Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2023 to 03/31/2023
Kaibab 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, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest,  North Kaibab Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest,  Tusayan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest,  Williams 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. .
Back To Top

R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Arizona National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan
EA
 - Recreation management
- Special area management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/01/2016
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Joseph David
(559) 920-4995
joseph.david@usda.gov 
Description: The comprehensive plan will establish the administrative objectives, policies, processes, and management guidelines necessary to fulfill the legislative requirements for national scenic trails under the National Trails System Act.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49535
Location: UNIT - Coronado National Forest All Units, Kaibab National Forest All Units, Coconino National Forest All Units, Tonto National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Arizona National Scenic Trail goes from the Coronado National Monument to the Utah Border at Vermillion Cliffs- 800 miles south to north across the State of Arizona.
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.
Back To Top

Kaibab 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
Kaibab NF Trail System Update 2022
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/20/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		01/2023 Marcos Roybal
928-635-8331
marcos.roybal@usda.gov 
Description: To support sustainable rec mgmt, decommission several non-motorized trails that are inconsistent with climate conditions (ski trails), do not align with current recreation management (mountain bike trails overlaid on roads), or receive little use.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63193
Location: UNIT - Kaibab National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Various locations on the Kaibab National Forest as shown on the project maps.
Back To Top

Kaibab National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring and Removal Efforts
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/23/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		01/2023 Travis Largent
928-635-5631
travis.largent@usda.gov 
Description: Remove non-native and invasive aquatic species (e.g. green sunfish, crayfish, waterdogs) and focusing on exotic American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) to conserve populations of northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) and other native aquatic species.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62409
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District, Tusayan Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Starting on the southeast region of the Williams RD, south of I-40 and east of Perkinsville Rd, in waters extending to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness boundary, but ultimately may extend zone-wide.
Back To Top

Kaibab National Forest,   North Kaibab Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/25/2020  		Expected:09/2023
  		10/2023 David Vincelette
928-643-8143
david.vincelette@usda.gov 
Description: The purposes of the Burnt Corral project is to improve forest health and vigor, while improving habitat conditions which are more resilient to change in the event of wildfire and/or other climatic condition changes. Project = 28,090 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44236
Location: UNIT - North Kaibab Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Planning stage - General Description: Townships 35 - 37 North, Ranges 1 West to 1 East, Gila and Salt River Baseline & Meridian, (Coconino County, Arizona). The Burnt Corral project area lies in the southwest portion of the Kaibab Plateau (i.e., south-southwest of Lookout Canyon and FS Road 22) on the North Kaibab Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest.
House Rock Wildlife Area Bison Infrastructure Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/02/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 02/2023  		Expected:08/2023
  		08/2023 Marcos Roybal
928-635-8331
marcos.roybal@usda.gov 
Description: Construct a new wildlife water in the northwest portion of the HRWA, and rebuild/re-establish, construct and install approximately 12 miles of existing and new pasture fence-line (including associated cattle-guards) within the HRWA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58903
Location: UNIT - North Kaibab Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Townships 35 and 36 North, Ranges 4 and 5 East, Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian (Coconino County, AZ). The House Rock Wildlife Area (HRWA) is located within the southeast corner of the Kaibab National Forest - North Kaibab Ranger District (east of Saddle Mtn. Wilderness Area) in SW House Rock Valley.
Mangum Fire Emergency Actions / Hazard Tree Removal Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special area management
- Grazing management
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 12/22/2022  		Expected:03/2023
  		04/2023 David Vincelette
928-643-8143
david.vincelette@usda.gov 
Description: Targeted removal of hazard trees along approximately 2 miles of highway ROW, 17 miles of FS Roads, 10 miles of trails, 55 miles of range allotment & pasture/boundary fence-lines, and around developed water features on approximately 3,000 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60762
Location: UNIT - North Kaibab Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - T37N, R1E & 1W; T38N, R1-2E & 1W; T39N, R1-3E; and T40N, R1-3E, Gila and Salt River Baseline & Meridian; Coconino County, Arizona. Location is about 30 miles south/southeast of Fredonia, AZ on Nat. Forest System lands. Project area = buffer areas along hwy-89A, FS roads, trails, fence lines & waters in moderate/sever burn area.
Back To Top

Kaibab National Forest,   Tusayan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Highway 64 Widening, Ten-X Campground
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 10/31/2022  01/2023 Clairisse Loucks
928-635-8365
Clairisse.Loucks@usda.gov 
Description: Widen the west side of Hwy 64 by approximately 12 feet north and south of the entrance to Ten-X Campground to add an acceleration lane to the south and turning lane to the north. Total project length would be approximately 3,600 ft in length.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61836
Location: UNIT - Tusayan Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - T29N, R2E, Sec. 1 and T30N, R2E, Sec. 36, Gila and Salt River Meridian. Approximately 1.25 miles south of the Town of Tusayan north and south of the entrance to Ten-X Campground.
Special Use Permit Amendments for Western Spirit Cycling and American Safari Camp, Inc.
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/19/2022  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 Kevin Lehto
928-527-8287
kevin.lehto@usda.gov 
Description: Amend special use permits for two current North Kaibab Outfitter & Guides to allow operations on the Tusayan Ranger District. Permit holders are currently in good standing and follow leave no trace land ethics.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63345
Location: UNIT - Tusayan Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Open roads, trails and dispersed camping corridors of the Tusayan Ranger District on the Kaibab National Forest.
T-Mobile Generator Install at Grandview Communications Site
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 11/08/2022  11/2022 Sean Murphy
928-527-8225
sean.murphy@usda.gov 
Description: T-Mobile is a cellular phone service provider providing phone and 911 services. They need to upgrade their power systems to handle a potential prolonged power outage at the existing Grandview Communications Site by installing a new generator.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63064
Location: UNIT - Tusayan Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sec 28, T30N, R4E Gila and Salt River Meridian.
Tusayan Community Trails Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/21/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 Kevin Lehto
928-635-5662
kevin.lehto@usda.gov 
Description: The Town of Tusayan has proposed construction of approx. 12.5 mi of new foot and bike trails and trailhead facilities to augment and link existing trails in the Tusayan area, providing safe and sustainable trail routes for visitors and residents.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60893
Location: UNIT - Tusayan Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Several locations in and around the town of Tusayan on Kaibab National Forest lands.
Back To Top

