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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 Shawnee 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.
Proposal to rebuild and replace infrastructure and restroom facilities at Lake Glendale Recreation Area and at five other recreation sites across the Forest.
The 9-Day Trail Ride was under a special-use permit for the past five years, it is the largest recreation event on the Forest, and has been permitted for many years.
We are proposing to allow the development of a new right-of-way (ROW) across 0.3 miles of National Forest System (NFS) land, located at Section 19, Township 11 South, Range 4 East, 3rd P.M., Johnson County, Illinois.
Ameren Power Generating Company needs a new permit to reconstruct seven-miles of an existing permitted electric transmission line system, to include lines, poles, and supporting structures. The line runs from Grand Tower to Makanda.
Proposal that would amend an existing special use permit issued to Ameren Illinois Company to construct, maintain, and operate a transmission line on approximately 4.75 miles of National Forest System lands on the Shawnee National Forest.
The proposed Gale to Clear Creek Powerline Reconstruction project consists of 2.65 miles of 69,000 Volt Transmission line in existing right of way within the Shawnee National Forest.
Ameren seeks to amend their existing permit to allow for an expansion of an odorizer building on a natural gas line (8 feet wide by 8 feet long and installation of a 2 inch above-ground pipe for natural gas regulation).
We propose to exchange 384 acres of National Forest System land in Gallatin County for three non-Federal land tracts. These tracts are located in Pope and Jackson Counties, and total 831 acres.
The project includes prescribed burning about 3,000 acres and 100-200 acres of selective tree and shrub removal in barrens and dry woodland communities.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit MUR24, which would allow for the continued use of a, 2,006 foot by 20 foot or 0.92 acre, right-of-way across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property.
The proposal is to issue a special-use permit to allow for installation, maintenance, and operation of a 1,300 foot by 2 foot or .06 acre right-of-way across Forest land for an underground water transmission pipeline.
A project developed through a collaborative process within a designated landscape to reduce the risk and extent of insect or disease infestations by improving resiliency and sustainability.
To stabilize a 625 ft section of eroding banks on Big Creek, Hardin, County, Illinois to reduce sedimentation in the stream and limit further erosion toward nearby power lines.
The project involves the design and reconstruction of the boat launch on the Big Muddy River. This project will redesign and replace the existing boat ramp, which accumulates sediment from the river and is often not usable.
This project will involve the contract reforestation of 26 acres adjoining an existing boat ramp adjacent to the Big Muddy Levee with native seedlings.
The project would use herbicide to prevent re-sprouting of woody vegetation after timber stand improvement. It also proposes to increase the area of bottomland to be treated by 6500 acres, treat invasive species and adds prescribed fire.
This permit would allow the applicant to operate an equestrian campground near the River-to-River trail and the Bald Knob/Clear Spring Wildernesses. The permittee will agree to specific measures to protect resources.
The decision would authorize a temporary special-use permit for one year for both Broken Wheel Ranch and Rose O%u2019Sharon Equine Farm, Inc. to continue conducting equestrian outfitter/guide activities on the Shawnee National Forest
To reduce fire risk and restore healthy ecosystems, the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of the Shawnee National Forest proposes to burn about 5400 acres of Forest land and private land in the Buttermilk Hill/Talbott Hollow Blowdown Project.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit which would allow for the continued use and maintenance of a 660 foot by 22 foot or 0.33 acre right-of-way across National Forest System land for ingress and egress to private property.
The decision would issue a new permit to allow for the construction, use and maintenance of a 600 foot by 20 foot or 0.11 mile, right-of-way (ROW) across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property.
The Forest is proposing to replace five crossings of small streams by Roads with improved crossing structures designed to enhance the passage of aquatic organisms and thus reduce fragmentation of stream habitat.
This proposal would authorize five RV hook-ups on lands adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest with the understanding that customers would subsequently use National Forest System trails for equestrian activities.
We are contemplating issuing a permit near Eddyville, Illinois. Camp Thirsty Stables offers a three bedroom rental home to their customers, they can accommodate about ten overnight customers at one time.
Proposal to issue a new permit to allow for the use and maintenance of National Forest System Roads 505 and 606 for ingress and egress to private property.
