Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2024 to 12/31/2024
Custer Gallatin 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
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Beartooth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Bozeman Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Gardiner Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Hebgen Lake Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Sioux Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Custer Gallatin National Forest,  Yellowstone Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System
EIS
 - Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/21/2024
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2024  		Expected:01/2025
  		01/2025 Jennifer McRae
202-791-8488
SM.FS.NFSWONGA@usda.gov 
Description: Amend all land management plans for units of the National Forest System to include consistent direction to conserve and steward existing and recruit future old-growth forest conditions and to monitor their condition across planning areas of NFS.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65356
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forests and Grasslands (128 units).
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.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land ownership management
- Land acquisition 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 09/27/2023  		Expected:11/2024
  		10/2025 Anna Ball
406-579-1086
anna.ball@usda.gov 
Description: Land exchange between federal and non-federal lands in the Crazy Mountains west of Melville, MT and the Madison Range south of Big Sky, MT. Also includes trail construction and trailhead improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63115
Location: UNIT - Bozeman Ranger District, Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison, Park, Sweet Grass. LEGAL - Federal-T.4N., R.12E.Sections 8,10,12,14,24,36; T.4N., R.12E. Section2; T7S,R2ESections22,25,26 Non-Fed-T4N,R12E.Section 5,7,15,17,23,27,35,33;T4N,R11E Section13; T7S,R2E.Section4; T.3N,R.11Section13. 4,135 acres of federal lands for approximately 6,430 acres of non-Federal lands in SW and South-Central Montana, in the Crazy Mountains W. of Melville and in the Madison Mountains S. of Big Sky.
Gallatin River Access Route Management and Restoration
CE
 - Recreation management
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2023  		Expected:10/2023  06/2024 Kathryn Barker
406-522-2536
kathryn.barker@usda.gov 
Description: This project proposes to decommission approx 2.25 miles of user routes at 22 sites along the Gallatin River. Work includes delineating graveled parking areas and blocking user routes to restore riparian health and provide for improved public access.
Location: UNIT - Bozeman Ranger District, Hebgen Lake Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project proposes to manage Gallatin River access routes along US Highway 191 between Gallatin Gateway MT and Yellowstone NP.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Beartooth Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Armstrong Creek Restoration
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Watershed management  Completed  Actual: 08/07/2024  08/2024 Donald Ulrich
406-587-6723
Donald.Ulrich@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to restore the flow of Armstrong to its pre-flood channel with a diversion installation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65973
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 1600 feet of pre-flood channel of armstrong creek above confluence with E rosebud lake.
East Rosebud Creek Wild and Scenic River (WSR) Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP)
EA
 - Land management planning
- Special area management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Sarah Browne
505-414-3301
sarah.browne@usda.gov 
Description: The project will develop a management plan and establish final boundaries to facilitate the protection and enhancement of scenery, geology, and recreation outstandingly remarkable values for the designated East Rosebud Creek Wild and Scenic River.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61902
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The designated East Rosebud Creek Wild and Scenic River is located in the Beartooth Ranger District starting in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and continuing until the creek enters private property (excluding East Rosebud Lake).
East Rosebud Road Reconstruction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 08/05/2024  08/2024 Annette Smits
520-749-7716
annette.smits@usda.gov 
Description: The East Rosebud Road #2177 was damage in 2022 flood event. Summer '23 road was repaired and section of temp constructed. This project will improve the temporary road to a permanent road, and replace the temporary bridge with a permanent bridge.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65730
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - T. 6S;R.17E Sec 21,16,15,10,11. East Rosebud Road #2177 Mile 4.6-9.96.
Koinis Recreation Residence Relocation
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:01/2025  05/2025 Madeleine Kornfield
406-446-4531
madeleine.kornfield@usda.gov 
Description: The rec residence has been requested to move away from eroding cliff caused by '22 floods. Propose moving to an in-lieu lot in steep creek tract with new water, septic, and site leveling.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66845
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - T7S, R17E, Sec. 16. Steep Creek Tract near East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County.
Little Rocky/Fishtail Grazing Allotments
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2025  		Expected:10/2026  05/2027 Michael Hess
406-446-4589
Michael.Hess2@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Little Rocky and Fishtail allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i).
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Beartooth Ranger District.
