Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2024 to 03/31/2024
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, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
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,  Bearlodge Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
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
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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R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Powerline Authorization for Black Hills Power Corporation
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/28/2022 
Expected:11/2023
 
11/2023 Robena Downie
307-358-4690
Robena.Downie@usda.gov 
Description: Special use authorization for existing 230-kV and 69-kV electrical powerlines, including Wyodak-Hot Springs and Tekla-Osage-Rapid City lines.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61935
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District, Douglas Ranger District and Thunder Basin National Grassland. STATE - South Dakota, Wyoming. COUNTY - Custer, Fall River, Weston. LEGAL - T46N R63W and others. Thunder Basin NG and Black Hills NF.
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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 
On Hold  N/A  N/A Louie Conroy
605-673-9207
louie.conroy@usda.gov 
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 
On Hold  N/A  N/A Louie Conroy
605-673-9207
louie.conroy@usda.gov 
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.
Spruce Vegetation Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED*
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 08/25/2023 
Expected:01/2024
 
04/2024 Louie Conroy
605-443-3080
louie.conroy@usda.gov 
Description: A project to treat mixed conifer stands across the Black Hills National Forest System lands with the objective of increasing overall forest resiliency and reducing undesirable fire behavior.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61599
Location: UNIT - Black Hills National Forest All Units. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Black Hills National Forest.
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Black Hills National Forest,   Bearlodge 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
Bearlodge Abandoned Mine Lands Remediation 2024
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2024 
Expected:03/2024  06/2024 Emily Reif
307-283-1361
Emily.Reif1@usda.gov 
Description: Closure of abandoned mine features at two sites in the Bear Lodge Mountains.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65387
Location: UNIT - Bearlodge Ranger District. STATE - Wyoming. COUNTY - Crook. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bear Lodge Mountains, north of Sundance, Wyoming.
Northwest Hazardous Fuel Reduction
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Forest products
- Fuels management 
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2024 
Expected:05/2024  08/2024 Elizabeth Krueger
307-283-1361 x3473
elizabeth.krueger@usda.gov 
Description: Thinning of ponderosa pine adjacent to non-Forest Service ownership to reduce fire hazard
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63381
Location: UNIT - Bearlodge Ranger District. STATE - Wyoming. COUNTY - Crook. LEGAL - T54N R63W, T55N R63W, 6th PM. North end of Bear Lodge Mountains and adjacent isolated National Forest parcels, Crook County, Wyoming.
Shotgun Forest Management
EA
- Forest products
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 07/13/2023 
Expected:03/2024
 
07/2024 Elizabeth Krueger
307-283-1361 x3473
elizabeth.krueger@usda.gov 
Description: Timber harvest, thinning, and associated road maintenance and improvement.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63908
Location: UNIT - Bearlodge Ranger District. STATE - Wyoming. COUNTY - Crook. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Vicinities of Blacktail Creek, Elkhorn Ridge, and Lehner Spring.
Union Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2024 
Expected:03/2024  07/2024 Emily Reif
307-283-1361
Emily.Reif1@usda.gov 
Description: Issuance of special use permit for addition of telecommunications facility at existing site. New tower (50-100' tall), two small buildings, propane tank, cement pad.
Location: UNIT - Bearlodge Ranger District. STATE - Wyoming. COUNTY - Crook. LEGAL - T. 52 N., R. 63 W., section 20, 6th P.M. Warren Peak telecommunications site, Crook County, Wyoming.
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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
Golden West Custer West FTTP Upgrade
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/21/2023 
Expected:01/2024
 
02/2024 Edward Davis
605-673-9292
Edward.Davis2@usda.gov 
Description: Golden West Telecommunications is proposing to upgrade existing copper telecommunications cable with new fiber optic cable. This will enhance telecommunications and internet services in rural areas in Custer County.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West of the city of Custer, SD, Within in Custer County.
Hell Canyon Access Roads and Maintenance Request: CEM671, CEM673, CEM696, CEM698, CEM701
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023 
Expected:10/2023
 
11/2023 Edward Davis
605-673-9292
Edward.Davis2@usda.gov 
Description: This decision would authorize five existing unnamed trespass roads, on National Forest System lands, as permitted access (driveways) to private lands. Also allowing maintenance, plowing snow, graveling, blading, and culvert and ditch clearing.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - T02S R06E Sec. 21; T03S R03E Sec. 8; T04S R05E Sec. 10; T06S R05E Sec. 5, 35; T03S R05E Sec. 20. These are five separate requested access routes, spanning across the Hell Canyon Ranger District, most occurring on the eastern half of the district.
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.
Newark Exploratory Drilling Project
CE
- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 02/08/2023 
Expected:05/2023
 
