Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2023 to 03/31/2023
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,  Clifton 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.
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 01/2023  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 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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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 		 Completed  Actual: 09/19/2022  09/2022 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 - Payson Ranger District, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Gila. 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.
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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

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/30/2019
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		07/2023 Ericka Luna
928-333-6300
ericka.luna@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
Apache-Sitgreaves Apache Zone Special Use Permit Renewals
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/22/2021  		Expected:12/2022
  		01/2023 Amber Swinney
928-687-8604
amber.swinney@usda.gov 
Description: Renewal of multiple special use permits including 11 water transmission lines, wolf soft pen release cages, and Apache County Transfer Station.
Location: UNIT - Alpine Ranger District, Springerville Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Special use permit locations are on both the Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts. Please see attached maps for specific locations.
FY2020 - APS Master Permit Reissuance
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/08/2022
This project has changed to a CE that does not require a written decision document and will be removed from the SOPA.  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 Eric Campbell
9283316371
eric.campbell@usda.gov 
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
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:05/2023
  		06/2023 Rob Lever
928-687-1301
robert.lever@usda.gov 
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.
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?.
Upper Blue River WUI Project
CE
 - Fuels management  On Hold  N/A  N/A 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
APS Microgrid Site
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:05/2023  07/2023 Eric Campbell
928-535-7300
eric.campbell@usda.gov 
Description: Modify permit LAK401912 to authorize APS to modify its less than 33kV distribution powerline to construct a new 0.65-acre microgrid, backup power facility which would ensure electric service to Forest Lakes Community and Young during power outages.
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - GSRM, Township 11 N, Range 14 E., Section 22, SW? & Section 11, NW?NW?NE?. Off FS Rd 237, just off Hwy 260 between Heber & Forest Lakes.
Black Mesa Ranger Station Additional Trailer Pads
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Facility management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:05/2023  10/2023 Matthew Bullmore
928-535-7335
matthew.bullmore@usda.gov 
Description: Layout, design, and construction of 6 to 8 additional trailer pads with water, sewer, and electric hookups at the existing Black Mesa Ranger Station administrative site.
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Township 12N Range 17E. Black Mesa Ranger Station along HWY 260 in Overgaard AZ.
French Gate Installation & Easement Authorization
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/19/2022  		Expected:05/2023
  		10/2023 Colleen Peterson
928-535-7352
Colleen.Peterson@usda.gov 
Description: Installation of gate near FR 56 & Special Use Authorization for easement to use existing National Forest System roads leading to private inholding on 225D8 as a driveway.
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T13N R13E Sections 30 & 19. Along FR 56 and 2258D in Navajo County North-West of the community of Heber-Overgaard.
Heber Wild Horse Territory Plan
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders
- Grazing management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/23/2021  		Expected:10/2023
  		10/2023 Richard Madril
928-643-8140
richard.madril@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

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:06/2023  10/2023 Jered Garvin
928-339-5044
jered.garvin@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 - T11N, R14E. Willow Springs Dam, Black Mesa Ranger District.
Sitgreaves Zone Campground Maintenance and Improvements
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Facility management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:07/2023  02/2024 Deborah Roznovak
928-535-7312
deborah.roznovak@usda.gov 
Description: Activities to remove/rehabilitate/add infrastructure at the Bear Canyon, Mogollon, and Rim campgrounds. Activities vary by campground but may include replacing old restrooms, repaving/adding parking areas, and similar improvements to the sites
Location: UNIT - Black Mesa Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. All 3 campgrounds are located along Hwy 260, near the Mogollon Rim.
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Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,   Clifton Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Eagle Creek Range NEPA
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/02/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		08/2023 Kent Ellett
928-687-1301
kent.ellett@usda.gov 
Description: Allotment analysis for development of Allotment Management Plans and term grazing permits.
Location: UNIT - Clifton Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Greenlee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Allotments located within the Eagle Creek area. AD Bar/Hogtrail, Baseline/Horsesprings, Dark Canyon, Double Circle, East Eagle, Mesa, Mud Springs, Tule Allotments. .
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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
Blue Ridge Trail Shortcut
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2022  		Expected:06/2023  10/2023 Joyce Szalwinski
928-368-2100
Joyce.Szalwinski@usda.gov 
Description: Reroute the Blue Ridge trail so that it has a shortcut that is an easier hiking option for individuals looking for a more manageable hike.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near the town of Lakeside AZ.
Buena Vista Trails
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2022  		Expected:06/2023  10/2023 Joyce Szalwinski
928-368-2100
Joyce.Szalwinski@usda.gov 
Description: Project to analyze formalizing multiple trails and potential reroutes West of the City of Show Low.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West of the City of Show Low.
City of Show Low Sewer Lines - Master Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/14/2022
This project has changed to a CE that does not require a written decision document and will be removed from the SOPA.  		Expected:03/2023
  		03/2023 Eric Campbell
928-331-6371
eric.campbell@usda.gov 
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.
Lakeside East Allotments
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:11/2023  12/2023 Rusty Williams
928-368-2116
Rusty.Williams@usda.gov 
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 Cooperative KV Line Show Low Lake Area to Springer Mountain
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:06/2023  10/2023 Eric Campbell
928-368-2100
eric.campbell@usda.gov 
Description: NEC has proposed to install new KV lines near the backside of Show Low Lake up to Springer Mountain.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near backside of Show Low Lake, crossing Penrod Rd, up Springer Mountain.
Show Low Bike Loops
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:07/2023  10/2023 Joyce Szalwinski
928-368-2100
Joyce.Szalwinski@usda.gov 
Description: City of Show Low proposes a 4- to 6-mile-long multi-use nonmotorized trail near the Show Low High School.
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sections 5 - 8 of Township 10N, Range 22E.
Woodland Connector Trail & Blue Ridge NRT Shortcut
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/27/2022  		Expected:06/2023
  		10/2023 Joyce Szalwinski
928-368-2100
Joyce.Szalwinski@usda.gov 
Description: 2 non-motorized connector trails are proposed to create a connection between Woodland Lake Park and Mountain Meadow Complex, and allow for better access to the area. A shortcut for the Blue Ridge National Recreation Trail is also proposed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57775
Location: UNIT - Lakeside Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Woodland Lake Park to Mountain Meadow Recreation Complex; Blue Ridge National Recreation Trail.
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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
 - 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.
Water Canyon Administrative Site Repairs
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Facility management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Andrew Maher
530-836-7122
andrew.maher@usda.gov 
Description: Repair and maintenance of the Water Canyon Administrative site home, road, water system, barn and power poles. In addition a deck and paved parking area will be installed at the site home.
Location: UNIT - Springerville Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache. LEGAL - Not Applicable. GSRM T. 8 N., R. 29 E., Sec. 28, NE?,NW?, 2 miles south of Eagar, AZ along the Water Canyon Road. .
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