Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2025 to 09/30/2025
Deschutes 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
-  Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Deschutes National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Deschutes National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Deschutes National Forest,  Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Deschutes National Forest,  Crescent Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Deschutes National Forest,  Sisters 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.
Back To Top

Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Northwest Forest Plan Amendment
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 11/15/2024
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 10/2025  		Expected:03/2026
  		03/2026 Priya Shahani
707-562-8737
sm.fs.NWFPquestion@usda.gov 
Description: The Northwest Forest Plan Amendment provides an updated management framework that incorporates best available scientific information, considers public input, recommendations from the Federal Advisory Committee, tribes, and government partners.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64745
Location: UNIT - Lassen National Forest All Units, Mendocino National Forest All Units, Modoc National Forest All Units, Six Rivers National Forest All Units, Gifford Pinchot National Forest All Units, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest All Units, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest All Units, Siuslaw National Forest All Units, Umpqua National Forest All Units, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest All Units, Shasta Trinity National Forest All Units, Deschutes National Forest All Units, Mt. Hood National Forest All Units, Klamath National Forest All Units, Fremont-Winema National Forest All Units, Willamette National Forest All Units, Olympic National Forest All Units. STATE - California, Oregon, Washington. COUNTY - Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Modoc, Napa, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Yakima, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Yamhill. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The area of the Northwest Forest Plan within the range of the northern spotted owl.
Back To Top

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Region 6 Elite Tree Protection Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:09/2023  09/2023 Claire Ellwanger
509-860-2463
claire.ellwanger@usda.gov 
Description: The Pacific Northwest Region is collaborating with nine Forests to develop a region-wide project to protect whitebark pine trees (Pinus albicaulis) that have a high level of white pine blister rust resistance.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63727
Location: UNIT - Malheur National Forest All Units, Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest All Units, Umpqua National Forest All Units, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest All Units, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest All Units, Deschutes National Forest All Units, Fremont-Winema National Forest All Units, Umatilla National Forest All Units, Colville National Forest All Units. STATE - Oregon, Washington. COUNTY - Chelan, Ferry, King, Kittitas, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Snohomish, Stevens, Whatcom, Yakima, Baker, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Union, Wallowa. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forest units, typically high elevation, where blister-rust resistant white-bark pine trees have been identified or are in screening, and areas that are high priority for new selections.
Back To Top

Deschutes National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Deschutes Fuels Maintenance Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Fuels management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 04/08/2025  		Expected:12/2025
  		01/2026 Cristina Peterson
541-383-5578
cristina.peterson@usda.gov 
Description: Forest wide fuels maintenance proposal including non-fire and prescribed fire treatments.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/63892
Location: UNIT - Deschutes National Forest All Units. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forestwide.
Back To Top

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

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Class 1, Pedal-assist E-bikes on Select Trails
EA
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 07/02/2024  		Expected:08/2025
  		09/2025 Alicia Bergschneider
541-647-8966
Alicia.Bergschneider@usda.gov 
Description: The Deschutes NF proposes to authorize class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes on roughly 160 miles of existing system trails and paved paths. These routes receive high use by bicycles. Trails are in the Peterson Ridge, Phil's, Wanoga, and Sunriver areas.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/66475
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District, Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Trails included in this proposal are on the Bend - Fort Rock Ranger District, west of Bend, OR, near the community of Sunriver, OR, and on the Sisters Ranger District, outside of Sisters, OR.
Back To Top

