Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2021 to 06/30/2021
Black Hills 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
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Black Hills National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Black Hills National Forest,  Hell Canyon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Black Hills National Forest,  Mystic Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Black Hills National Forest,  Northern Hills Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Gypsy Moth Management in the United States: A Cooperative Approach
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 11/28/2012  01/2013 Susan Ellsworth
775-355-5313
susanellsworth@fs.fed.us 
Description: The USDA Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are analyzing a range of strategies for controlling gypsy moth damage to forests and trees in the United States.
Web Link:  http://www.na.fs.fed.us/wv/eis/
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Nationwide.
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 09/13/2018
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2021  		Expected:12/2021
  		12/2021 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

Black Hills National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
RNA and BA Mineral Withdrawal
EA
 - Special area management
- Minerals and Geology
- Land ownership management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 09/24/2015  		Expected:09/2021
  		09/2021 Louie Conroy
605-673-9207
lmconroy@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposed withdrawal of research natural areas and botanical areas from mineral entry. Necessary part of RNA designation process. Forest Service recommendation to BLM, who makes the decision. Project not subject to the objection process.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45590
Location: UNIT - Black Hills National Forest All Units. STATE - South Dakota, Wyoming. COUNTY - Custer, Lawrence, Pennington, Crook. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This proposal addresses four Research Natural Areas and seven Botanical Areas totaling about 17,000 acres at various locations in South Dakota and Wyoming.
Rushmore Connector Trail Project
EIS
 - Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 06/07/2016
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		12/2021 Louie Conroy
605-673-9207
lmconroy@fs.fed.us 
Description: The State of South Dakota has applied for a permit to construct, operate and maintain a 14-mile non-motorized trail across the Forest connecting the Mickelson Trail to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. The decision would amend Forest Plan direction.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44935
Location: UNIT - Black Hills National Forest All Units. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The trail would connect the existing Mickelson Trail, running east from US Hwy 385 to the Mt. Rushmore Memorial.
Back To Top

Black Hills National Forest,   Hell Canyon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Black Hills Power - Herbert Draw and Lower French Creek
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  05/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Black Hills power has requested the installation of a new segment of line along Herbert Draw and the installation of a replacement line along Lower French Creek.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57988
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. South East of Custer.
Flanagan Access Road
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Access to private property
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57990
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North West of Pringle.
Freeland Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Forest products
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/11/2021  		Expected:03/2021
  		09/2021 Wendy Schuyler
605-673-9361
wendy.schuyler@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation treatment using commercial and non-commercial treatments on approximately 2,600 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59497
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - T04 S, R 02 E, Sec. 31, 32; T 05 S, R 02 E, Sec. 1, 10-15, 24; T 05 S, R 03 E, Sec. 4-9, 16-21, 29. Project area is approximately 13 miles southwest of Custer, SD; 5 miles south of Jewel Cave National Monument, & about 10 miles from the WY boundary.
Grizzly Bear Picnic Area/Campground Utility Replacement
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/09/2020  		Expected:10/2020
  		11/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9302
sara.erickson@usda.gov 
Description: Replacement of underground utility line owned by Black Hills Power from an existing overhead line to a transformer. This line provides electrical service to the Grizzly Bear Picnic Area and Campground.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - T2S R6E Section 18. The line replacement originates from an existing overhead line to the north of the picnic area/campground and proceeds down the west side along the campground loop road to the transformer.
Kaliko Mining Project
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/25/2019  		Expected:06/2020
  		07/2020 Gary Haag
605-673-9314
gary.haag@usda.gov 
Description: Project involves mining of feldspar & landscape rock using standard drilling & blasting techniques. The drilling & blasting will be done on previously mined areas with no expansion of the mine footprint. Mining will be conducted 2 to 4 weeks/yr.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - The legal location of the claim is the NW 1/4 of Section 11, T5S, R4E, Black Hills Meridian. The location of the proposed project is approximately 9-miles south of Custer, South Dakota. Access to claim is from Hwy 385 via Forest roads 397; 397.1A and 397.1F.
Lithograph Land Exchange
EA
 - Land ownership management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2019  		Expected:03/2020  05/2020 Meagan Buehler
605-673-9345
mkbuehler@fs.fed.us 
Description: Land Adjustment
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer, Fall River. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southern Hills.
