Car Club of America.
The Ottawa is proposing to authorize use of approximately 89 miles of road under federal jurisdiction for the next ten year period of the Lake Superior Performance Rally, an annual, one-night motorized recreational event.
This project proposes to relocate two trail segments to improve overall user experience and provide a safer turnaround for grooming equipment; and to improve trail conditions where it crosses Forest Road (FR) 6320.
Midway Telephone Company proposes to complete fiber optic construction in spring of 2018. Placement of fiber will be in road right-of-way, possible need to accommodate trench machine. They will also construct 4 terminals(hand holes) along the route
The proposal is to issue a special use authorization to an individual, for use and maintenance of FR 6924 and an existing non-system road, to access private property.
Reroute short section of NCT along the Middle Branch Ontonagon River where trail conditions are wet and has sections that are steep and eroding. This project proposes to move this section of trail to a less wet and steep location.
Construct new North Country Trail (NCT) segment accessing Lookout Mountain on the Ottawa National Forest which will reconnect to rerouted NCT segment on adjacent private land.
The Michigan DNR is rerouting a segment of the NCT within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. To reconnect this rerouted segment back to the adjacent NCT segment on the Ottawa, there is a need to construct a new segment.
This travelway was built across FS lands to access cabins along the north side of Perch Lake approx. 50 years ago & an easement was never acquired. Permit is required to perform maintenance on the road and provide access to 9 current cabin owners.
Land clearing for gravel pit development or expansion in 5 areas, totaling approximately 9.5 acres. Updates to, or development of, pit plans would be included, which details pit operations and reclamation measures.
The proposed land exchange with Mr. Norman Pestka, proposes to exchange approx. 51.07 acres of federal land, for approx. 48.70 acres of non-federal land in Houghton and Ontonagon Counties of Michigan.
This Trail segment is part of the North Country Hiking Trail. It is in need of reconstruction in some areas to improve trail surface, rutting and ponding issues. A segment of trail will be rerouted and a foot bridge placed to avoid a step area.
Decommission unauthorized road where resource damage from illegal off-highway vehicle (OHV)use is impacting Onion Creek and downstream the E. Br. Ontonagon River (segment classified Wild), a congressionally designated Wild and Scenic River (WSR).
Ontonagon County Telephone Company is planning on placing a new fiber optic line in Ontonagon County, MI. Approximately 1.2 miles of fiber optic cable will be placed within the road right-of-way along Ottawa National Forest land.
We propose to maintain numerous non-forested openings across the Ottawa National Forest. Openings consisiting of various grass, forb and shrub species require periodic maintenance to prevent forest growth from overtaking them.
The proposal is to issue a special use authorization to a private landowner, for use and maintenance of approximately 80' of existing road to access private property. No additional clearing of the ROW is proposed.
Proposal is to issue a special use permit for use and maintenance of an existing driveway on National Forest System lands. Driveway is approximately 75 feet long.
The project proposes the reconstruction, use and maintenance of existing Forest Roads, as well as construction of 3 short segments of non-system road, on order to access private property.
The Perch River wayside is no longer being maintained as a developed site. The original parking area remains, but amenities such as a restroom facility and picnic table have been removed. Proposed is to return the parking area to its natural state.
The Pioneer Trail is a 23-mile long multiple use trail that is open to Off-Highway Vehicles. The trail has sections of erosion and improper drainage that need to be addressed. A new trailhead and parking area will also be created East of Bergland, MI
The project proposes to issue a special use authorization for use and maintenance of FR 2195, and a short segment of existing, non-system road, in order to access private land.
The Ottawa National Forest is proposing management on approximately 19,400 acres of National Forest System lands. Proposed activities address vegetation management, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels, system roads, and recreation.
The Pori Vegetative Management Project includes timber, wildlife, riparian, and recreation projects, and is designed to promote a healthy and resiliant forest ecosystem that is well positioned for the long term effects associated with climate change.
The Ottawa National Forest is proposing to manage approximately 14,100 acres on Forest Service land as well as the transportation system needed to facilitate timber harvest and provide recreational access near Prickett Lake.
This project addresses authorizations to private landowners for the use and maintenance of existing and new access routes on National Forest System lands.
The proposal includes issuing a special use permit for the use and maintenance of an existing road. It also includes construction of approx. 200' of road to realign the intial segment of road for improved seasonal access.
14,700 acres of red pine plantation thinning to maintain health and quality; maximize optimal growth rates; address insect and disease factors; and provide long-term source of timber products. Transportation refinements would facilitate harvest.
