Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2024 to 03/31/2024
Dakota Prairie Grasslands

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, Dakota Prairie Grasslands,  Grand River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Dakota Prairie Grasslands,  MCKENZIE RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Dakota Prairie Grasslands,  Medora 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

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land management planning  Developing Proposal
Est. NOI in Federal Register 12/2023  		Expected:01/2025  01/2025 Jennifer Ruyle
520-388-8351
jennifer.mcrae@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.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/11/2022
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 09/2023  		Expected:09/2023
  		01/2024 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. .
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Dakota Prairie Grasslands,   Grand River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Hermann Land Exchange
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Land ownership management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/05/2023  		Expected:01/2024
  		01/2024 Kyle Dalzell
701-842-2394 X38
kyle.p.dalzell@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed land exchange includes lands in Perkins County, South Dakota. The project would involve an exchange of approximately 40.00 acres of National Grasslands for 40.08 acres of private lands
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64005
Location: UNIT - Grand River Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Perkins. LEGAL - Not Applicable. NWNW Sec 4, T22N, R14E; SWSWNW, SESWNW, SWSENW,SESENW, Sec 5, T22N, R14E.
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Dakota Prairie Grasslands,   MCKENZIE RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2023 Pasture 15 GGG Range Improvement Projects: GGG 29, 30, & 37 Range Water Pipelines and Tanks
CE
 - Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 09/22/2023  09/2023 Lauren Schwartz
701-842-8527
Lauren.Schwartz@usda.gov 
Description: The McKenzie Ranger District and McKenzie County Grazing Association propose to install water pipelines and tanks on National Forest System Lands in Pasture 15, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64475
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Section 19, 30, and 31, T145N, R99W; Section 25, T145N, R100W. Section 19, 30, and 31, T145N, R99W; Section 25, T145N, R100W.
Burlington Resources Rolla 6 Maxima Multi-well Pad
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/26/2023  		Expected:01/2024
  		01/2024 Heidi Kummer
701-842-8512
heidi.m.kummer@usda.gov 
Description: Burlington Resources proposes to construct up to 18 wells on one pad, including access roads and associated utilities
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63995
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - SWSE Section 33 T152N R97W. SWSE Section 33 T152N R97W.
DUPLICATE ENTRY: 2023 Pasture 15 GGG Range Improvement Project: MCGA-23-7 Range Water Pipeline, tank
CE
 - Grazing management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Lauren Schwartz
701-842-8527
Lauren.Schwartz@usda.gov 
Description: This is a duplicate entry. Correct project entry is project 64711.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64712
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Section 25, T145N, R99W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. Section 25, T145N, R99W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
DUPLICATE ENTRY: Pasture 9-2, Allotment 450 (GGG #18) Range Improvement Project
CE
 - Grazing management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Luke Mowry
701-842-8506
luke.mowry@usda.gov 
Description: This is a duplicate entry. Correct project entry is project 64692.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64693
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Sections 29, 30, 31, & 32, T149N, R97W and Sections 2, 3, & 4, T148N, R98W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. Sections 29, 30, 31, & 32, T149N, R97W and Sections 2, 3, & 4, T148N, R98W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
McKenzie Energy Partners, LLC Foreman Butte Saltwater Pipeline Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/21/2023  		Expected:02/2024
  		02/2024 Kim Grotte
701-842-8509
kim.grotte@usda.gov 
Description: McKenzie Energy Partners, LLC proposes to construct, operate, and maintain a saltwater pipeline across National Forest System Lands in the Foreman Butte area of McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65205
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Section 5, T150N, R102W and Section 31, T151N, R102W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. Section 5, T150N, R102W and Section 31, T151N, R102W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
NFSR #873 Bridge Replacement
CE
 - Special use management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Cale Bickerdyke
701-227-7800
cale.bickerdyke@usda.gov 
Description: Proposed replacement of a timber bridge with a concrete box culvert and McKenzie County has requested an easement on 500 feet of existing road
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60263
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Section 5, Lots 2 & 3, T153N, R95W. Section 5, Lots 2 & 3, T153N, R95W, McKenzie County.
