Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2022 to 12/31/2022
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

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, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,  Grand Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,  Gunnison Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,  Norwood Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,  Ouray Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,  Paonia Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sarah Shoemaker
907-586-7886
sarahshoemaker@fs.fed.us 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 08/08/2020
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/2022  		Expected:06/2022
  		07/2022 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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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Forest Plan Revision
EIS
 - Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/11/2021
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		03/2023 Samantha Staley
970-874-6666
samantha.j.staley@usda.gov 
Description: The Draft Forest Plan and Draft EIS for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are available for public comment August 13 - November 26, 2021. Maps, data, and more info can be found at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/DraftForestPlan
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/DraftForestPlan
Location: UNIT - Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest All Units. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Saguache, San Miguel. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests.
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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,   Grand Valley 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
Flowing Park Connector
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 08/11/2022  05/2022 Michael Jones
970-263-5802
Michael.Jones2@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed project includes construction of new 1.23 mile non-motorized single track on the Grand Mesa national Forest. This trail will connect the Flowing Park trail with the Drop Off trail, creating a loop ride for mountain bikes.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57198
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta, Mesa. LEGAL - Hells Kitchen Quad. Hells Kitchen Quad - Follows Grand Mesa rim, through meadows and timber.
North American Trail Ride Conference - Recreation Event Permit Renewal
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/15/2020  		Expected:08/2022
  		08/2022 Ryan Fricke
970-263-5809
ryan.fricke@usda.gov 
Description: Proposal received to renew a five-year special use permit for the purpose of a bi-annual competitive recreation event within the Land's End - Flowing Park area of Grand mesa National Forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58931
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - T12S, R96W, Section 11 - Mesa Top Trailhead. Mesa Top, Flowing Park and Land's End.
Patterson Feeder Ditch
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/19/2022  08/2022 Loren Paulson
970-242-8211- X4112
loren.paulson@usda.gov 
Description: Issuance of a special use permit for the operation and maintenance of an existing irrigation ditch from West Leroux Creek to the Forest Boundary just above (North) of the Patterson Reservoirs.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62303
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - Section 36, T12S, R93W, 6th PM. West Leroux Creek to Forest boundary.
The Mt. Hatten Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Albert Borkowski
970-527-4131
albert.borkowski@usda.gov 
Description: Mt Hatten Project is a radio repeater installation project, the system operates in the VHF band, power output is rated at 8 watts and is supplied by two solar panels and storage batteries. Ground disturbance will be the placement of 4 concrete pads.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51634
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta. LEGAL - 6th Principal Meridian, Colorado T.12S., R.92W., sec 4 NW1/4NW1/4 Chalk Mountain Quad, Grand Mesa National Forest. 6th Principal Meridian, Colorado T.12S., R.92W., sec 4 NW1/4NW1/4 Chalk Mountain Quad, Grand Mesa National Forest.
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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,   Gunnison 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
2022-2023 Trail Creek Beaver Habitat Work
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management  Completed  Actual: 08/15/2022  08/2022 Ashley Hom
970-642-4406
ashley.hom@usda.gov 
Description: Phase 2. Restore historic wetlands, reconnect the floodplain to the stream, build fish habitat, provide wildlife habitat, create fire brakes, and bolster drought resiliency. To achieve the objectives, we will continue building instream structures.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62633
Location: UNIT - Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - T13S, R83W, Sections 13, 23 and 26. Trail Creek, Gunnison Ranger District, near NRSR 748.
Mt. Emmons Land Exchange
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Land ownership management
- Land acquisition 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/26/2022  		Expected:06/2023
  		06/2023 Jonathan Hare
970-250-9966
jonathan.hare@usda.gov 
Description: Non-Federal Party (MEMC)is proposing to convey approximately 625 acres of Non-Federal land in four parcels in Gunnison and Saguache Counties, CO in exchange for approximately 551 acres of Federal land in three parcels in Gunnison County,CO
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61798
Location: UNIT - Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Federal parcels: T13S, R86Wt, Sections 31-32; T14S, R86W, Sections 5-6; T13S, R86W, Section 31; T13S, R87W, Section 36; T13S, R86W, Sections 30-31, 6th P.M,Gunnison County, Colorado. The Federal parcels are reserved public domain lands within the administrative boundary of the Gunnison National Forest. They are adjacent to 365 acres of private land north of CR12 on Mt. Emmons.
North Valley Trails
EA
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/21/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		07/2023 Pamela King
970-642-4436
pamela.r.king@usda.gov 
Description: Trail and infrastructure project to provide a better and more diverse single-track user experience in the greater Crested Butte area by facilitating safe, responsible, and sustainable recreation infrastructure improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61177
Location: UNIT - Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Northern half of the Gunnison Valley, around Crested Butte, Colorado.
