Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2024 to 06/30/2024
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, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Camino Real 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)
R3 - Southwestern Region, Carson National Forest,  Tres Piedras Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System
EIS

           *UPDATED*
- Land management planning  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 12/20/2023
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/2024 
Expected:01/2025
 
01/2025 Jennifer McRae
505-377-3145
Jennifer.McRae@usda.gov 
Description: Amend all land management plans for units of the National Forest System to include consistent direction to conserve and steward existing and recruit future old-growth forest conditions and to monitor their condition across planning areas of NFS.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65356
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forests and Grasslands (128 units).
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  Completed  Actual: 02/06/2024  02/2024 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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Carson National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Windstorm Blowdown Project CE
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Forest products
- Fuels management 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/19/2024 
Expected:03/2024
 
03/2024 Juan Jauregui
575-587-2255
juan.jauregui@usda.gov 
Description: The forest is proposing a fuels reduction project to clean up the blowdown of trees that resulted from a windstorm in December 2021. Project objectives are wildfire mitigation, forest health, and firefighter safety.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65374
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District, Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - The legal location involves portions of Sections 28, 32, 33 Township 30N Range 15E; Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Township 29N Range 15E; Sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 36 Township. Proposed treatment units are around the Town of Red River on the Questa Ranger District, as well as areas of the Camino Real Ranger District.
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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
Kit Carson El Valle Fiber Install
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/18/2024 
Expected:04/2024
 
05/2024 Hayley Sutton
575-758-6273
Hayley.Sutton@usda.gov 
Description: Kit Carson Coop. is proposing to expand broadband and telephone services to residents in rural communities by installing 1,500ft of fiber along FSR 207.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65841
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 22N, R 11E, section 25. This proposal is located entirely within the El Valle land grant, east of the Ojo Sarco and south of the Trampas communities.
South Boundary Trail Bundle
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/18/2024 
Expected:04/2024
 
05/2024 Rachel Ryzewicz
575-758-6307
Rachel.Ryzewicz@usda.gov 
Description: This proposal contains two reroutes (0.34 mi.) and a trail incorporation (0.93 mi.) that will improve recreational experiences and protect water quality along the South Boundary Trail #164.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65842
Location: UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 25 N., R. 13 E section 27 NW4 T. 25 N., R. 13 E section 36 SE4 SE4 T. 24 N., R. 15 E section 22 SE4 SE4. El Nogal trailhead at western end of Taos Canyon on HWY 64 East. .
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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
Williams Four Corners, LLC (WFC) Special Use Authorization, Oil and Gas Pipeline
CE
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/08/2013 
Expected:08/2024
 
09/2024 Jon Miller
505-632-2956x77240
jon.miller@usda.gov 
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
Enchanted Forest Vault Toilets
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/18/2024 
Expected:04/2024
 
05/2024 Paul Schilke
575-779-6907
paul.schilke@usda.gov 
Description: The Enchanted Forest Cross County Ski Area are proposing to install five vault toilets at five yurt locations within the proponent%u2019s special use permit boundary.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65843
Location: UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T 29N, R 15E, Section 23. The project is within the Enchanted Forest Cross Country ski area near NM 38, east of Red River and west of Bobcat Pass in Taos County.
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
george.long@usda.gov 
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.
Red River Ski Area Copper Chair In-line Replacement
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 02/19/2024  03/2024 Paul Schilke
575-587-2255
paul.schilke@usda.gov 
Description: Red River Ski Area (RRSA) replacement of the Copper Chair ski lift. Project is within the RRSA Special Use Permit area. Two acres of ground disturbance and up to one acre of additional tree clearning will occur.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65296
Location: UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project located within the Red River Ski Area Special Use Permit Area.
Taos Ski Valley Gondola and Other Improvements
EA
- Recreation management
- Special use management 
In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 04/20/2023 
Expected:05/2024
 
05/2024 Paul Schilke
575-779-6907
paul.schilke@usda.gov 
Description: Taos Ski Valley proposes a new gondola, on-mountain restaurant, water storage, booster station, snowmaking pipe, Nordic and snowshoe trails, a hiking trail and a support facility. Replacing Lifts 2, 8, and a relocated Whistlestop Cafe are proposed.
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.
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Carson National Forest,   Tres Piedras Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Montoya Private Driveway Access
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/18/2024 
Expected:04/2024
 
05/2024 Hayley Sutton
575-758-6273
Hayley.Sutton@usda.gov 
Description: The proponent is proposing to utilize an existing road to access their private inholding. The road is approximately 2,990 feet in length.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65844
Location: UNIT - Tres Piedras Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T 29N, R 7E, Sections 19 and 20. The requested road is accessed via FS road 1892 and 1893, these roads are accessed via Hwy 64, roughly 20 miles west of Tres Piedras Ranger Station.
Private Landowner Driveway Special Use Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/19/2024 
Expected:04/2024
 
05/2024 Jennifer Sublett
505-753-7331
jennifer.sublett@usda.gov 
Description: To authorize a long-term special use permit for a driveway that partially exists on FS lands and that connects NM Hwy 519 to the proponents' property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65856
Location: UNIT - Tres Piedras Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - PM: 23, 27 N 9 E sec. 30. 1419 NM Hwy. 519, Las Tablas NM. One mile south of Las Tablas NM immediately off Hwy. 519.
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