Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2022 to 03/31/2022
Apache-Sitgreaves 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
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,  Alpine Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,  Black Mesa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,  Lakeside Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,  Springerville 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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R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
4FRI Rim Country Project
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 10/18/2019
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/2022  		Expected:05/2022
  		06/2022 Mike Dechter
928-527-3416
mike.dechter@usda.gov 
Description: Landscape-scale restoration on the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Tonto National Forests of ponderosa pine ecosystems, designed to maintain, improve, and restore ecosystem structure, pattern, function, and resiliency.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/4FRIRimCountry
Location: UNIT - Coconino National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Coconino NF; Black Mesa and Lakeside Ranger Districts, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest; Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts, Tonto National Forest.
Prescott College Academic Outfitter and Guide Priority Use (2015-2025)
CE
 - Recreation management
- Special use management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Julie Rowe
928-203-7516
jrowe@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to authorize Prescott College to conduct academic field courses year-round across forests in Arizona including adventure education, biology, human ecology, natural history, physical geography, & field ecology.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47407
Location: UNIT - Coronado National Forest All Units, Kaibab National Forest All Units, Prescott National Forest All Units, Tonto Basin Ranger District, Coconino National Forest All Units, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Activities take place in a variety of locations throughout the forest.
Salt River Project - Targeted Herbicide Treatments for Power Line Rights-of-Way
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 11/09/2021  12/2021 Mark McEntarffer
602-225-5239
mark.mcentarffer@usda.gov 
Description: To authorize the use of USFS and EPA approved Herbicides within existing power line corridors to remove non-compatible vegetation to ensure reliable and safe power supply.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60147
Location: UNIT - Cave Creek Ranger District, Globe Ranger District, Tonto Basin Ranger District, Black Mesa Ranger District, Mesa Ranger District, Pleasant Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 5,136 acre permitted ROWs for proposed treatment: Cave Creek, Globe, Mesa, Pleasant Valley, & Tonto Basin Ranger Districts (Tonto NF)and Black Mesa Ranger District (Apache-Sitgreaves NF).
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Public Motorized Travel Management Plan
EIS
 - Road management  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/30/2019
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2022  		Expected:07/2022
  		08/2022 Paul Hancock
435-676-9301
paul.hancock@usda.gov 
Description: A proposal to designate motorized travel routes (roads and trails) in areas on federal lands administered by the Forest Service within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in order to comply with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22692
Location: UNIT - Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache, Greenlee, Navajo. LEGAL - National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (Forests). National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (Forests).
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
FY2020 - APS Master Permit Reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Orry Hatcher
928-368-2108
ohatcher@fs.fed.us 
Description: The purpose of this action is to reissue a Special Use Permit to Arizona Public Service for 33Kv and below distribution lines for up to 30 years, as well as a set of 69kV lines.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57324
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District, Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Rights of way across the Lakeside and Black Mesa Districts.
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,   Alpine Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Alpine Water System Improvement Project
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/07/2020  		Expected:06/2021
  		07/2021 Shannon Miller
(928) 339-5052
shannondmiller@fs.fed.us 
Description: Alpine Domestic Water proposes to install a water storage tank, with a short access road, and pipeline to supply water to residents of southeastern Alpine, AZ. The Alpine RD would issue a Special Use Permit for construction on, and use of FS land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58126
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Lots 6 & 7, Sec 19, T5N, R31E. Southeast of Alpine, AZ, just off FSR 572.
Bear Wallow Fish Barrier Removal
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  On Hold  N/A  N/A Stephanie Coleman
928-333-6307
stephanie.coleman@usda.gov 
Description: Fish barrier removal in support of native fish restoration activities in Bear Wallow Wilderness Area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50356
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Greenlee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bear Wallow Creek, Bear Wallow Wilderness.
Black River Restoration Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 10/06/2020  		Expected:05/2022
  		06/2022 Rob Lever
928-687-1301
rlever@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Black River Landscape Restoration Project is a planning effort designed to restore forest resiliency and ecosystem function in the Project planning area on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52740
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache, Greenlee. LEGAL - Gila and Salt River Meridian, T4.5 N R29E; T4.5N R30E; T4N R27.5E; T4N R28E; T4NR29N; T4N R30E; T5N R27E; T 5N R28E; T5N R29E; T6N R29E; and T6N R28E. The Black River Restoration Project area is located approximately 12 miles south of Springerville, Arizona within Apache and Greenlee Counties, bordering the Fort Apache Reservation on the west.
