Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2023 to 06/30/2023
Idaho Panhandle National Forest

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section) :
-  Projects Occurring Nationwide
-  Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest,  Avery Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest,  Fernan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest,  Sandpoint Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Idaho Panhandle National Forest,  St. Maries Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sarah Shoemaker
907-586-7886
sarahshoemaker@fs.fed.us 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land.
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/11/2022
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Laura Conway
406-802-4317
laura.conway@usda.gov 
Description: Programmatic Supplemental EIS for the Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60450
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The direction in the SEIS will apply to use of aerially delivered fire retardant on all National Forest System land. .
Back To Top

Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan
EA
 - Recreation management
- Special area management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/01/2017
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:08/2023
  		01/2024 Becky Blanchard
503-808-2449
becky.blanchard@usda.gov 
Description: The Comprehensive Plan will develop administrative and management objectives and practices and desired conditions for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail on public lands in Forest Service Regions 1 and Regions 6.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52259
Location: UNIT - Glacier View Ranger District, Mt Baker Ranger District, Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Fortine Ranger District, Three Rivers Ranger District, Three Rivers Ranger District, Republic Ranger District, Methow Valley Ranger District, Sullivan Lake Ranger District, Olympic National Forest All Units, Priest Lake Ranger District, Rexford Ranger District, Tonasket Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana, Washington. COUNTY - Bonner, Boundary, Flathead, Glacier, Lincoln, Clallam, Ferry, Island, Jefferson, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Stevens, Whatcom. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The trail begins at the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park and travels 1,200 miles through 7 National Forests, 3 National Parks, BLM, state, tribal, municipal and private lands in MT, ID, WA.
Back To Top

R1 - Northern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan
EA
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/01/2017
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2019  		Expected:11/2020
  		12/2020 Matthew McGrath
503-808-2405
mtmcgrath@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Comprehensive Plan will develop administrative and management goals, objectives and practices for public lands in Forest Service Regions 1 and Regions 6.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52259
Location: UNIT - Glacier View Ranger District, Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Fortine Ranger District, Three Rivers Ranger District, Priest Lake Ranger District, Rexford Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana. COUNTY - Bonner, Boundary, Flathead, Glacier, Lincoln. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The trail begins at the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park and travels 1,200 miles through 7 National Forests, 3 National Parks, BLM, state, tribal, municipal and private lands in MT, ID, WA.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Coeur d'Alene Nursery Capital Investment Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Facility management  Completed  Actual: 06/13/2022  05/2023 Kerry Arneson
208-769-3021
kerry.arneson@usda.gov 
Description: Replacement of nine aging greenhouses and adjoining structures at the Coeur d'Alene Nursery to improve safety and efficiency, helping to meet increasing demands for seedlings for reforestation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62015
Location: UNIT - Idaho Panhandle National Forest All Units. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Kootenai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 3600 W. Nursery Road, Coeur d%u2019Alene, Idaho.
IPNF Noxious Weed Treatment Project
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  On Hold  N/A  N/A Michelle Caviness
479-841-2508
michelle.caviness@usda.gov 
Description: Management of non-native invasive plant species utilizing herbicides, biological control agents, cultural and mechanical methods for weed control.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=36183
Location: UNIT - Idaho Panhandle National Forest All Units. STATE - Idaho, Montana, Washington. COUNTY - Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Kootenai, Latah, Shoshone, Lincoln, Sanders, Pend Oreille. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Various locations across the forest.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Kaniksu Over-snow Vehicle Travel Plan
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/29/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		11/2023 Kaleigh Maze
530-643-6221
Kaleigh.Maze@usda.gov 
Description: Designate trails and areas for over-snow vehicle use on the three northern ranger districts (Kaniksu Unit) of the IPNF.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53091
Location: UNIT - Sandpoint Ranger District, Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Priest Lake Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana, Washington. COUNTY - Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Lincoln, Sanders, Pend Oreille. LEGAL - Not Applicable. All of the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts and a small portion of the Coeur D'Alene River Ranger District on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest,   Avery Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Red Ives Confluence Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:10/2023  03/2024 Amy Thompson
1-208-245-6004
amy.thompson@usda.gov 
Description: The project would replace a bridge, remove a road and bridge to improve habitat for Bull Trout
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63816
Location: UNIT - Avery Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Shoshone. LEGAL - Township 43 North, Range 9 East, Section 20, of the Boise Meridian. The activities are in and adjacent to Red Ives Creek, in Shoshone County Idaho, approximately 21 miles southwest of St. Regis, Montana.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest,   Fernan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Goonies Gold Exploration Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  On Hold  N/A  N/A Niranjan Walters
2087657223
Niranjan.Walters@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed project would include the excavation of 10 exploratory trenches, 20' x 20', on the claim, the removal of the excavated material to an off-site location for testing and then backfilling and reclaiming each trench once testing is complete.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60984
Location: UNIT - Fernan Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Shoshone. LEGAL - T49N, R4E, Section 10. The claim is located on the southeast corner of the junction of Beaver Creek Road and Kings Pass Road, in the SW4 of Section 10, T49N, R4E, B.M.
Oregon Gulch Exploratory Placer Plan of Operations
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  Cancelled  N/A  N/A James Gebhardt
208-765-7382
james.gebhardt@usda.gov 
Description: Project would construct 0.65 mile trail within the decommissioned portion of FSR 152. The trail would be 60 inch to allow ATV/UTV access to claim sites. Prospecting activities would include excavating approximately 40 cy/year on four active claims.
Location: UNIT - Fernan Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Shoshone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Trail construction activities would be located at the lower portion of the East Fork of Eagle Creek. Prospecting activities would be conducted in Sections 19 & 30, T50N, R5E.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest,   Sandpoint Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Chloride Gold
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/02/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 04/2024  		Expected:09/2024
  		09/2026 Douglas Nishek
208-267-6765
douglas.nishek@usda.gov 
Description: Project will be designed to improve ecological/social conditions, including but not limited to improved forest health, reduced potential for high-intensity wildfires, improved watershed conditions, and sustainable recreation opportunities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60856
Location: UNIT - Sandpoint Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Bonner, Kootenai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project area includes drainages that flow into Lake Pend Oreille from the Fall Creek watershed in the north and extending south to the Sawpit Creek. Also a small area in the head of Declaration Ck.
City of Spirit Lake Townsite Act Conveyance
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land ownership management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Patti Turecek
303-567-3011
Patricia.Turecek@usda.gov 
Description: Convey a parcel of NFS lands to the City of Spirit Lake, comprising 158.74 acres, through the authority of the Townsite Act. The lands would be sold at fair market value based on a real estate appraisal.
Location: UNIT - Sandpoint Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Bonner. LEGAL - SE? of section 30, T. 54 N., R. 4 W, Boise Meridian, Bonner County, Idaho. SE? of section 30, T. 54 N., R. 4 W, Boise Meridian, Bonner County, Idaho.
Back To Top

Idaho Panhandle National Forest,   St. Maries Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Lacy Lemoosh
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:04/2024  08/2024 Amy Thompson
1-208-245-6004
amy.thompson@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation management activities, including timber harvest, road construction, prescribed burning and tree planting.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60853
Location: UNIT - St. Maries Ranger District. STATE - Idaho. COUNTY - Benewah. LEGAL - T43N, R3W, Sec 12,13, 24 BM. T43N, R2W, Sec 1,2,4,7,9-28,34-36 BM. T43N, R1W, Sec 6,7,17-20, 29-32 BM. The project area is located south of Emida, Idaho in the Charlie Creek drainage.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.