05/2023 Jonathan Manning
605-673-9301
Jonathan.Manning2@usda.gov 
Description: F3 Gold, LLC of Minneapolis, MN USA proposing an exploratory drilling project to be completed within one year and on less than 5 acres of National Forest System land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63527
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Custer County, South Dakota, in Sections 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, T.03 S., R. 04 E. and Sections 24, 25, T. 03 S., R. 03 E. West of Custer city, Custer County, South Dakota.
Palmer Gulch KOA Sign
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/17/2023  09/2023 Edward Davis
605-673-9292
Edward.Davis2@usda.gov 
Description: On 12/09/2022 a proposal was accepted for a 16'x20' sign, four (4) flag poles with four (4) ground lights, two (2) street light poles and four (4) flowerpots. These would all provide guidance for the public to Palmer Gulch KOA Campground.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - SECTION 4, SW1/4, T02S R05E, BHM. Palmer Gulch KOA Campground off of SD Hwy 244.
Parmlee Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Forest products
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/10/2022 
Expected:01/2024
 
08/2024 Wendy Schuyler
605-673-9361
wendy.schuyler@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation treatments to reduce fuel and fire hazards resulting in a more resilient landscape. Treatments will include commercial and noncommercial thinnings, pine encroachment, fuel breaks, and prescribed burning.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65281
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is located along the South Dakota-Wyoming line, approximately 27 miles northwest of Custer, SD and 16 miles northeast of Newcastle, WY.
Susan/Pope Property Owners Association Access and Maintenance Request
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/13/2023  08/2023 Edward Davis
605-673-9292
Edward.Davis2@usda.gov 
Description: The Susan/Pope Property Owners Association have requested access on an existing undocumented route across NFS lands. They are also requesting to blade, plow snow and do maintenance on NFSR 504 to the easement.
Location: UNIT - Hell Canyon Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Custer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The access is between NFSR 504 and the private property referenced as the Boyum tract. In Custer County, South Dakota.
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.
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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

           *UPDATED*
- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/18/2023 
Expected:05/2024
 
05/2024 Jonathan Manning
605-673-9200
Jonathan.Manning2@usda.gov 
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.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54362
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 NFSR 231.1C which connects to the Mystic Road.
Jenny Gulch Exploration Drilling Project
EA
- Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 
On Hold  N/A  N/A Jonathan Manning
605-673-9200
Jonathan.Manning2@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.
Pactola Lake Aquatic Habitat Improvement Project
CE
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/02/2023 
Expected:07/2023
 
07/2023 Benjamin Schumacher
605-343-1567
benjamin.schumacher@usda.gov 
Description: Add natural structure to benefit multiple fish species and enhance the fishery in Pactola Lake
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64236
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - T1N, R5E, Sections 2, 3, 4, 11. Pactola Lake.
Pactola Reservoir - Rapid Creek Watershed Withdrawal
EA
- Land management planning
- Minerals and Geology 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/21/2023 
Expected:10/2024
 
10/2024 Elysia Retzlaff
541-777-1355
elysia.retzlaff@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service requested 20,574 acres of NFS lands be withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63876
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek Watershed.
Triple G/Rallo's Roost Placer Mining project
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/11/2023 
Expected:05/2024
 
05/2024 Jonathan Manning
605-673-9200
Jonathan.Manning2@usda.gov 
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.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53352
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.
Triple R Vegetative Management Project
CE
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/20/2023 
Expected:12/2023
 
12/2023 Scott Albrecht
605-343-1567
scott.albrecht@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose and need of this project are to increase the resiliency and improve forest health within the project area to wildfire and disease using a variety of commercial and non-commercial treatments.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64487
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Pennington. LEGAL - T2N, R5E; sections 25-27, 33-36; T1N, R5E, sections 1, 2, 11-15, 22-24, 25, 26, 34-36; T1S R5E, sections 1, 2; T1N, R6E, sections 5, 6, 7, 13-35; T1S, R6E, sections 2-6. The Triple R Vegetative Management Project area lies approximately 5 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota, just East of Pactola Lake.
Westside Vegetation Management
EA
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 
On Hold  N/A  N/A Jessica Eggers
605-343-1567
jessica.eggers@usda.gov 
Description: Project activities would address forest health and fuels management concerns in the project area. Potential treatment options include prescribed burning, commercial and noncommercial thinning, planting/seeding, and slash treatments.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61629
Location: UNIT - Mystic Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence, Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 140,000-acres on the west side of the Mystic RD southwest of Deerfield, and a small portion of the Hell Canyon RD south of W. Deerfield Road.
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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
Golden Crest Exploration Drilling
EA
- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 05/10/2023 
Expected:09/2023
 
