Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2021 to 12/31/2021
San Juan 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, San Juan National Forest,  Columbine Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest,  Mancos/Dolores Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R2 - Rocky Mountain Region, San Juan National Forest,  Pagosa 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.
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San Juan National Forest,   Columbine 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
Fisheries - Big Bend Fish Barriers
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/15/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		10/2022 Clayton Kampf
970-385-1220
ckampf@fs.fed.us 
Description: Create 2 barriers to non-native fish in Big Bend Crk. Construct by hand within 1/2 mile from the confluence with Hermosa Crk using spruce logs. Barriers to be approx 6 feet high. Will provide 1.5 miles additional habitat for San Juan Cutthroat Trout
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59355
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T 38 N, R 10 W, Section 10. Big Bend Creek just upstream of confluence with Hermosa Creek.
Forest Health - Southern HDs Landscape Restoration Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 08/18/2021  		Expected:01/2022
  		05/2022 James Simino
970-884-2512
james.simino@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation treatment to restore the area (about 34,000 acres) to more natural conditions. Treatments could include prescribed fire, tree thinning, small commercial wood sales, fuelwood gathering, mowing, and targeted grazing.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58742
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta, La Plata. LEGAL - Township 35N, Range 6W, sections 34-36; Township 34N, Range 6W, sections 1-3, 10, 11, 20-36, 1U-5U, 7U-11U, 13U-18U; Township 34N, Range 5W, sections 7, 18-24, 26-35, 7U, 9U, and 13U%u201318U. HD Mountains south of Highway 160, east of Bayfield, CO.
Minerals - Petrox Northern Extension Pipeline and Horizontal Drilling Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Walter Brown
970-385-1372
wabrown@fs.fed.us 
Description: Construction of a pipeline on FS, state, and private lands; construction of 1 new gas well pad and access road on FS land; and re-completion of 2 existing gas wells located on FS. The wells would be drilled with horizontal drilling techniques.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53825
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - T34&35N R5&6W. Pipeline route runs from Lange Canyon to Fosset Gulch, 8 miles east of Bayfield.
Recreation - Junction Creek Road and CG Grooming
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A James Simino
541-247-3634
james.simino@usda.gov 
Description: Proposal to groom portions of the Junction Creek Road (NFSR #171) and Junction Creek Campground in the Durango area for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, while maintaining existing motorized uses.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60080
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Location is on Junction Creek Road (NFSR #171) and Junction Creek Campground, northwest of Durango in La Plata County.
Recreation - Purgatory Resort Ice Creek Pod Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 10/13/2020  		Expected:12/2021
  		12/2021 Noel Ludwig
303-275-5164
noel.ludwig@usda.gov 
Description: Constructing new quad ski lift and four new ski runs. Rerouting of snowmobile access trail. Would require 2.5 acres of ground disturbance and 25.9 acres of tree removal.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57877
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - NW1/4 of SE1/4 of T39N, R9W, New Mexico Baseline. Project area is in East Fork Hermosa Creek watershed, on back side of Purgatory Resort, within existing SUP area.
Special Uses - Gloge Property USFS Access Road
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lsovocool@fs.fed.us 
Description: Grant a special use permit for construction of dirt driveway across Forest Service lands to access a residential property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60292
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located on the southern slope of Shaefer Mountain. The proposed driveway would be accessed by Bear Creek Road, approximately 3 miles east of County Road 501.
Special Uses - San Juan County SAR Repeater Site
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/29/2021  08/2021 Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lsovocool@fs.fed.us 
Description: Install a radio repeater site in order to enhance the San Juan County Search & Rescue emergency communications network.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60197
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - San Juan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 4,800 feet northeast of the Brooklyn Mine, off of FSR 825 (US Basin Rd).
Special Uses - Shelton's Spring Special Use Permit
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/02/2021  		Expected:11/2021
  		11/2021 Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lsovocool@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a 30-year FLPMA permit for the use and maintenance of existing spring and pipe facilities on NFS land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60198
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approx. 1.25 miles east of Fosset Gulch Road (FSR 613), south of Hwy 160.
Special Uses - True Creek Motorized Trail Access
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/19/2021  		Expected:11/2021
  		11/2021 Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lsovocool@fs.fed.us 
Description: Authorize motorized trail access, via FLPMA Private Trail Permit, to an isolated private parcel.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60139
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southwest of Lemon Reservoir near the Aspen Trails subdivision.
