Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2022 to 06/30/2022
Carson 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
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Camino Real Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Canjilon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  El Rito Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Jicarilla Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Questa 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:
NOI in Federal Register 08/08/2020
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/2022  		Expected:06/2022
  		07/2022 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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Carson National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Carson National Forest Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan
EIS
 - Land management planning  In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 09/02/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		03/2022 Peter Rich
575-758-6277
prich@fs.fed.us 
Description: Revision of the 1986 Carson National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to update plan direction
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/carsonforestplan
Location: UNIT - Carson National Forest All Units. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carson National Forest.
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Carson National Forest,   Camino Real Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Access Route and Maintenance for Encinal and La Sierra Acequia Users
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Raul Hurtado
575-758-6344
raul.e.hurtado@usda.gov 
Description: This project will be for the authorization of an access route for the acequia group. The access route will be approximately .5 miles in length with the sole purpose of having an authorized route on file for getting to and from the headgate(s).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61535
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Mora. LEGAL - T21N., R14E., Sections 16 and 17. The project will take place on the Camino Real Ranger District at the headgate of the acequia and stretch 0.5 miles to improve the access for users during irrigation season.
Acequia Madre del Rio Grande del Rancho and Acequia Finado Francisco Martinez Diversion Replacement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/17/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		04/2022 Raul Hurtado
575-758-6344
raul.e.hurtado@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action includes a Special Use Permit that allows for the installation of a diversion dam, underground siphon, and foot bridge.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61765
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 24 N., Range 13E., Section 8.
Acequias de Las Trampas Diversion Dam Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/17/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		04/2022 Raul Hurtado
575-758-6344
raul.e.hurtado@usda.gov 
Description: This project includes the installation of a diversion dam which will serve as a ditch head gate to capture water from the Las Trampas River and channel it to a ditch used by residents of the north side of the Las Trampas community for land irrigation
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61764
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 22 N., Range 11E., Section 22.
Chapman Land Exchange
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Paul Schilke
928-339-5052
paul.schilke@usda.gov 
Description: On the western edge of the community of Las Mochas, exchange a small piece of National Forest System land from the north side of a house, and receive land from west side of the same house.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61539
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T.22N., R.13E., Sections 4 and 9. The project will take place on the Camino Real Ranger District on the western edge of the community of Las Mochas.
Holman Hill Fiber Optic Installation
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Paul Schilke
575-587-2255
comments-southwestern-carson-caminoreal@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Carson National Forest proposes to issue a special use permit to La Jicarita Rural Telephone Cooperative for installation of app. 1/4 mile of fiber optic cable, buried in a trench measuring app. 12" by 36", with a maintenance Right-of-Way of 15'.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55792
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Mora, Taos. LEGAL - T 21N, R 14E, Section 10, NMPM. Just south of Highway 518, staddling the Taos and Mora county lines.
Luna Fire Reforestation Research Proposal
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Gabriel Romero
575-587-2255
gabriel.romero@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to implement and assess the use of artificial regeneration techniques to best identify silvicultural practices that will improve the establishment of aspen and ponderosa pine seedlings on post-fire forest sites.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61547
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Mora. LEGAL - T23N R15E sections 4-5, 8-10, 15-17 & 21-22. T23N R15E Sections 4-5, 8-10, 15-17 & 21-22.
McGaffey Forest and Rio Grande del Rancho Watershed Restoration
EA
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/24/2018
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 03/2022  		Expected:06/2022
  		07/2022 Gabriel Romero
575-587-2255
comments-southwestern-carson-caminoreal@fs.fed.us 
Description: Part of Taos Valley Watershed Coalition's Landscape Restoration Strategy, the project proposes to re-establish fire-adapted forests, reduce the threat of severe effects from wildfire, provide wood products to communities, and improve wildlife habitat
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52579
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T23N R12E sections 1, 11-14, &23-24; T23N R13E sections 2-11, 14-23, & 26-29; T24N R12E sections 13, 24-45, & 36; and T24N R13E sections 8-9 & 16-36; NMPM. Located on both side of Highway 518, from the National Forest boundary on the north to US. Hill on the south and from Miranda Arroyo on the west to Bear Wallow Ridge and Maestas Ridge on the east.
Tomas Martinez Road Access
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Ricardo Leon
575-758-8678
ricardo.leon@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project will allow the private landowner to reconstruct and maintain 0.25 miles of existing road to access their private land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61536
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T22N, R14E, Sec 11. The project will take place on the Camino Real Ranger District.
