Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2023 to 06/30/2023
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, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  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

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/11/2022
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 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
Thompson Divide Withdrawal
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/17/2022  		Expected:10/2024
  		10/2024 Elysia Retzlaff
541-777-1355
elysia.retzlaff@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service requested 200,518 acres of National Forest System lands be withdrawn from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63679
Location: UNIT - West Zone/Aspen Ranger District, Paonia Ranger District, West Zone/Sopris Ranger District, Gunnison Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Garfield, Gunnison, Pitkin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Thompson Divide.
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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
GAOA Alpine Tunnel Road and Palisade Wall Repair
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 03/23/2023  07/2023 Jonathan Dorman
9705731876
Jonathan.Dorman@usda.gov 
Description: The project will reconstruct damaged portions of the Palisade Wall and repair the roadbed and surface above the damaged wall section. Depending on available funding, additional work may include road maintenance for the Alpine Tunnel Road (NFSR 7839).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63581
Location: UNIT - Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest All Units. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 6.5 miles ENE of Pitkin, CO.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Forest Plan Revision
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/11/2021
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2023  		Expected:09/2023
  		09/2023 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.
Great American Outdoors Act 2023 Deferred Trail Maintenance
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/08/2023  		Expected:03/2023
  		05/2023 Jonathan Tucker
9705731876
jonathan.tucker@usda.gov 
Description: Conduct deferred maintenance of approximately 157 miles of systems trails forestwide
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63275
Location: UNIT - Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest All Units. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Saguache, San Miguel. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Deferred Trail Maintenance would occur on identified trails across the GMUG 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
Colorado Army National Guard Winter Training
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/03/2023  		Expected:02/2023
  		02/2023 Loren Paulson
970-242-8211- X4112
loren.paulson@usda.gov 
Description: Issue a five year special use permit authorizing the Colorado Army National Guard to conduct winter training activities out of the Mesa Top Trailhead on the Grand Mesa National Forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63394
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - T12S, R95W, Section 7. Mesa Top Trailhead, Grand Mesa.
Francis Ditch Re-establishment and Permit Issuance
CE
 - Watershed management
- Special use management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/01/2021  		Expected:06/2023
  		07/2023 Loren Paulson
970-242-8211- X4112
loren.paulson@usda.gov 
Description: Re-establish the point of diversion and approximately 2,900 of a the 3,900 foot long ditch on the Grand Mesa National Forest that was destroyed during the 2016 West Salt Creek Landslide.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63127
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - T10S, R94W, Sections 22 and 23. West Salt Creek drainage.
Grand Valley Habitat Improvement and Fuel Reduction
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/06/2023  		Expected:03/2023
  		03/2024 Jonathan Tucker
970-573-1876
jonathan.tucker@usda.gov 
Description: The GVRD is proposing a district wide habitat improvement and fuels reduction project utilizing broadcast burning and supporting mechanized treatments. About 15,800 acres will be identified and burned annually.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63511
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project Area includes entire Grand Valley Ranger District. Exact locations will be determined annually and focused on greatest departure from historic fire condition.
Lands End Observatory Toilet
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 03/31/2023  06/2023 Michael Jones
970-263-5802
Michael.Jones2@usda.gov 
Description: Add a toilet at Lands End Observatory
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63897
Location: UNIT - Grand Valley Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mesa. LEGAL - T12S R 97W Sec 10. Lands End Observatory site.
North American Trail Ride Conference - Recreation Event Permit Renewal
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/15/2020  		Expected:11/2022
  		11/2022 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.
The Mt. Hatten Project
CE
 - 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
Mt. Emmons Land Exchange
CE
 - 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

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/30/2023  		Expected:06/2023
  		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
 - 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 		 Completed  Actual: 03/14/2023  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
Alta Lakes Site Improvements
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/31/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		06/2023 Krystina Smith
530-233-8829
krystina.smith@usda.gov 
Description: Norwood Ranger District proposes to continue site improvements at the Alta Lakes Recreation Area. The project area includes Alta Lakes, Gold King Basin, Wild Boy Lake, and the Alta Lakes Road (FDR 632).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63429
Location: UNIT - Norwood Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Miguel. LEGAL - T42N, R9W. Alta Lakes, Gold King Basin, Wild Boy Lake, and the Alta Lakes Road (FDR 632).
Telluride Via Ferrata Adoption
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/29/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		01/2023 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.
Ironton Abandoned Mine Lands Physical Safety Closures Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/22/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		07/2023 Pamela Leschak
970-874-6640
Pamela.Leschak@usda.gov 
Description: Ironton AML Physical Safety Closures Project would install closures at 22 inactive mines which pose the greatest physical hazards to the public or other resources.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63597
Location: UNIT - Ouray Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Ouray, San Juan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Features to be closed are located on National Forest System lands along U.S. 550 (Red Mountain Pass), NFSR 886 (Corkscrew Road), and NFSR 887 (Grey Copper Road) in Ouray and San Juan Counties.
Uncompahgre Nordic Association's Uncompahgre Nordic Trails
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 Completed  Actual: 12/19/2022  12/2022 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
Dry Fork Allotment Livestock Grazing
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 12/21/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Kyler McCarrel
970-527-4131
kyler.mccarrel@usda.gov 
Description: The Paonia Ranger District is proposing to continue to authorize domestic livestock grazing on the Dry Fork allotment. Should the decision be to continue grazing on the Dry fork Allotment, an Allotment Management Plan (AMP) will be drafted.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63320
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 6 miles east of Paonia and covers approximately 23,000 acres.
Paonia Winter Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (PWWHIP)
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/16/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		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.
Section 31 Coal Exploration Well Plug and Abandon
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:11/2023  05/2024 Levi Broyles
970-527-4131
levi.broyles@usda.gov 
Description: Plug and reclaim historic, unsecured coal exploration well associated with coal activity in the 1960s on the White River National Forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63855
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Gunnison. LEGAL - T10S, R89W, Section 31, 6th PM. Wellbore is near Robert's Creek on the Paonia Ranger District.
Turner & Lone Cabin Ditch Combination Salinity Reduction Project
EA
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 12/05/2022
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2023  		Expected:03/2023
  		05/2023 Abigail Rader
970-527-4131 x4267
Abigail.Rader@usda.gov 
Description: Turner Ditch Company proposes to reduce salinity Turner and Lone Cabin Ditch ditches which includes an 18.9 mile piping element on various land ownerships and a 28.3 acre habitat improvement project at Paonia's water treatment facility.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63005
Location: UNIT - Paonia Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Delta, Gunnison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Delta and Gunnison Counties east and southeast of Paonia.
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