Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2023 to 09/30/2023
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, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  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.
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 07/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		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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San Juan National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R2 - Rocky Mountain Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Special Uses - LPEA Bayfield to Ponderosa Transmission Line Rebuild project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/01/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Mary Kusnir
520-749-7709
mary.kusnir@usda.gov 
Description: Rebuild of an existing electric transmission line and clearing vegetation within the existing and proposed 100-foot ROW between the Bayfield and LPEA Ponderosa substations
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62988
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District, Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta, La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. On Columbine and Pagosa Ranger Districts, from the Bayfield substation to the Ponderosa substation, along US Hwy 160.
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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
Integrated - Junction-Falls Integrated Resource Management (J-FIRM) Project
EA
 - Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/14/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2023  		Expected:05/2024
  		06/2024 Noah Daniels
435-636-3345
noah.daniels@usda.gov 
Description: Improve core values of the RMRI across the project landscape : 1. Communities, 2. Clean Water, and 3. Forests and Wildlife. Proposed actions include vegetation management, Rx burning, water developments for wildlife, and others.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62825
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Junction Creek, Logchutes, and Falls Creek/Hidden Valley.
Minerals - Catamount Spring Creek Gas Wells and Pipeline
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/18/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 07/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		05/2024 James Blair
970-882-6856
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of an 8.4 mile pipeline system and the expansion of one existing gas well pad to facilitate re-completion of one existing gas well and horizontal drilling of seven new gas wells from the same pad.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63036
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta, La Plata. LEGAL - T34N R6W. Spring Creek Road in the HD Mountains.
Minerals - IKAV Directional Natural Gas Wells
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		06/2024 James Blair
970-385-1372
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Approve Applications for Permits to Drill from IKAV for directional gas wells from existing well pads. Minimal expansion of existing well pads will be within the previous overall disturbance footprints.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64123
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sauls Creek area east of Bayfield, CO.
Minerals - IKAV Natural Gas Pipeline Special Use Permit Amendment
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		10/2023 James Blair
970-970-385-1372
James.Blair2@usda.gov 
Description: Install a 2,788' long, 6" natural gas pipeline adjacent to an existing waterline in a prevously disturbed corridor. Amend existing permit as apprpriate.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64121
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T35N R 06W SE? SEC 34. Sauls Creek Area east of Bayfield, CO.
Minerals - Petrox Northern Extension Pipeline and Horizontal Drilling Project
EA
 - Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Walter Brown
970-385-1372
walter.brown@usda.gov 
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.
Range - Missionary Ridge, Elkhorn Allotment Spring Developments
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Grazing management  Completed  Actual: 06/23/2023  07/2023 Sean Kelly
670-884-1416
sean.kelly@usda.gov 
Description: Developement of springs at two locations to protect spring sources and assist in better livestock distribution.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63972
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T37N R8W Sec 26 & T36N R8W Sec 4. Missionary Ridge.
Recreation - Durango Northwest Recreation Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2023  		Expected:06/2024  07/2024 Jonathan Erickson
970-247-4874
jonathan.erickson@usda.gov 
Description: Improve core value of the RMRI across the project landscape related to recreation. Proposed Actions could include trails, allowable uses, parking, trailhead facilities, winter uses, dispersed camping, and ADA opportunities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63579
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Junction Creek, Logchutes, Falls Creek/Hidden Valley, Colorado Trail, Kennebec Pass, Dry Fork.
Special Uses - Gloge Property USFS Access Road
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lewis.sovocool@usda.gov 
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 - LPEA Bouse Underground Powerline Construction
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/14/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		07/2023 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1520
rebecca.smith@usda.gov 
Description: Permit installation of 335' of new underground powerline with above ground appurtenances along Bear Creek Road from an existing line to a private residence. Permit 20' wide, to occupy approximately 0.15 acres of FS land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64309
Location: UNIT - Columbine Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - La Plata. LEGAL - T35N, R6W, Sec. 8, SE1/4. Bear Creek Road north of Bayfield, CO.
Special Uses - True Creek Motorized Trail Access
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lewis Sovocool
970-884-1433
lewis.sovocool@usda.gov 
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
Lands - Atlantic Richfield STA Case No. 2020
CE
 - Land ownership management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/14/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Emma Reinemann
000-000-0000
Emma.Reinemann@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to convey 20.9 acres of NFS lands to Atlantic Richfield under the mineral fraction category of the Small Tracts Act.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61785
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - W? of Section 25, Township 40 North, Range 11 West, New Mexico Principal Meridian (NMPM). One tract located east of the Dolores River approximately 0.2 miles north of the Rico Town Limits and include the existing settling ponds along the Dolores River to the south of the St. Louis Tunnel outlet.