Oneok Rockies Midstream, LLC Sand Creek-Charlson Natural Gas Gathering Pipeline
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 10/03/2023  10/2023 Kim Grotte
701-842-2393
kim.grotte@usda.gov 
Description: To permit construct, operate, and maintain a 16 inch natural gas gathering pipeline approximately 3,000ft in length.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64417
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Section 18, T. 153N., R. 95W., 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Pasture 1 Vegetation Management Plan
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2024  		Expected:07/2024  07/2024 Debbie Riely
701-842-8522
debbie.riely@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Pasture 1 identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)". The vegetation management plan would include 23 allotments from Pasture 1 and 2 allotments from Pastures 4 & 6.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63808
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Pasture 1: T151N, R104W; T151N, R103W; T151N, R102W; T150N, R104W; T150N, R103W; T150N, R102W; T149N, R104W; T149N, R103W; and T148N, R104W. Pasture 4 & 6: T145N, R102W; and T145N, R103W. Pasture 1: T151N, R104W; T151N, R103W; T151N, R102W; T150N, R104W; T150N, R103W; T150N, R102W; T149N, R104W; T149N, R103W; and T148N, R104W. Pasture 4 & 6: T145N, R102W; and T145N, R103W.
Pasture 1-3, Allotment 333 (MCK-21-31) and Pasture 1-4, Allotment 339 (MCGA-22-32) Range Improvement
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/11/2022  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Luke Mowry
701-842-8506
luke.mowry@usda.gov 
Description: McKenzie Ranger District and McKenzie County Grazing Association propose the replacement of buried range water pipeline on National Forest System lands in McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63052
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Sections 20, 21, 28, 29, 33, and 34, T150N, R103W; Section 1, T149N, R104W; Section 35, T150N, R104W; Section 31, T150N, R103W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. Sections 20, 21, 28, 29, 33, and 34, T150N, R103W; Section 1, T149N, R104W; Section 35, T150N, R104W; Section 31, T150N, R103W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Pasture 7 & 15 Vegetation Management Plan
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2025  		Expected:03/2026  03/2026 Debbie Riely
701-842-8522
debbie.riely@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Pasture 1 identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)". The vegetation management plan would include 38 allotments from Pastures 7 and 15.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63809
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Pastures 7 & 15: T147N, R102W; T147N, R101W; T147N, R100W; T146N, R102W; T146N, R101W; T146N, R100W; T146N, R99W; T146N, R98W; T145N, R102; T145N, R101W; T145N, R100W; T145N, R99W; T145N, R98W. Pastures 7 & 15: T147N, R102W; T147N, R101W; T147N, R100W; T146N, R102W; T146N, R101W; T146N, R100W; T146N, R99W; T146N, R98W; T145N, R102; T145N, R101W; T145N, R100W; T145N, R99W; T145N, R98W.
Pasture 9-2, Allotment 450 (GGG #18) Range Improvement Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 10/18/2023  10/2023 Luke Mowry
701-842-8506
luke.mowry@usda.gov 
Description: The McKenzie Ranger District and McKenzie County Grazing Association propose to replace an existing range water pipeline across National Forest System Lands in McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64692
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Sections 29, 30, 31, & 32, T149N, R97W and Sections 2, 3, & 4, T148N, R98W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. Sections 29, 30, 31, & 32, T149N, R97W and Sections 2, 3, & 4, T148N, R98W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
Pastures 8 and 9 Vegetation Management Plan
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2027  		Expected:03/2028  03/2028 Debbie Riely
701-842-8522
debbie.riely@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of Pastures 8 & 9 identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 U.S.C. 1752(i)". The vegetation management plan would include 21 allotments from Pastures 8 & 9.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63810
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - Pastures 8 & 9: T147N, R100W; T147N, R99W; T147N, R98W; T147N, R97W; T148N, R99W; T148N, R98W; T148N, R97W; T148N, R96W; T149N, R98W; T149N, R97W; T149N, R96N; T149N, R95W. Pastures 8 & 9: T147N, R100W; T147N, R99W; T147N, R98W; T147N, R97W; T148N, R99W; T148N, R98W; T148N, R97W; T148N, R96W; T149N, R98W; T149N, R97W; T149N, R96N; T149N, R95W.