The project includes timber management, enhancement to wildlife, fisheries, and riparian habitat, recreation and transportation system improvements. This project proposes to clearcut some areas that would exceed 40 acres in size to regenerate aspen.
Restore up to 21 crossings by replacing impaired culverts with appropriately designed structures to allow for fish and other aquatic organism passage; improve water quality; restore stream characterisics; accommodate at least a 100 year flow event.
We propose to restore aquatic habitat connectivity by replacing existing stream crossing structures that are barriers to aquatic organisms with appropriately designed structures that allow passage for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Proposal is to issue a long-term special use permit to an individual for use and maintenance of FR 6950-E and a non-system road, in order to access private property. Proposed access is 950 feet long by 20 feet wide.
To issue permits to two private landowners, for use and maintenance of Forest Roads and existing, segments of non-system roads, to access private property.
Silver Mountain is a popular site for hikers and rock climbers. This project proposes: to change how visitors access the top of Silver Mountain, improvements to vistas for viewing, and considerations for rock-climbing routes.
This project proposes to construct a new segment of trail, in order to bypass a sharp corner on a steep hill that is unsafe for users and grooming equipment. This segment of trail is southwest of Kenton, Michigan on the Kenton Ranger District.
Construct a new section on Snowmobile Trail 8, so as to bypass a sharp blind corner trail section. Oncoming snowmobiles as well as the groomer cannot be seen by users when approaching this corner. Trail safety would be improved with this proposal.
To issue a long-term special use permit to an individual, for use and maintenance of an existing road in order to access private property. Driveway is approx. 260 feet in length x 20 feet wide.
Special Use Permit reissue to Copper Country Intermediate School District for the utilization and maintenance of the high and low confidence ropes course at the Ottawa National Forest Camp Nesbit Environmental Center.
An outbreak of spruce budworm in recent years has caused extensive mortality and fuels buildup. The most affected areas are in stands of balsam fir and spruce. Project proposes activities to restore areas via forest restoration and fuels reduction.
Proposal is to issue a new special use permit for maintaining and operating maple syrup collection lines and equipment on National Forest System lands.
Project proposal includes activities associated with vegetation management, wildlife habitat, fire and fuels, old growth classification, aquatic resource, transportation system, designated public motorized access and non-motorized trails, and gravel.
The FR4500 Bridge spanning the Tamarack River has deteriorated with time and currently is posted for reduced load limits. Therefore, there is a need to improve the condition of the bridge.
To issue a new special use permit for use and maintenance of an existing Forest Road, and reconstruction, use and maintenance of a non-system road segment.
The Tepee Lake VMP is located on the Kenton and Iron River Ranger Districts, in Houghton, Iron, and Ontonagon Counties, Michigan. The project area includes approximately 45,940 acres, of which about 33,021 acres are National Forest System lands.
Trans Superior Resources, Inc is proposing to prospect for metallic minerals that are considered federal minerals located on National Forest System lands. The company will be looking for gold, platinum, nickel, and cobalt.
Continued use and access to a radio antenna owned by Trap Hills Amateur Radio Club mounted on the Forest Service Trap Hills Radio Repeater Tower, allowing for their emergency short wave radio communications.
Proposal is to install buried fiber optic line in cleared road right-of-ways between Marenisco, MI & North Land O'Lakes, MI. Existing permit areas will also be reissued under the same permit.
The proposal is to issue a special use permit to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, for continued use and maintenance of an existing, 110' research tower, as well as an area within a 164' radius of the tower, for research purposes.
The project includes issuing a permit amendment authorizing the placement, use and maintenance of approx. 650 feet of buried electric line. The line is proposed to be buried in the cleared ROW of FH16 and an existing road, to serve private property.
Construction and reconstruction of roads, trails, a board walk and canoe access points to improve tribal access to wild rice resources in four spots on the Watersmeet district.
To authorize the issuance of a special use permit allowing the use and maintenance of existing roads on National Forest System lands, for access to private property.
Proposing the establishment of new wild rice beds or the supplementing of existing ones on several proposed water bodies within the Bessemer, Iron River, Kenton, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet Districts.
Wilderness Lakes Bike Trail System is the name given to the 37 mile bike trail loop surrounding the Sylvania Wilderness. This project proposes to add new bike trail segments and relocate the Whitefish Lake Trailhead parking area.
Wisconsin Central, LTD, a subsidiary of Canadian National Railroad, has requested to continue to operate and maintain a standard gauge railroad across Forest System lands.
The proposal is to issue a special use permit amendment to Xcel Energy, for the construction of a 115kV, electric tansmission line corridor; the cleared area will be approx. 100'x100'. It's not expected that any structures will be placed on FS land.