Buffalo Crossing Bridge Replacement Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/30/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 Chris Miller
928-333-6274
Christopher.Miller5@usda.gov 
Description: This project would replace a deteriorating bridge that was constructed in 1962 along Forest Route 24, mile post 10 (also known as Buffalo Road). An inspection in 2018 stated the bridge did not meet current load requirements.
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. East fork of the Black River along Forest Route 24, mile post 10.
Hoffart Road Easement
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/30/2021  		Expected:03/2022
  		04/2022 Timothy Vanek
928-333-6291
timothy.vanek@usda.gov 
Description: Proposal is to authorize approximately 1,811 feet long by 16 feet wide, of road use easement on existing unimproved road to access private property improved with electric power and a well.
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. GSRM, T. 6 N., R. 30 E., sec. 9, SE?NW?.
Navapache System Communication Tower
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Paul Schilke
928-339-5052
pschilke@fs.fed.us 
Description: Install a less than 50ft tall communication tower (repeater) on Maness Peak adjacent to Forest System Roads 14A and 14G. The repeater would help ensure communication is feasible with isolated communities along the Blue River.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=42976
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - T4N, R32E, Sec 17, NE1/4. Alpine Ranger District - near the 14A and 14G road.
Upper Blue River WUI Project
CE
 - Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/01/2021  		Expected:07/2021
  		08/2021 Christina Brannon
928-339-5003
christina.brannon@usda.gov 
Description: The Alpine RD is planning to thin around private property within the Upper Blue River corridor along Forest Roads 281 and County Road 2310 to reduce the likelihood of loss of property and allow fire crews defensible space to protect private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60361
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Greenlee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T 4 1/2N, R 31E, Sec 34-35. T 4 1/2N, R 32E, Sec 32. T 4N, R 32E, Sec 5, 7-8, 18. T 4N, R 31E, Sec 25, 35, 36. T 3N, R 31E, Sec 1, 11-12, 14.
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,   Black Mesa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cellular One Communication Site Reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Deborah Roznovak
928-535-7312
dlroznovak@fs.fed.us 
Description: Re-issuance of an existing powerline facility authorization that is expiring.
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - T 8N, R 26 E, Sections 35 & 26, GSRBM. Springerville Ranger District, Apache County. Approximately 15 miles west of Springerville AZ near HWY 260, near the White Mountain Apache Reservation boundary.
Heber Wild Horse Territory Plan
EA
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders
- Grazing management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/23/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		03/2022 Scott Grunder
928-333-6302
Scott.Grunder@usda.gov 
Description: To develop a management plan for the Heber Wild Horse Territory
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=18916
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Navajo. LEGAL - Portions of T11N, R15E, T11N, R16E, T12N, R16E, G&SRM. South of Heber-Overgaard Arizona, west and south of Hwy 260.
Proposal for Willow Springs Lake Spillway Barrier
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2021  		Expected:06/2021  07/2021 Suzanne DeRosier
928-535-7309
suzanne.derosier@usda.gov 
Description: Install a series of fish screens within the reservoir concrete spillway to be able to filter out nonnative fish moving downstream during spring spill events following snow melt.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57809
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Willow Springs Dam, Black Mesa Ranger District.
Ross Draw Reforestation
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/24/2021  		Expected:09/2021
  		10/2021 Dena Forrer
928-535-7372
dena.forrer@usda.gov 
Description: Masticate or mechanically remove juniper over 90% of the area. Broadcast burning will be implemented through a separate NEPA project. Ponderosa Pine would be planted following burning.
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T11N, R17E, Sec 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, and 16; T12N, R17E, Sec 34. Black Mesa Ranger District, south and southesast of Overgaard, AZ.
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,   Lakeside Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
City of Show Low Sewer Lines - Master Permit Renewal
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Orry Hatcher
928-368-2108
ohatcher@fs.fed.us 
Description: The purpose of this proposal is to reissue a Special Use Permit to the City of Show Low for buried utilities (sewer). The project area encompasses the incorporated limits of the City of Show Low on the Lakeside Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58120
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Sections 11, 13 & 14, T10N, R21E Gila and Salt River Meridian. The master permit covers a total of 4.56 acres. These improvements have been permitted on USFS land since 1978. These lines are part of the Show Low Municipal Water System.