Prescribe burn a total of about 3600 acres around 4 natural areas and adjacent lands for vegetation management (other than forest products) and animal habitat improvement.
This project will be a continuation of work done over the past several years to stabilize the eroding shorelines at Cedar Lake using the barge application method of stone riprap placement.
The City of Vienna proposes to construct a trail from the high school across the Hidden Springs Ranger Station to the Tunnel Hill Trail. The path would bean 8-foot wide cement path. There will be no removal of trees on Forest land.
Burn about 100 acres of Forest Service land in conjunction with about 200 acres of private land in south Pope County. This burn would be in cooperation with the Southeastern Illinois Prescribed Burn Association.
This project proposes about 3,000 acres of pine thinning, 15,000 acres of prescribed fire, treatment of invasive species, maintenance of barren habitats, development of vernal ponds and roadwork.
The Lake Egypt Water District is proposing a water main extension that would cross Forest land. The pipes would be 6" and 4" PVC pipes to serve additional customers near Dutchman Lake.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit which would allow for the continued use of a 25 foot by 25 foot or 0.01 acre right-of-way across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property.
Renewal of an existing special-use permit, which allows use of a 1,960 feet long by 20 feet wide right-of-way across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property.
This amendment would allow for electricity to be provided to private property. The line would be buried along the south side of the existing road, trenching, about 6 inches wide for 600 feet.
The proposal is to amend a special-use permit issued to Egyptian Electric to install, operate, and maintain an underground electric line and related structures.
The proposal to issue a new special use authorization for a new term to replace an existing or expired special use permit with Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association an REA. The proposed permit would be issued for a 50-year term.
The Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association is proposing to add one mile of underground electric line across National Forest System land to three new customers' private properties.
The proposal involves providing electric hook ups to Pine Ridge Campground. The power will be supplied by Southeastern Illinois Electric Coop via a new utility corridor consisting of 0.4 mile of new overhead line, and 0.3 mile of new undergroundline.
We are proposing to construct a bat gate and institute a seasonal closure at Equality Cave (Cave Hill Cave). The cave would be closed to the public from October 1 through April 30 and entry from May 1 to September 30 would be by permit only.
The purpose of this project is to execute a maintenance agreement with Pope County in order to allow improvement and maintenance of the FR402 section of Ozark Road. The road will be upgraded to an oil and chip surface.
Proposal that would apply prescribed fire on National Forest System lands in conjunction with partners who would use prescribed fire on adjoining private lands.
Proposal to work collaboratively with others to improve wildlife habitat and promote native species such as oak and hickory on National Forest System lands in three separate locations utilizing prescribed fire.
We will add fish habitat structures to eight lakes and five ponds across the Forest. Artificial habitat structures (plastic) and natural habitat structures will be added to improve fish habitat and angler sucess.
A proposal to develop a new right-of-way (ROW) across 0.25 miles of Shawnee National Forest land, in Pope County, Illinois. The ROW would connect private land to Bushwhack Road.
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area -- reconstruct observation trail, install retaining wall, remove bathroom storage structure, remove and replace existing underground water storage tanks and vault toilets.
The proposal is to renew a special-use permit, which allows for the continued use of a 1320 foot by 40 foot or 1.2 acre, right-of-way across National Forest System land for ingress and egress to private property.
This project will provide Trailhead improvements and historic and environmental restoration for a trailhead at the top of Hamburg Hill on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Proposal to renew a special-use permit, to the Hardin County Water Company, allowing for the continued operation and maintenance of water transmission lines (11.6 miles, or 28.13 acres) on Forest land.
Thinning of pine stands using commercial sale and prescribed fire to restore hardwoods in non-native pine stands. Note: This project has been renamed from Cadiz to Harris Branch to better describe its location.
Expand the burn around the timber sale to move control lines to existing barriers and expand the benefits of the prescribed fire to the adjacent areas.
The Shawnee National Forest proposes to apply prescribed fire to about 194 acres of National Forest land in conjunction with 366 acres of private land in the Hart Creek project.
Kelley Heine is being reissued a permit to for use of a drainage ditch 15 feet wide and 62.5 feet long, with periodic maintenance of the right-of-way area allowed when specifically requested.