Martinson Access Road
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Access to private property
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57992
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. South East of Custer.
Morton Access Road
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Access to private property
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57991
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. South east of Custer.
Outlaw Ranch Sign Request
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Outlaw Ranch has requested posting 2 directional signs at the two intersections along the route to their business.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57994
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. north of Custer.
Pine and Aspen Restoration Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2021  		Expected:05/2021  05/2021 Jeffrey Underhill
605-673-9243
junderhill@fs.fed.us 
Description: Approximately 2,800 acres of treatment are being considered in mixed conifer stands with a major spruce component. Treatments would be designed to meet a restoration objective of increasing the amount of ponderosa pine and aspen in the area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59737
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - T 01 N, R 01E, Sec. 1-3, 10-13 T 01 N, R 02 E, Sec. 6, 7, 18 T 02 N, R 01 E, Sec. 13-16, 22-27, 34-36 T 02 N, R 02 E, Sec. 17, 18, 20, 29-31 . The project area is located approximately 9.5 miles northwest of Deerfield Reservoir via West Deerfield Road, NFSR 110. The Wyoming state line is approximately 3 miles west of the project area. .
Rocksie #2 Exploration Project
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/25/2019  		Expected:08/2020
  		10/2020 Gary Haag
605-673-9314
ghaag@fs.fed.us 
Description: The claimant proposes to do exploration work on a 1-acre area. Exploration will be done using a backhoe or skid loader. Grizzly on-site to sort material. Camper on-site to use as office. Reclamation will be done concurrently.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - NE 1/4 Section 3; T4S; R3E; BHM. The project is 8-miles east of Custer, South Dakota off of Pass Creek Road (County Road 273).
Under Canvas Sign Permit
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Under Canvas has requested the posting of a direction sign on public lands to assist their customers in finding their way to the business.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57993
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North East of Custer just outside the Norbeck.
Virginia Mine
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  On Hold  N/A  N/A Gary Haag
605-673-9199
ghaag@fs.fed.us 
Description: Pacer Corporation the operator of the Virginia Mine has submitted a proposed amendment to their existing Plan of Operations. The amendment proposes to expand the Virginia Mine by 1-acre.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - BHM, T4S, R5E, SW 1/4, Section 7. The area of the proposed expansion is located approximately 1.4 miles northeast of Pringle, South Dakota.
Western Dakota Camp Association Craft Hall
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2020  		Expected:04/2020  04/2020 Sara Erickson
605-673-9347
serickson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Western Dakota Camp Association has put in a request for their existing Craft Hall.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57989
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Camp Bob Marshall.
Back To Top

Black Hills National Forest,   Mystic Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cutty Sark Exploration Project
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2020  		Expected:07/2020  07/2020 Gary Haag
605-673-9314
ghaag@fs.fed.us 
Description: The claimant proposes to do surface exploration using hand tools. They also propose to do sampling in the existing 120 ft. deep shaft. Exploration would be done using a winch attached to an ATV to lower a person into the shaft.
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Black Hills Meridian; T2N; R4E; SE 1/4 Section 33. Access to the claim is via closed road FSR 231.1C which connects to the Mystic Road.
Jenny Gulch Exploration Drilling Project
EA
 - Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 01/06/2020  		Expected:05/2021
  		05/2021 Gary Haag
605-673-9200
gary.haag@usda.gov 
Description: This project includes diamond core drilling at up to 42 drill sites, access road maintenance (as needed), drill pad clearing (as needed), and reclamation activities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57428
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Sections 19, 30, 31, T2N R5E and Sections 13, 14, 24, 25, T2N R4E. North of Silver City, SD.
Shanks Trail Propsoal
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/01/2021  		Expected:05/2021
  		05/2021 Benjamin Schumacher
605-343-1567
bschumacher@fs.fed.us 
Description: A new trail system has been proposed by Black Hills Trails. The project area is located within the Shanks/Schroeder motorized trail system. The trails will consist of non-motorized (NM), motorcycle, and 62%u201D OHV trails.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59592
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The location of the proposed project is approximately 7 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota. The project is in the area north of SD HWY 44, east of Norris Peak Road and south of Nemo Road.