Mystic Trail Bridges
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 08/07/2024  09/2024 Allie Wood
406-446-2103
alexandra.wood@usda.gov 
Description: Removal and replacement of two bridges to meet Forest Service standards to accommodate foot traffic only. Bridges at Mystic Trail mile 3.3 and 3.7 from West Rosebud Trailhead. Project expected to take 10 days.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66567
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Stillwater. LEGAL - T.7S, R16E, Section 17. Mystic Trail #14 at Mile 3.3 and 3.7 from West Rosebud Trailhead.
Red Lodge Mountain Fuels Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Fuels management  Completed  Actual: 09/30/2024  07/2025 Drew Grimes
406-446-4528
drew.grimes@usda.gov 
Description: Reduce wildfire behavior and provide a safer environment to conduct wildfire suppression. Treat 2,100 acres through commercial harvest, small tree treatments such as cutting/piling, prescribed fire, with 5 mi temp road construction/decommissioning.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62354
Location: UNIT - Beartooth Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carbon. LEGAL - T 7 S/R 19 E, T 7 S/R 20 E, T 8 S/R 19 E, T 8 S/R 20 E. Approx 2 mi west of Red Lodge, MT. Along Forest Service boundary extending north from West Fork Rock Creek, within/adjacent to Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area, and surrounding Timbercrest recreation area.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Bozeman Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Goose Creek Fuel Breaks
CE
 - Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/31/2023  		Expected:10/2024
  		10/2024 Amanda Williams
406-823-6982
Amanda.Williams3@usda.gov 
Description: Create and maintain linear fuel breaks along existing roads and trails in the Goose Creek area, which is about 10 miles southeast of Bozeman.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64730
Location: UNIT - Bozeman Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin, Park. LEGAL - Not Applicable. About 10 miles southeast of Bozeman including Goose Creek Road and the Chestnut Mountain Trail.
Northwestern Energy Gallatin Canyon overhead to underground line burial
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:01/2025  05/2025 Adam McClory
208-875-1734
adam.mcclory@usda.gov 
Description: Northwestern Energy has requested to convert 2.25 miles of overhead line to underground line along Highway 191 south from Big Sky, MT. The project is from just north of Red Cliff Campground south along Highway 191 to north of big sky shooting range
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66846
Location: UNIT - Bozeman Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - Legal location: T.7 S., R.4 E., Sec. 33 and T. 8 S., R. 4 E., Sec. 4 and 9. The project is from just north of Red Cliff Campground south along Highway 191 to north of big sky shooting range.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Gardiner Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cooke City Fuels and Forest Health Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/01/2024
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2025  		Expected:09/2025
  		09/2026 Jennie O'Connor
406-589-7060
jennifer.card@usda.gov 
Description: Reduce the fire intensity risk within the wildland urban interface surrounding Cooke City and Silver Gate. While also increasing forest resiliency to insect and disease infestation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57361
Location: UNIT - Gardiner Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - T 09 S, R 14 E Sections 2, 11-15, 23-27, 34-36 and T 09 S, R 15 E, Sections 6, 7, 17-22, 28-30, 33-34 Montana and Idaho Principal and Boise Meridians. In the area of Silvergate and Cooke City Montana.
Gardiner Grazing Allotments
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2029  		Expected:10/2030  05/3031 Chauntelle Rock
406-823-6065
chauntelle.rock@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Cottonwood, Lion Creek, Slip-n-Slide, Tom Miner/Ramshorn allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Gardiner Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Park. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Gardiner Ranger District.
Park County Federal Roads and Trails Act(FRTA) Easement
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Michael Thom
208-443-6839
michael.thom@usda.gov 
Description: Grant a FRTA easement on a segment of Palmer Creek Road(approx 1.35 miles)and Sin Nombre Road(approx .58 miles). County would seek abandonment on nearby redundant historical county ROW on Crevice Mtn Rd 3231. The change provides a sustainable route.
Location: UNIT - Gardiner Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Park. LEGAL - T. 9 S., R. 9 E., Sections 15, 16, 21, 22. Approximately 7 miles East-northeast of Gardiner, MT.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Hebgen Lake Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Hebgen Basin Fire District-Station Development
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jason Brey
406-823-6961
jbrey@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to authorize, through a special use permit, the construction, operation, and maintenance of a Fire Station for a single fire engine to enhance and extend coverage for wildland fire response by the Hebgen Basin Fire District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58664
Location: UNIT - Hebgen Lake Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - Township 12 South, Range 4 East, Section 5. Adjacent to HWY 287 approx. mile marker 13. . The site is on US-287, approximately 8.5 miles west of the intersection of US-287 and US-191, on the north side of the highway across from Hebgen Lake. .