Taylor Park Windthrow and Spruce Beetle Salvage
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2022  		Expected:11/2022  05/2023 Art Haines
970-641-0471
arthur.haines@usda.gov 
Description: In September 2020, the Taylor Park area was impacted by an unusual high wind event that caused extensive windthrow of trees and stem breakages. This project would address hazard trees and beetle risk in two areas: Mirror Lake and Superior Ridge.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59386
Location: UNIT - Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. In the Taylor Park Area, north east of Gunnison, Colorado.
West Mountain Fuels
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/27/2021  		Expected:11/2022
  		06/2023 David Carr
907-790-7402
david.carr@usda.gov 
Description: Fuels treatments (thinning, pruning, mastication, overstory removal, and piling and burning of material) over approximately 322 acres of National Forest System lands adjacent to the Quartz Creek Property Association near Pitkin, Colorado.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60935
Location: UNIT - Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - T50N, R4E, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8; New Mexico Principal Meridian, Gunnison County, Colorado. Within 2.5 miles, west-northwest of Pitkin, Colorado.
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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,   Norwood 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
63L and Ophir Road Fiber Optic Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/22/2022  08/2022 Spencer Haley
970-327-4261
spencer.haley@usda.gov 
Description: Deeply Digital proposes to install on behalf of Clearnetworx approximately 7087 feet of fiber optic line on USFS lands adjacent to HWY 63L, Ames and Ophir Roads pending approval from San Miguel County and CDOT.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62032
Location: UNIT - Norwood Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Miguel. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Adjacent to HWY 63L, Ames and Ophir Roads.
Telluride Via Ferrata Adoption
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/29/2022  		Expected:10/2022
  		11/2022 Krystina Smith
530-233-8829
krystina.smith@usda.gov 
Description: The USFS is considering incorporating the existing via ferrata in Telluride under the agency's trail management.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61132
Location: UNIT - Norwood Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Miguel. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Telluride, CO.
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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,   Ouray 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
Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan
EA
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/08/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:03/2023
  		06/2023 Julie Jackson
970-240-5429
Julie.Jackson@usda.gov 
Description: Provide comprehensive management of visitors in the Blue Lakes area on the Ouray Ranger District and focus on reducing visitor impacts using a variety of adaptive management mechanisms. Proposed activities vary by zone. A permit system is proposed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61979
Location: UNIT - Ouray Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Ouray. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Blue Lakes area is located approximately 12 miles south of Ridgway, CO.
Uncompahgre Nordic Association's Uncompahgre Nordic Trails
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/01/2022  		Expected:10/2022
  		11/2022 Matthew Quinn
970-240-5375
matthew.quinn@usda.gov 
Description: Proposing to designate and maintain an 8.42 mile system of groomed, cross-country ski trails on National Forest System Lands and plow a designated parking area on the Uncompahgre Plateau, near the junction of Dave Wood and Divide Roads.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62866
Location: UNIT - Ouray Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montrose. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Uncompahgre Plateau, near the junction of Dave Wood and Divide Roads, approximately 36 air miles SSW from Montrose.
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Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests,   Paonia 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
GMU 521 Elk Study
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management
- Research and Development 		 Completed  Actual: 07/25/2022  08/2022 Levi Broyles
970-527-4131
levi.broyles@usda.gov 
Description: Special use authorization to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to use a helicopter to capture and collar up to 40 elk (20 adult female and 20 adult male) in Game Management Unit (GMU) 521, including the Raggeds Wilderness, for a research project.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62464
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Game Management Unit (GMU) 521, including the Raggeds Wildernes, on the Paonia Ranger District.
Paonia Winter Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (PWWHIP)
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/16/2022  		Expected:09/2022
  		04/2023 Valerie Horncastle
970-527-4131 x4265
valerie.horncastle@usda.gov 
Description: Treat ~25,450 acres using prescribed fire and mechanical treatments within mountain shrub oak and pinyon juniper communities to improve habitat quality for elk and deer on winter range throughout the Paonia Ranger District with CPW, NWTF and BLM.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62711
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta, Gunnison, Montrose. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lamborn Mountain, Landsend Peak, Cathedral Peak, Buckhorn Gulch, and McClure Pass areas.
Pilot Rock Ditch Piping Project Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/01/2022  10/2022 Levi Broyles
970-527-4131
levi.broyles@usda.gov 
Description: The Bureau of Reclamation is analyzing the effects of piping approximately 1.55 miles of the Pilot Rock Ditch in Delta County, Colorado. Forest will consider what easement adjustments are necessary for portion of Pilot Rock Ditch on NFS lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61210
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta. LEGAL - Sections 22 and 23, Township 15 South, Range 91 West, 6th Principal Meridian. Ditch is located approximately 4 miles east of Crawford, Colorado.
Three Lakes Loop Trail Additions and Trail Bridges
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 07/26/2022  08/2022 Barrett Funka
970-527-4131
barrett.c.funka@usda.gov 
Description: Approximately 0.71 miles of existing trails (8842.1A, 8843.1B, 8843) will be added to corporate data. Approximately 0.10 miles of trail will be constructed on portion of Three Lakes Campground Trail (NFSR 8843.1A). Two trail bridges will be added.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62575
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Three Lakes Campround vicinity.
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