Kaibab National Forest,   Williams Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Rescind the 1986 Easement and Issue a Road Use Permit for Forest Road 108
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 10/14/2022  12/2022 Sean Murphy
928-527-8225
sean.murphy@usda.gov 
Description: Rescind the 1986 easement that was granted to the private parcel during a land exchange and did not legally transfer to the subsequent property holders. Issue a road use permit for the purpose of providing access to private land from Forest Road 108.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62820
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - T21N R1E Section 22. South of Interstate 40 and west of Bill Williams Mountain.
Arcadian Fiber Optic Line, Ash Fork to Flagstaff
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/14/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		04/2023 Chelsea Muise
928-635-8275
chelsea.muise@usda.gov 
Description: Authorize installation of an underground fiber optic line between Ash Fork and Flagstaff, AZ. The line would be within existing forest roads and the Transwestern Pipeline corridors including approximately 32.3 miles on Forest Service land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61183
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Along Forest Roads 246U and 160 (Transwestern Pipeline Easement Road), within the Transwestern Pipeline corridor.
Ash Fork Development Association Well Infrastructure Upgrade
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/21/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		03/2023 Sean Murphy
928-527-8225
sean.murphy@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to replace an existing building and install new equipment at the Ash Fork Well #1 site. The well will be used year-round as needed for potable water supply to the community of Ash Fork.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62962
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T21N R2W Sec. 14. South of Ash Fork along Arizona State Route 89.
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Interconnection Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 12/30/2022  		Expected:03/2023
  		07/2023 Marcos Roybal
928-635-8331
marcos.roybal@usda.gov 
Description: Authorize installation of approximately 9 miles of above-ground fiber optic line on FS land within an existing APS right-of-way needed to provide emergency communications for the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center. Bureau of Reclamation is leading the NEPA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61288
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. NE portion of the Williams RD, east of Highway 64 and south of Highway 180. The line will follow the large powerline that enters Forest Service land near Howard Mesa and exits NW of Ebert Mtn.
Beacon Hill Fire Detection Camera
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Research and Development  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/23/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		03/2023 James Burton
928-635-5600
james.w.burton@usda.gov 
Description: Installation of a fire detection tower with automated camera. The tower will be approximately 45 feet tall with a 5 foot by 5 foot concrete base buried at a depth of 4.5 feet.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62462
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 22 N, Range 3 E, Section 27. Approximately 8 miles East of the City of Williams, AZ, south of Interstate 40, north east of the community of Sherwood Forest Estates.
Big Spring Rehabilitation
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/14/2022  		Expected:03/2023
  		06/2023 Clairisse Loucks
928-635-5609
Clairisse.Loucks@usda.gov 
Description: Removal of non-functioning metal pipes and downed barbed wires and then re-fence the source to maintain the integrity of the spring and vegetation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63343
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - S33 T21N R3E. The spring is located in the Davenport Hill USGS Quad, just southeast of Williams, AZ and south of Dogtown Lake.
El Paso Natural Gas Cathodic Protection Station and Right Of Way Modification
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 10/31/2022  10/2022 Sean Murphy
928-527-8225
sean.murphy@usda.gov 
Description: Cathodic protection stations are needed in three locations along the El Paso Natural Gas Line outside of the existing Right-of-Way. Installation involves drilling a 10-inch bore 500-600 feet into the ground to place anodes and metallic rods.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62472
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. CPS 2469: 35.2978, -112.1908; CPS 2474: 35.2741, -112.3073, CPS 2475: 35.2706, -112.3159.
Railroad Tank Dam Land Exchange
CE
 - Land ownership management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/17/2021  		Expected:01/2023
  		04/2024 Marcos Roybal
928-635-8331
marcos.roybal@usda.gov 
Description: Exchange up to approx. 0.94 ac of private land for up to approx. 0.94 ac of adjacent FS land to allow construction of drainage features to mitigate flood risk posed by Railroad Tank Dam. Flood risk mitigation analyzed in separate 2017 NEPA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61195
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - T22N, R5E, Section 32, Gila and Salt River Meridian. Approximately 3.9 miles west of the Bellemont/I-40 interchange, immediately north of I-40 in Railroad Tank Draw.
Twin Tanks Grazing Allotment Permit Amendment
CE
 - Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Joseph Dahms
928-635-5621
joseph.dahms@usda.gov 
Description: The Williams Ranger District is planning on modifying an existing grazing permit from sheep use to cattle use. This amendment applies to the Twin Tanks Allotment and is needed to prevent herd mortality due to a toxic plant on the allotment.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62150
Location: UNIT - Williams Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino. LEGAL - Not Applicable. All or in parts of T23N, R4E, Sections 6-7, 18-19, and 30; and T23N R3E, Sections 1-18, 22-27.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.