Range - House Creek Targeted Grazing Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/23/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		07/2023 Corey Ertl
307 358-7126
corey.ertl@usda.gov 
Description: This project would utilize targeted grazing, with 500-1,000 goats, to browse oak brush resprouts, reducing understory canopy of oak brush within the project area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63606
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. House Creek Area, near Beaver Rim.
Recreation - Chicken Creek Trail Reroute Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 05/01/2023  05/2023 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomasbrice@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reroutes and trail additions in the Chicken Creek trail system area, including less than 2 miles of new trail and less than 2 miles of trail decommissioning
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62942
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chicken Creek trail system.
Recreation - Dolores Recreation Access and Infrastructure Improvement Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 06/09/2023  06/2023 Thomas Rice
970-882-6829
thomas.b.rice@usda.gov 
Description: The project will improve recreation access and associated bathroom and parking infrastructure.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62582
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Boggy Draw area, Transfer Campground Horse Corral, FSR 385.
Special Uses - Farny Road Authorization
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/10/2021  		Expected:07/2023
  		07/2023 Mary Kusnir
520-749-7709
mary.kusnir@usda.gov 
Description: This project would authorize a change an existing trail easement to a motorized access easement and transfer ownership from David and Sharon Farny to Cindy Farny.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61557
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Sec. 23, 24, 25, & 36 of T41N, R10W. NFSR Rd # 204A and 204A.1 near Lizard Pass off Hwy 145.
Special Uses - Redburn Ditch Access
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/11/2022  		Expected:09/2023
  		09/2023 Mary Kusnir
520-749-7709
mary.kusnir@usda.gov 
Description: The project would authorize an access route to the Redburn Ditch
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63013
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 1 mile southeast of the Town of Stoner.
Wildlife - Upper Dolores Instream Habitat Improvement Projects on Wildcat and Snow Spur Creeks
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/22/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		08/2023 Clayton Kampf
970-385-1220
clayton.kampf@usda.gov 
Description: This project aims to promote and enhance wetlands and instream habitat by using riparian and wetland restoration strategies. These include the installation of mimicry beaver dams, post assisted log structures, and large wood.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63598
Location: UNIT - Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Dolores. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wildcat and Snow Spur Creeks.
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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
Integrated - Jackson Mountain Landscape Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Minerals and Geology 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/10/2023
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 09/2023  		Expected:01/2024
  		05/2024 Paul Blackman
307-745-2363
paul.blackman@usda.gov 
Description: Landscape level analysis of recreation and veg mgmt opportunities in Jackson Mountain area, including consideration of mountain bike trails and associated facilities (parking areas, toilets, etc), veg and fuels mgmt opportunities, & gravel pit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61809
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Jackson Mountain Area on the Pagosa Ranger District.
Range - Park/Valle Seco/Klutter Allotment fence
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023  		Expected:05/2023
Actual: 05/15/2023  		06/2023 John Garcia
970-264-1516
jgarcia@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reroute 0.2 miles of pasture boundary fence on the Park/Valle Seco Allotment to improve existing pasture boundary and better control livestock movement and distribution between pastures.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64110
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Park/Valle Seco Allotment south of Pagosa Springs.
Special Uses - Born-Bennet, LLC. Private Road Access
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 04/04/2023  04/2023 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1520
rebecca.smith@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action would authorize motorized access to the Born-Bennett, LLC private property on an existing private road from the West Fork Trailhead. Motorized use of this private road would be when the West Fork Road is open to the public.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63484
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Montezuma. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North of West Fork Campground.
Special Uses - Visionary Communications LLC
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 04/26/2023  05/2023 Rebecca Smith
970-264-1520
rebecca.smith@usda.gov 
Description: Permit issuance to Visionary Communications for year-round road use on NFSR651 (Eighmile Mesa road) for access and maintenance of a communications site.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63839
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Archuleta. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Eightmile Mesa road (NFSR 651).
Watershed - Wolf Creek Fen Restoration/User Created Trail Decommissioning
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/25/2023  		Expected:06/2023
  		08/2023 Jonina Vanderbilt
970-385-1241
jonina.vanderbilt@usda.gov 
Description: Decommissioning of user-created trails through fen on top of Wolf Creek Pass
Location: UNIT - Pagosa Ranger District. STATE - Colorado. COUNTY - Mineral. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wolf Creek Pass, Continental Divide, adjacent to Hwy 160.
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