This is a proposal for a new special-use permit, to the Access Fund, authorizing a right-of-way to develop a parking area/trailhead off of Macedonia Road and convert an old roadbed into a hiking-only trail for access to private property.
Construct and install trailhead facilities at Cedar Lake to include CXT (toilet) installation, 3 panel information board: enlarge and improve parking area and improve FS road in to site.
The proposal is to allow the Illinois Climbers Association (ICA) to host an annual rock climbing recreation event on National Forest System lands for the next 5 years.
The proposal is to renew a special-use permit, which allows for use of a 400 foot by 100 foot or .92 acre, right-of-way across National Forest System land for a section of the Rails to Trails biking trail.
A proposal to amend a special-use permit issued to Illinois American Water, which would allow for installation, maintenance, and operation of a 3,500 foot by 2 foot right-of-way across Forest land for an underground 4 inch water transmission pipeline
This proposal would all for the continued operation and maintenance of buried and overhead telephone lines on right-of-way across National Forest System lands.
This project would authorize the issuance of an outfitter/guide special-use permit (SUP) to the proprietors of Indian Kitchen Lodge (IKL), near Eddyville, Illinois. They would be allowed a maximum of up to ten riders per day.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit which would allow for the continued use of a 600 foot by 20 foot or 0.28 acre right-of-way across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property.
Conveyance of .24 acre of federal land in part of Section 12, Township 11 South, Range 8 East, 3rd Principal Meridian, Hardin County, Illinois pursuant to the authority of the Small Tracts Act, P.L. 97-465.
The project involves hydraulic dredging of sediment from a shallow cove to maintain an open channel where small boats can launch and reach further into Kinkaid Lake.
Proposal to construct a cross-valley silt dam at a point where Johnson Creek enters Kinkaid Lake on the Shawnee National Forest in Jackson County, Illinois.
A proposal to develop a new right-of-way (ROW) across 0.03 miles of National Forest land in Gallatin County, Illinois. The ROW would connect private land to Forest Service Road 108.
Portions of the Forest were impacted by a tornado in Jackson County, west of Kinkaid Lake. We are proposing to salvage about 250 acres of wind damaged timber. Reforestation and timber stand improvement are also proposed.
The project is expected to stabilize about 2,500 linear feet of the most severely eroding shoreline areas using the stone revetment on filter fabric technique as used previously with great success.
To designate and develop a mountain bike trail system between Lake Glendale area and Dixon Springs State Park. The project name was changed to Lake Glendale Bicycle Trail Designation with the Draft EA.
Proposal to replace, refurbish, rehabilitate, remove, and construct facilities at Oak Point Campground and Lake Glendale beach at the Lake Glendale Recreation Area.
The proposal includes: 1)Commercial timber sale to thin 681 acres of pine; 2)Timber-stand improvement on 681 acres of smaller, shade-tolerant species; 3)About 1500 acres of prescribed fire 4)Small wetland creation; 5)Road maintenance
Improve the existing memorial site to include one new short path, two new life-size statues, and foundation/wall/walkway work around the existing memorial
The proposed actions will encourage resilient forest conditions through silvicultural treatments that will enhance the presence of the oak-hickory hardwood forest-type.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit , which allows use of a 2,000 foot by 20 foot or 0.91 acre, right-of-way across Forest land to access private property.
The proposal is to renew a special-use permit which would allow for the continued use of a about an acre, right-of-way across National Forest System land for ingress and egress to private property.
The proposal is to amend a special-use permit which would allow for the installation, maintenance, and operation of 1,320 feet long by 2 feet wide or 0.06 acre right-of-way across National Forest System land for an underground water transmission line
Manage pond and small lake fisheries via habitat enhancement, access improvement, control of aquatic vegetation, and removal of non-native plants. No herbicides or pesticides would be used.
This proposed forest health project would involve intermediate thinning of hardwoods to promote ecosystem health and resilience by maintaining the oak-hickory stands in the project area.
Millstone Water District would be issued a permit amendment to allow for the installation, maintenance, and operation of an underground water transmission pipeline.
Proposal to amend existing Millstone special-use permit to allow for installation, maintenance, and operation of two additional underground water transmission lines.