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San Juan National Forest,   Mancos/Dolores 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
Forest Health - Fox Den Salvage
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/30/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		11/2021 David Casey
970-882-6830
david.casey2@usda.gov 
Description: Salvage of downed trees to prevent potential Spruce Bark Beetle outbreak as result of no action and recovery of loss value of downed timber.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60662
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Sections 16, 17, 19, 23, 29 T 39 N, R 12W NMPM. Taylor Mesa, in the vicinity of Forest Service Roads 545 and 547.
Forest Health - Plateau Fire Reforestation Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 09/29/2021  01/2022 Christopher Alanis
970-882-6821
christopher.alanis@usda.gov 
Description: The SJNF proposes to plant ponderosa or other native trees as young container seedlings within the 2018 Plateau fire moderate to high severity burn areas exhibiting high tree mortality.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60454
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores, Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T38N R15W Sec 3,4,9-11; T39N R14W Sec 7,8,18; T39N R15W Sec 11-13, 25,26,34,35.
Forest Health - Salter Vegetation Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products  In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 06/23/2021  		Expected:11/2021
  		01/2022 David Casey
970-882-6830
djcasey@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposed ponderosa pine vegetation management actions including tree cutting, tree planting and activity fuel burning covering approximately 35,000 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57671
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores, Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed project area is located generally north and northeast of Dolores, CO in the Salter and Boggy Draw areas.
Mineral - Alianza Minerals Limited Twin Canyon Exploration Drilling Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/15/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		05/2022 Walter Brown
970-385-1372
walter.brown@usda.gov 
Description: Alianza Minerals Limited (Alianza)has submitted a preliminary Plan of Operations to explore its Twin Canyon property in the Caviness Mountain area for locatable minerals through a limited exploratory drilling program.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60254
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - T36N, R12W, Sections 13, 14, 23, 24. T36N, R12W, Sections 13, 14, 23, 24.
Range - Ormiston Corral
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 08/10/2021  08/2021 Angela Yemma
9708826818
Angela.Yemma@usda.gov 
Description: The Long Park Allotment permittee has proposed to construct a small corral in the Ormiston Point pasture to assist in livestock management and distribution.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60462
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T39N, R17W, Section 15.
Recreation - Barlow Creek Parking Lot Expansion
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/31/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		11/2021 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomasbrice@fs.fed.us 
Description: The SJNF proposes to expand the existing approximately 0.44 acre parking lot at Barlow Creek through the addition of approximately 0.58 acres of parking area on the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. Signage and interpretive panels would be installed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60673
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - Sec 32 T41N R10W NMPM. The proposed project area is located approximately 6 miles north of Rico, CO, at the junction of State Highway 145 and Forest Service Road 578.
Recreation - Rico Trails Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 09/22/2021  		Expected:11/2021
Actual: 01/08/2021  		06/2022 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomasbrice@fs.fed.us 
Description: Analysis of proposed trails, reroutes and improvements to the Spring Creek, Ryman, Rio Grande Southern and Circle trails
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56748
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - Not Applicable. In the vicinity of Rico, CO.
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San Juan National Forest,   Pagosa 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
Fuels - Eight Mile Mesa Fuels Reduction Project 2021
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management 		 Completed  Actual: 08/09/2021  09/2021 Fred Ellis
970-264-1541
fred.ellis@usda.gov 
Description: Fuels Treatment on Eight Mile Mesa
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60411
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Eight Mile Mesa.
Fuels and Forest Products - Turkey Springs Vegetation Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Completed  Actual: 09/17/2021  09/2021 Matthew Tuten
970-240-5417
mtuten@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project is near a highly populated area in Archuleta County. The proposal includes fuels reduction activities (thinning, mowing and mastication)as well as tree cutting and removal activities(improvement cutting, thinning, and salvage harvest).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59146
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Turkey Springs area on the Pagosa Ranger District.
Lands - Valle Seco 2019 Land Exchange
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land ownership management
- Land acquisition 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 09/24/2021  		Expected:01/2022
  		02/2022 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1521
rebecca.smith@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to exchange approximately 452 acres of SJNF lands in ten Federal parcels for approximately 880 acres of one non-Federal parcel of land adjacent to NFS land managed by the SJNF.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57154
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Pagosa Ranger District: Ten parcels of federal lands totaling approximately 452 acres and one parcel of non-federal land totaling approximately 880 acres. Refer to maps provided on SJNF website.
Special Uses - Square Top Ditch Special Use Permit
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/04/2021  08/2021 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1521
rsmith@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issuance of a special use permit for the use, operation and maintenance of the Square Top Ditch (this ditch has been in place since 1889 and portions of the ditch are within the South San Juan Adjacent Colorado Roadless Area).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59855
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. In the Blanco Basin area on the Pagosa Ranger District, within the South San Juan Adjacent Colorado Roadless Area.
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