Rendezvous Nordic Ski Area Improvements
EA
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Amanda Williams
406-823-6961
Amanda.Williams3@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to implement elements of the 2022 Rendezvous Nordic Ski Area Master Development Plan. These elements include modifications to existing trails, new trail, a new building, and infrastructure creation and improvement.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63829
Location: UNIT - Hebgen Lake Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is within the Rendezvous Nordic Ski Area. The Ski Area is adjacent to and southwest of the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.
Willoughby Recreation Residence improvements
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:01/2025  06/2025 Adam McClory
208-875-1734
adam.mcclory@usda.gov 
Description: Willoughby submitted improvement requests including: septic install, well, foundation for main cabin, cabin addition, new outbuilding, install 100' of electric lines
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66847
Location: UNIT - Hebgen Lake Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Gallatin. LEGAL - T13S, R5E, Sec. 32. Rec res on the madison arm of hebgen lake.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Sioux Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Mid Rivers Telephone Cooperative Fiber Installation
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2023  		Expected:04/2023  06/2023 Donald Ulrich
406-587-6723
Donald.Ulrich@usda.gov 
Description: Installation of fiber optic line in existing right-of-way (2.13 acres) and new proposed right-of-way (4.19 acres). Methods will include direct burial, with common plowing, trenching and boring construction techniques.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63518
Location: UNIT - Sioux Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Carter. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southeast of Ekalaka, MT in T. 1 N., R. 59 E., Sec. 19 and 20; and T. 2 S., R. 61 E., Sec. 4, 9, and 10.%u200B.
Back To Top

Custer Gallatin National Forest,   Yellowstone Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Big Timber Grazing Allotments
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2031  		Expected:10/2032  05/2033 Chauntelle Rock
406-823-6065
chauntelle.rock@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Dry Fork, Deep Creek SOuth, Evergreen, Lost Cabin Creek, and Grouse Creek allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Sweet Grass. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Yellowstone Ranger District, Sweet Grass County.
Crazy Mountains Grazing Allotments
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2027  		Expected:10/2028  05/2029 Chauntelle Rock
406-823-6065
chauntelle.rock@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Swamp Creek, Kid Royal, Little Cottonwood, Basin, and Sweetgrass allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Sweet Grass. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Yellowstone Ranger District; Crazy Mountains.
Dry Pine Trail Connector
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:11/2024  07/2025 Lawson Maclean
406-823-6071
lawson.maclean@usda.gov 
Description: Construct new trail that connects the North Dry and West Pine trails. 2.02 miles in length, built with machinery (mini ex) over the course of approximately 2 months. Managed Use: Mountain Bike, Hike. Designed Use: Pack Stock.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66843
Location: UNIT - Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Park. LEGAL - Township 4 South, Range 8 East, Section 17. Quad reference: Big Draw, Bald Knob. Connecting North Dry and West Pine trails.
Mill Creek Fish Barrier
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2024  		Expected:03/2024  08/2024 Clint Sestrich
406-823-6985
clint.sestrich@usda.gov 
Description: Yellowstone District proposes to construct two concrete elevated ramp fish barriers on Mill Creek to conserve native cutthroat trout in the Mill Creek watershed from hybridization with invasive rainbow trout. Construction will take up to 60 days.
Location: UNIT - Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Park. LEGAL - T6S, R9E, Sec 11; T6S, R10E, Sec 33 Park County. Mill Creek in Park County.
Stillwater Mining Company, East Boulder Mine Amendment 004 Expansion EIS
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  Completed  Actual: 08/30/2024  01/2025 Robert Grosvenor
406-848-7375 ext.28
robert.grosvenor@usda.gov 
Description: Stillwater Mining Company - East Boulder Mine, proposes an expansion of their surface facilities to include a new Tailings Storage Facility and new Waste Rock Storage Facility with associated infrastructure.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61385
Location: UNIT - Yellowstone Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Sweet Grass. LEGAL - Township 4 South, Range 13 East, Sections 1, 2 and 11, Principal Meridian, Montana. The East Boulder Mine is located in Sweet Grass County, approximately 16 miles south of McLeod, MT on NFS Road #205 in the East Boulder 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.