Proposal would renew a right-of-way access (special-use permit) for the continued operation and maintenance of 21.01 miles of a buried potable water transmission pipeline system across Forest land.
Proposal would renew a special-use permit to the Mitchellsville Water District allowing for the continued operation and maintenance of a waterline (0.06) acre) across Forest land
The proposal is requesting to expand and amend an annual special use authorization for a North America Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), an equestrian recreation event using the Kinkaid Lake trail systems
Landscape-scale prescribed burns and selective tree and shrub removal are being proposed to restore the following natural areas: Copperous Branch, Gibbons Creek, Leisure City, Pleasant Valley, Whoopie Cat and Wolf Creek.
The proposal is to allow the holder to host the No Sleep Adventure Race, a 24-hour and 8-hour competitive adventure team race that includes trekking, land navigation, biking, ropes, and canoeing. The event would occur June 10th to June11th, 2017.
Forest-wide assessment of the management of non-native invasive species. Potential treatments include pulling, hand-torching, controlled burns, and herbicides.
The proposal to issue a new special use authorization for a North America Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), an Equestrian Recreation Event using the Kinkaid Lake Trail System.
This project would create about 40 small forest openings over the next five years within the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. Moist soil wetland vegetation would be encouraged.
We are proposing to masticate (grind up branches) on 15 ares of debris in areas where TSI has been performed in order to create moist soil units in Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservior.
To expand the area surrounding and/or adjacent to existing openland areas so as to take advantage of existing natural or man-made fire control lines, and to expand the restorative benefits of dormant season burning to adjacent woodlands.
We plan to eradicate two invasive species; common reed (Phragmites) and reed canarygrass, while populations are relatively small and the chance for success is high.
The proposed improvements at the Pine Ridge Campground at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area include several toilets and providing electricity at campsites.
Rissuance of a special-use permit for the Pomona Township authorizing the continued operation and maintenance of the existing boat ramp and parking lot (1.1 acres), located on the western shore of Cedar Lake.
The project includes maintenance and repair of an existing Forest Service Road to facilitate shoreline stabilization at Kinkaid Lake, including installing some concrete pads for moving rock.
Prescribed burning of Federal threatened Mead's Milkweed (Asclepias meadii) habitat at Cave Hill, Stoneface, Dennison Hollow RNAs and Simpson Barrens Natural Areas.
To issue a special-use permit which would allow for the continued use of about one acre right-of-way across National Forest System land for ingress and egress to private property.
The planting of native hardwood bare root seedlings on the recently acquired Qualls (107 acres) Track, on four farm fields that were in agriculture production two years ago.
The proposed actions encourage resilient forest conditions through silvicultural treatments including commercial thinning that will enhance the diversity of native vegetation on about 53 acres.
To construct and develop additional parking areas at four popular recreation sites: Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, Jackson Falls, and Winters Pond.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit which allows for the annual foot race, River to River Relay, to occur on 3.5 miles or 2.36 acres of National Forest System land. An estimated 240 - 250 teams participate in the race.
Proposal to reroute just over 4 miles of the River to River Trail along the south portion of Cedar Lake. New trail would be constructed and old trail decommissioned. The newly constructed portion of the trail would add bicycling as a designated use.
This project proposes to address trail access problems, soil erosion, and frequent maintenance needs on the existing trail by relocating two segments of the River to River Trail around Dutchman Lake for a total of 3.2 miles.
The Forest would like to formally designate the Elizabethtown section of trail that runs along Big Creek. This segment has been used for many years. Designation would allow trail maintenance and enhancement to improve the existing condition.
Proposal to issue a new permit that would allow for the use and maintenance of a 100-foot-long by 30-foot-wide right-of-way across National Forest System land for ingress and egress to private property.
Proposal to issue a special-use permit to the Rose-O-Sharon Boarding Stable for equestrian outfitting and guiding on Shawnee National Forest land. The stable would be allowed to operate on a permitted trail system.
The proposed ROW is intended for ingress and egress to the SF%u2019s private property.
The ROW would connect his land to Forest Service Road 108. Road maintenance and use would be operated in conformance to permit specifications.