Fake Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Climate Change Adaption  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Marshell Moy
2183873247
marshell.moy@usda.gov 
Description: Chasing rainbows
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Alpine.
Four Springs Trail Realignment
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lorna Mcneil-Cox
928-368-2117
lmcneilcox@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reroute approximately 4.5 miles of the Four Springs Trail to improve trail sustainability, mitigate erosion and resource damage issues, and improve non-motorized recreational opportunities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48552
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - T9N R24E Sections 3, 11, 14, 15, 19, 22, and 23. The Four Springs Trail section from Lake Mountain to the Mud Springs area.
Lakeside 2020 Trail Reroutes
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Lorna Mcneil-Cox
928-368-5111
lmcneilcox@fs.fed.us 
Description: These short term trail projects consist of approximately 9.5 miles of new or re-routed non-motorized trail segments. Building sustainable trail fosters positive relations with local community, trail users, and land stewards.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58973
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache, Navajo. LEGAL - T8N, R22E; T8N, R23E; T8N, R24E; T9N. R22E; T9N, R23E; T9N, R24E; T10N; R24E Gila & Salt River Meridian. District-wide; Lakeside Ranger District.
Lakeside East Allotments
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2021  		Expected:07/2022  08/2022 Kendell Hughes
928-535-4481
klhughes@fs.fed.us 
Description: Analysis of 6 allotments in Lakeside that have been identified for planning purposes as a forest priority under the Rangeland Rescissions Act of 1995. These allotments are: Show Low, Ortega, Sponseller, Blue Ridge, Ellsworth, and Johnson.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58964
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T8N, R23E; T9N, R22E; T9N, R23E; T10N, R21E; T10N, R22E; T10N, R23E; T10N, R24E; T11N, R21E; T11N, R22E Gila & Salt River Meridian. A continuous roughly north-south band of varying width that begins along State Highway 77 north of Show Low, Arizona and runs south along the eastern boundary of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside.
Navopache Electric 5-mile powerline reconstruction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/25/2021  		Expected:01/2022
  		01/2022 Timothy Vanek
928-333-6291
timothy.vanek@usda.gov 
Description: This would amend an existing special use permit and allow NEC to remove 2 existing 69kV, 2-circuit powerlines (wood) with 2-circult single poles set with metal poles. The new line would be offset 20 feet to the east to accommodate a road expansion.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T 9N;, R 22 E, Sec 3, Sec 10, Sec 11; T 10 N, R 22E, sec 34. Along Penrod Road between Show Low and Lakeside AZ.
Woodland Connector Trail
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Joshua Miller
000-000-0000
Joshua.Miller2@usda.gov 
Description: The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside currently has no direct access from Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex to trails in the Woodland Lake Park. Thus, we propose 2 connector trails would create that connection and allow for better access to this area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57775
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T9N, R22E, Sec. 30. Woodland Lake Park, Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex.
Woodland Lake Park Prescribed Fire CE
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/03/2021  		Expected:08/2021
  		09/2021 Heffelfinger
9283682136
wyler.heffelfinger@usda.gov 
Description: Approximately 557 acres Hazardous fuels reduction around private property within the Woodland Lake Park Tract. Treatments include small diameter thinning and broadcast prescribed burning.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T09N, R22E, Section 36, 31. T08N, R23E, Section 6.
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,   Springerville Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Greens Peak Communication Site Improvements
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/30/2021  		Expected:12/2021
  		05/2022 Amber Swinney
928-687-8604
amber.swinney@usda.gov 
Description: Improvements to multiple communications facilities to ensure safe dependable use. It's important to the administration and the human population, facilities must be maintained and updated so they can continue to operate effectively into the future.
Location: UNIT - Springerville Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Springerville Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Apache County, State of Arizona, in SW ? Section 2, T. 8 N. R. 26 E., Gila & Salt River Meridian.
NPC Communication Site lease amendment
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/13/2020  		Expected:06/2021
  		06/2021 Timothy Vanek
928-333-6291
timothy.vanek@usda.gov 
Description: The project would amend an existing communication site lease to add an existing communication tower and allow for operation of the communication tower at an existing facility.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58658
Location: UNIT - Springerville Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - T8N R26E Sections 2 and 11, GSRM. Green's Peak Communication Site.
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