10/2023 Chris Stores
605-443-3081
chris.stores@usda.gov 
Description: Solitario Zinc has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling at up to 25 sites south of Spearfish, SD from the Big Hill area south to the Limestone Plateau. No mining would occur under this proposal, only exploratory drilling.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62590
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. South of Spearfish, SD, west of Spearfish Canyon, and east of Iron Creek Lake. Sites are located from the Big Hill area south to the Limestone Plateau.
Hegg HES 248 FLPMA Road Permit
CE
- Special use management
- Road management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/16/2023 
Expected:05/2023
 
06/2023 Valerie Jagim
605-642-4622
valerie.jagim@usda.gov 
Description: A FLMPA road permit would be issued to a private landowner to allow them to conduct maintenance along approximately 0.5 mile of NFSR 577.1B to allow for access to their private property.
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 6.5 miles southeast of Deadwood, SD.
Parks NFSR 535.1 Road Use Permit
CE
- Special use management
- Road management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/16/2023 
Expected:05/2023
 
06/2023 Toby Aberle
605-642-4622
toby.aberle@usda.gov 
Description: A landowner has requested a long-term road use permit to replace their temporary permit. The permit would allow for maintenance of 1.04 mile of NFSR 535.1 to maintain access to private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63745
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 1.5 miles south of Deadwood, SD.
Pete Lien and Sons Nemo South Exploration Drilling
CE
- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/23/2022 
Expected:10/2022
 
11/2022 Christopher Stores
605-443-3081
chris.stores@usda.gov 
Description: Pete Lien and Sons has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling south of Nemo, SD. Up to 32 holes would be drilled to search for iron-bearing materials. Each hole would be 3 inches in diameter and up to 200 ft. deep.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62237
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - T3N, R5E, Section 33, Black Hills Meridian. Approximately 1.5 miles south-southwest of Nemo, SD, along NFS trails 8254, 8256, and 8257.
SDN Fiber Optic Installation - Phase II
CE
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/02/2022 
Expected:11/2022
 
01/2023 Callie Ackerman-Jasper
605-443-3077
Callie.Ackerman-Jasper@usda.gov 
Description: SDN is expanding their fiber optic network to provide high speed internet service to rural areas. Phase II of the project would install fiber optic line and towers along Hwy 385 from Hill City to Lead.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62604
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence, Pennington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Fiber optic line would be buried within the US Hwy 385 corridor. Six towers would be constructed NFS land along the corridor from Hill City to Lead.
Sleep Hollow Lane Reconstruction
CE
- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/16/2023 
Expected:05/2023
 
06/2023 Brandon Taglioli
307-335-2158
brandon.taglioli@usda.gov 
Description: Approximately 0.25 mile of Sleep Hollow Lane across NFS land would be reconstructed to install drainage features including rolling dips, ditches, and lead-off ditches. This would prevent runoff from damaging the adjacent Mickelson Trail.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63747
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 8.2 miles south of Lead, SD.
Trail 8500 Riparian Area Repairs
CE
- Recreation management
- Watershed management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/16/2023 
Expected:05/2023
 
06/2023 Brittany Coupe
605-443-3092
Brittany.Coupe@usda.gov 
Description: Two sections of motorized trail 8500 are located along Jim Creek and damage to the riparian area and trail is occurring due to cattle and recreational use. Gabion baskets and buck and rail fence would be installed to mitigate damage to the stream.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63749
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 17.5 miles southeast of Lead, SD.
Trail 8500 Riparian Area Repairs
CE
- Recreation management
- Watershed management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/17/2023 
Expected:04/2023
 
05/2023 Brittany Coupe
605-443-3092
Brittany.Coupe@usda.gov 
Description: Two sections of motorized trail 8500 are located along Jim Creek and damage to the riparian area and trail is occurring due to cattle and recreational use. Gabion baskets and buck and rail fence would be installed to mitigate damage to the stream.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63748
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 17.5 miles southeast of Lead, SD.
Zeppelin Forest Health
EA
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/12/2023
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2023 
Expected:03/2024
 
05/2024 Chris Stores
605-642-4622
chris.stores@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of the Zeppelin Project is to increase the resiliency of forest landscapes to mountain pine beetle outbreaks and the potential for high severity wildfires by implementing vegetation treatments that would thin dense pine stands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63845
Location: UNIT - Northern Hills Ranger District. STATE - South Dakota. COUNTY - Lawrence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 2 miles west of Piedmont, SD, and 6 miles south of Sturgis, SD.
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