Changes in land conditions and public demands, the results of monitoring and evaluation of Forest Plan implementation, changes in national guidance, and new scientific information all indicate a need to revise the Forest Plan.
Proposal to amend special use permit VIE201702 held by the Shawnee Telephone Co. to construct, maintain, and operate a buried fiber optic line within an existing right of way.
This proposed project includes the use of several commonly available herbicides to maintain or restore oak-hickory forests and natural habitats by controlling nonnative invasive plants and undesirable, shade-tolerant or intrusive native vegetation.
The project includes construction of 2 small earthen levees and water control structures in 2 existing drainage ditches to restore a more natural hydrologic condition on approximately 30 acres of bottomland forest in southwestern Jackson County
Proposal to amend an existing special use permit to Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative to install and maintain an overhead electrical distribution line National Forest System lands.
Proposal would renew a special-use permit authorizing the continued operation and maintenance of overhead 69 KV electric power transmission lines on Forest land.
The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit, which would allow for the continued operation and maintenance of a 26,740 foot by 20 foot or 12.28 acre right-of-way across Forest land for an underground waterline.
Five acres of a golf course is encroaching on National Forest. This temporary permit will be issued for a term of 5 years, the permit will be not be renewable or transferable. The special use permit will be used in advance of a 80 acre land exchange.
Proposal to recognize existing ~1-mile Stoneface Trail as a system trail by designating the trail as hiking-only. Also, proposing some trail maintenance activities.
About five miles of stream habitat improvement will be implemented each year. Specifically, for each mile of stream habitat improvement, four to five trees per mile will be directionally-felled into the creek.
The proposal is to issue a new permit, for the use and maintenance of a 1,000 foot by 20 foot or 0.46 acre, right-of-way across Forest land. The road already exists but the property sold and the old permit was not transferable.
Mr. Perkins is requesting to reconstruct a proposed right-of-way (ROW) across 0.6 miles of Shawnee National Forest land, located at Section 27, Township 11 South, Range 10 East, 3rd P.M., Hardin County, Illinois.
TK Ranch has requested a permit to operate a commercial equestrian facility with 48 campsites to provide camping for customers that would use Shawnee National Forest designated trails.
Proposal to allow Terrain Trail Runners a one-time recreation event for a competitive foot race across National Forest System lands. The event would occur August 26th- 27th, 2017. The race consists of a 100mi, 100K, and 50K race courses.
The proposal is to allow Terrain Trail Runners to host an annual event for a competitive foot race across National Forest System lands. The 2018 even would occur August 25th %u2013 26th.
The proposal is to allow the holder to host the Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival Event, a weekend of non-competitive mountain bike riding that would occur on October 24th-26th, 2014.
The proposal is to amend the Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival Event permit, to include 8.1 miles of user created trails south of Lake Glendale as part of their annual October bicycling event.
Outfitting and guiding for kayak trips on Pounds Hollow lake and Lusk Creek. Guided hiking opportunities across the Forest and carriage rides on Forest roads closed to motor vehicles.
Designation of hiker/equestrian trails in the Big Grand Pierre, Eagle Creek, Lusk Creek and Upper Bay Creek watersheds, and restriction of equestrian use to designated system trails.
This decision would allow for a continuation/renewal of a road special-use permit. The permittee would continue to have the same access; no new construction will occur. Maintenance and use of this right-of-way remain with the permittee.
This proposal is to issue a temporary special-use permit authorizing the use of a right-of-way (ROW) route, across Forest land, to their private property.. Forest Service Rd 1736 will serve also as a proposed route for the timber haul.
Johnson County has received funding to replace a culvert under the Creal Springs Road with a bridge. The replacement work is expected to impact an area on the national forest over a width of 50%u2019 from centerline for a length of about 500 feet.
This project proposes to improve forest health and sustainability of the oak-hickory ecosystems, improvement of wildlife habitat, and reduction/control of non-native species.
This proposals renews existing special-use permits that would allow the continued maintenance and operation of underground water transmission pipeline on Forest land right-of-way.
Burn areas cover in existing NEPA will expanded to make more efficient use of existing fire breaks, such as creeks, lakes, roads, trails, and right-of-way corridors. This will make burning more efficient.