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Carson National Forest,   Canjilon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
NORA 69 KV Line Upgrade and Permit Renewal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 01/19/2022  02/2022 Ricardo Leon
575-758-8678
ricardo.leon@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to increase the right-of-way to 50 feet from the centerline of the existing utility infrastructure and allow for the replacement of approximately 10.5 miles of 69 kilovolt (kV).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60865
Location: UNIT - Canjilon Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.24N., R.4E., 23 Sections 10, 9, 4 and T.25N., R.4E., 23 Sections 3, 28, 27, 22, 15, 14, 11, 1 and T.26N., R.4E., 23 Sections 25, 4, 13, 12, 1 and T.27N., R.4E., 23 Section 35. The project would occur on the Canjilon Ranger District within the current existing right-of-way, which parallels U.S. Highway 84 from Cebolla to Ghost Ranch.
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Carson National Forest,   El Rito Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Vallecitos West Acequia Headgate Installation
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Raul Hurtado
575-758-6344
raul.e.hurtado@usda.gov 
Description: This project will be to authorize the installation of a new headgate system in the river to help with controlling the flow and level of water getting in and out of the Vallecitos West acequia.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61530
Location: UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T26N., R8E., Section 5 and 6. The project will take place on the El Rito Ranger District at the existing headgate location of the Vallecitos West Acequia.
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Carson National Forest,   Jicarilla Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Jicarilla Ponderosa Pine Restoration
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Cynthia Campbell
505-632-2956
cicampbell@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Jicarilla RD is proposing to treat, mechanically or with prescribed fire approximately 33,292 acres of predominately Ponderosa pine to restore healthy timber stands, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce fire danger.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54490
Location: UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carson National Forest, Jicarilla Ranger District. Proposed project is spread throughout the district within Ponderosa pine ecosystems.
Valencia Wildlife Tank Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 10/14/2021  10/2021 Willis Sylvest
505-632-2956
willis.sylvest@usda.gov 
Description: Proposed project would construct an earthen tank to provide water for wildlife. The proposed tank would be approximately .75 acres in size, with an approximately 2.8 acre construction zone around the tank built by mechanized equipment.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60794
Location: UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Township 28 North, Range 11 W, Section 4. Located on the Jicarilla Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, adjacent to Forest Road 314 within the Ciruelas Canyon-Arroyo Companero watershed.
Williams Four Corners, LLC (WFC) Special Use Authorization, Oil and Gas Pipeline
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/08/2013  		Expected:12/2021
  		01/2022 Jon Miller
505-632-2956x77240
jjmiller@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to approve an application for a special use authorization, submitted by WFC. The special use authorization would allow WFC to operate and maintain an existing natural gas pipeline and associated infrastructure system.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=41925
Location: UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Township (T) 27 N, Range (R) 4 W; T28N, R4W; T29N, R4W; T29N, R5W; T30N, R4W; T30N, R5W; T31N, R4W; T31N, R5W; and T32N, R5W. Jicarilla Ranger District.
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Carson National Forest,   Questa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Ponil Creek Watershed Collaborative Landscape Restoration
EA
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A George Long
575-586-0520
comments-southwestern-carson-questa@fs.fed.us 
Description: Landscape restoration on up to 64,528 acres in Colfax County, in order to promote conditions that are resilient to uncharacteristic disturbances from wildfire, insects, disease, and climatic variability.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52158
Location: UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Colfax. LEGAL - T28N R16E 1-4, 9-11, 15-16; R17E: 2-6, 9-11, 14-15; T29N R16E: 1-4, 10-15, 21-29, 32-36; R17E: 1-24, 26-35; R18E: 4-9, 18-19; T30N R16E: 2-3, 9-11, 14-16, 21-28, 33-36; R17E: 19-23, 25-36; R18E: 31-32. Project would occur on 58,954 acres of NFS lands on the eastern half of the Valle Vidal, and on 5,574 acres of the Elliot Barker Wildlife Area, administered by NM Department of Game & Fish.
Taos Ski Valley Gondola and Other Improvements
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2022  		Expected:12/2022  04/2023 Paul Schilke
928-339-5052
paul.schilke@usda.gov 
Description: Taos Ski Valley proposes a new gondola, on-mountain restaurant, water storage, booster station, snowmaking pipe, Nordic trails, snowshoe trails, and a support facility. Lift 2, Lift 8, and a relocated Whistlestop Cafe are proposed to be replaced.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61390
Location: UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico.
Town of Red River Water System and Sewer Line Installation for Tall Pines
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/01/2022  		Expected:03/2022
  		03/2022 Raul Hurtado
575-758-6344
raul.e.hurtado@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed improvements consist of new water and sewer lines. It will connect to residents that currently have private wells and septic systems to the Town of Red River's utilities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61538
Location: UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T28N., R15E., Sections 6 and 7. The project will take place on the Questa Ranger District in the Town of Red River.
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