Simon Restoration Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/14/2021  		Expected:04/2021
  		04/2021 Scott Albrecht
605-343-1567
scott.albrecht@usda.gov 
Description: The Simon Restoration Project proposes to remove poor planted pine stock and additional vegetative management activities that would improve the growth, vigor and health of the residual pine that survived the fire from within the 1939 McVey burn area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59350
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T01N R03E Sections 11-15, 22-26, 36; T01N R04E Sections 6-8, 17-23, 27-33; T01S R04E Sections 4, 5, 9; Pennington County, South Dakota.
Triple G/Rallo's Roost Placer Mining project
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2021  		Expected:05/2021  05/2021 Gary Haag
605-673-4853
ghaag@fs.fed.us 
Description: Prospecting in previously mined placer deposits. Most of the mining will be pick and shovel. There will be one piece of mechanized equipment; a battery powered recirculating sluice 4ft. long by 1 ft. wide. Sluice will be set in 100 gal. tank.
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Black Hills Meridian, T1N, R4E, Sections 21 & 22. Six miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota. Access is via State Highway 44 to Forest Service Road 167.
Back To Top

Black Hills National Forest,   Northern Hills Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
City of Deadwood Fireveil Detection Device Special Use Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 12/08/2020  01/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: Renewal of a special use permit for the City of Deadwood to place fire detection devices on NFS land adjacent to the city. The devices themselves maybe replaced, but the wooden posts that they are attached to are already in place.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59200
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Devices on NFS are located on two high points above the city of Deadwood.
Clarity Telecom Gilt Edge Road Installation
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/18/2019  		Expected:04/2020
  		06/2020 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: Installation of new underground utility line via trenching for approximately 1030 feet across NFS lands. Trenching will occur vie excavator to a width of 24 inches. Anchors will be installed at existing poles.
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately two miles south of Deadwood, SD, and one mile north of the Strawberry Hill Picnic Ground.
Coeur/Wharf FLPMA Road Special Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/02/2020  		Expected:12/2020
  		01/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: Couer Mining Company, operators of the Wharf Mine, need access along FSR 215.1 and an adjacent non-system road to conduct monitoring of the Annie Creek Superfund site, which is required by the EPA. They have requested a 20 year special use permit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58759
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Along FSR 215.1 (Annie Creek Rd), approximately 5 miles west of Lead, SD.
Good Hope Homeowners Association ANILCA Easement
CE
 - Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/28/2020  		Expected:08/2020
  		09/2020 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: Good Hope HOA has requested an easement under ANILCA for access to their parcel of land that is surrounded by NFS land. FSR 706.1 and an existing driveway would be used to access the property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57738
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Along FSR 706.1 and associated driveway, south of Nemo, SD.
MS 1270 Road Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/07/2020  		Expected:02/2021
  		03/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: MS 1270 Tracts 1 and 2 are private property landlocked by National Forest System land. Under ANILCA, the Forest Service is legally require to provide access across National Forest System land. A 20 year permit would be issued to the landowner.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59220
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately three miles east of Deadwood, SD. Immediately east of Boulder Canyon Highway.
MS 2051 Road Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/16/2020  		Expected:03/2021
  		04/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: The landowners of MS 2051 have formed a road association and requested access to the property via Forest System Road 633.1. The property is landlocked by National Forest System land and qualifies for reasonable access under ANILCA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59282
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T5N, R1E, Section 20.
Turner Road Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/16/2020  		Expected:03/2021
  		04/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: The holder of an existing road use permit has requested an extension of the permit for an additional 20 years and has requested that the permit be placed in the name of a trust.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59283
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T3N, R4E, Section 9.
WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. Natural Gas Pipeline Special Use Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 12/08/2020  01/2021 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-642-4622
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: WBI Energy has operated a pipeline across NFS land since 1928. The existing permit expires on Dec. 31, 2020. WBI requested a renewal of the permit for an additional 30 years. All terms and conditions remain the same. No additional pipeline proposed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59201
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The pipeline runs from the city of Deadwood, SD north for approximately 2.2 miles to the National Forest boundary.
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.