Wesco Operating, Inc. Federal 43-20 Oil and Gas Well Pad
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/13/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Corey Brazell
7018428523
Corey.Brazell@usda.gov 
Description: Wesco Operating, Inc. proposes to construct an oil and gas well pad, including an access road and associated utilities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63713
Location: UNIT - Mckenzie Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - McKenzie. LEGAL - NESE Section 20, T145N, R103W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota. NESE Section 20, T145N, R103W, 5th PM, McKenzie County, North Dakota.
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Dakota Prairie Grasslands,   Medora Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Allotment 146 Range Fence Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 12/06/2023  12/2023 Amanda Hauck
701-227-7834
Amanda.Hauck@usda.gov 
Description: Approximately 1 mile of fence construction in Allotment 146 to improve cattle rotation
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65164
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Billings. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Section 4, T141N, R100W.
Allotment 176 Water pipeline addition
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Caden Tuhy
701-842-8506
caden.tuhy@usda.gov 
Description: Water pipeline extension and stock tank addition
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60210
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Golden Valley. LEGAL - Section 3, T137N, R103W. Section 3, T137N, R103W Slope County.
Belfield Fiber Optic Phase 2
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 09/27/2023  09/2023 Cathy Walsh
701-264-7871 x142
cathleen.walsh@usda.gov 
Description: Medora Ranger District is proposing to amend an existing special use permit held by Consolidated to include an additional 33,906 feet of fiber optic line.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64509
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Billings, Slope, Stark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sections 1, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35, T137N, R101W, Billings County.
Elkhorn Ranchlands LRMP Amendment
EIS
 - Land management planning  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sherri Schwenke
701-250-4443
sherri.schwenke@usda.gov 
Description: Amend the 2002 Dakota Prairie Grasslands LRMP to include the acquired 5,100 acre Elkhorn Ranchlands and associated range allotments (18,000 additional NFS acres).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=25800
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Billings. North and west of Medora, ND.
Greater Sage-grouse Plan Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment
EIS
 - Land management planning
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Glen Stein
801-625-5281
garrick.steinhoff@usda.gov 
Description: Plan amendment to incorporate management direction for Greater sage-grouse habitat needs. For additional information on Sage-grouse Amendments in planning on other National Forests please see: http://www.fs.usda.gov/r4
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44386
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Golden Valley, Slope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Priority and general habitats for the GRSG in Slope and Golden Valley Counties, ND.
Medora VMP I
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2024  		Expected:05/2025  05/2025 Nickole Dahl
701-227-7830
nickole.dahl@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of allotments 189, 198, 213, 214, 225, 250, 251 identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with the criteria at 43 USC 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Slope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Slope County ND.
Medora VMP II
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2025  		Expected:05/2026  05/2026 Nickole Dahl
701-227-7830
nickole.dahl@usda.gov 
Description: Analysis of allotments identified for planning purposes as a priority consistent with criteria at 43 USC 1752(i)
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Slope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Slope County ND.
NFSR 779 Realignment
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 12/06/2023  12/2023 Misty Hays
701-227-7824
misty.hays@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of approximately 2059 feet of road east of existing road and removal of approximately 2000 feet of the existing road to reduce impacts to wetlands and reduce issue with water overtopping the road.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64302
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Slope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sections 3 and 10, T135N R106W.
Roughrider Electric Cooperative, Inc. Connection Line- 33 Feet
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/08/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Cathy Walsh
701-264-7871 x142
cathleen.walsh@usda.gov 
Description: Roughrider Electric Cooperative, Inc proposes to install 33 feet of buried electric line to connect to an existing meter pole to power a range water well.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65327
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Billings. LEGAL - Section 17, T140N, R102W, Billings County, North Dakota. Section 17, T140N, R102W, Billings County, North Dakota.
Slope Electric Cooperative, Inc. Electric Connection Line- 60 feet
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 12/19/2023  12/2023 Cathy Walsh
701-264-7871 x142
cathleen.walsh@usda.gov 
Description: Slope Electric Cooperative, Inc. proposes to install approximately 60 feet of overhead electric cable for service to a range water well located on private land in Slope County, North Dakota.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65330
Location: UNIT - Medora Ranger District. STATE - North Dakota. COUNTY - Slope. LEGAL - Section 18, T135N, R103W, Slope County, North Dakota. Section 18, T135N, R103W, Slope County, North Dakota.
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