Deschutes National Forest,   Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bend Lava Lands Paved Path
EA
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 04/08/2021  		Expected:07/2025
  		10/2025 Alicia Bergschneider
541-383-4012
Alicia.Bergschneider@usda.gov 
Description: Construct a non-motorized paved path that would provide connections to recreation sites south of Bend, OR. The entire length of the path would be from Baker Road to Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/archive/57665
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed location for the path would parallel Highway 97 on the west side from the Forest Service Boundary to Lava Lands Visitor Center.
Boundary Road Fuels Reduction Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/12/2025  		Expected:11/2025
  		04/2026 Emma Olson
541-383-4012
Emma.Olson@usda.gov 
Description: Fuels reduction project to reduce wildfire risk to local communities in La Pine, OR and to enhance forest resilience to insect and disease. The project area is in the Wildland Urban Interface and in a high-risk fireshed adjacent to neighborhoods.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66295
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West of La Pine, Oregon. Adjacent to the following residential areas: Ponderosa Pine Subdivision, Wildriver Subdivision, Day Corridor and 6th Neighborhood, and the Dorrace Neighborhood.
Darlene 3 Fire Site Preparation and Reforestation Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 04/24/2025  06/2025 Emma Olson
541-383-5300
emma.olson@usda.gov 
Description: Site preparation and reforestation on 1,193 acres of the area burned in the 2024 Darlene 3 Fire.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67790
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - T22S, R11E, Sections 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and T22S, R10E, Section 24. These acres encompass the entire Darlene 3 Fire Salvage Project footprint and adjacent Forest System roads.
Edison Shelter Reconstruction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 05/06/2025  06/2025 Emilie Bedard
541-383-4769
emilie.bedard@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of a recreation shelter to replace the Edison Shelter which burned in the Little Lava Fire.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67787
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Township 29 South, Range 9 East, Section 14 Southeast. The project area is approximately 25 miles southwest of the city of Bend, Oregon.
Flat Top Fire Roadside Hazard Tree Abatement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 05/28/2025  07/2025 Kellie Roussos
541-383-4721
Kellie.Roussos@usda.gov 
Description: The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District proposes to reduce roadside hazard trees along approximately 19 miles of Forest Service system roads within the Flat Top wildfire area through hazard tree removal, piling, and pile burning.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67819
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes, Lake. LEGAL - Not Applicable. East of La Pine, OR and north of Fort Rock, OR. Includes Forest Service Roads 18, 22, and 2240 within the Flat Top fire area.
Mt. Bachelor Northwest Lift Improvements
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/19/2024  		Expected:10/2025
  		06/2026 Kellie Roussos
541-383-4721
Kellie.Roussos@usda.gov 
Description: Mt. Bachelor proposes to modernize the existing Northwest Express lift by replacing the lift's electric drive components and safety switches as well as replacing two operator shacks and increasing chair storage.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67446
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Township 18 South, Range 9 East, Sections 19 and 30 Township 18 South, Range 8 East, Sections 24 and 25. Mt. Bachelor ski area is located about 22 miles southwest of Bend, OR and is within the Bend-Fort Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest.
Mt. Bachelor Summer 2025 Maintenance Projects
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/30/2025  		Expected:08/2025
  		08/2025 Kellie Roussos
541-383-4721
Kellie.Roussos@usda.gov 
Description: Maintenance proposals within Mt. Bachelor's special use permit area: installing new fiber optic conduit route to replace a damaged section of fiber line and connecting a power supply to the propane tank that serves Sunrise Lodge.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=68472
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mt. Bachelor ski area is located about 22 miles southwest of Bend, OR and is within the Bend-Fort Rock District of the Deschutes National Forest.
Paulina Creek Concrete Removal
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/17/2025  		Expected:08/2025
  		09/2025 Emilie Bedard
541-383-4769
emilie.bedard@usda.gov 
Description: Removal of the concrete structure in Paulina Creek just upstream of the McKay Crossing Campground and stabilization of the stream bank where the creek has widened to flow around a concrete barrier.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67785
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Township 21 South, Range 11 East, Section 35. The project area is approximately 24 miles south of the city of Bend and 5 miles west of Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Trail of the Molten Land Reconstruction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 05/06/2025  06/2025 Emilie Bedard
541-383-4769
emilie.bedard@usda.gov 
Description: Reconstruction of a half mile of the Trail of the Molten Land loop to meet the barrier free standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67786
Location: UNIT - Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Township 19 South, Range 11 East, Section 24. The project area is approximately 15 miles south of the city of Bend, Oregon and occurs within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument (NNVM).
Back To Top

Deschutes National Forest,   Crescent Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Crescent Ranger District Rec Residence Authorizations 2025 Batch 1
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/15/2025  		Expected:07/2025
  		08/2025 Michael Johnson
907-882-6826
michael.g.johnson@usda.gov 
Description: Authorization was requested from 5 recreation residence owners on Crescent Lake, 4 owners on Odell Lake, and from the Shelter Cove Resort to complete minor upgrades or replacements such as deck or stair replacements and roof repairs.
Location: UNIT - Crescent Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes, Klamath. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These recreation residences are located along Crescent and Odell Lakes, southeast of La Pine, OR.
MEC Walker Mountain Tower Replacement
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Gwenyth Fisk
541-433-3252
Gwenyth.Fisk@usda.gov 
Description: MEC is proposing to replace their existing communications tower and expand their control building at Walker Mountain Communication Site. Proposal includes moving the tower's location to improve line-of-sight with nearby microwave devices.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/66207
Location: UNIT - Crescent Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Klamath. LEGAL - Township 26S, Range 8E, Section 24, Willamette Meridian. Project activities will occur within the designated Walker Mountain Communication Site on Walker Mountain in Klamath County, OR. Project area is about 10 miles south of the town of Crescent.
Managed Stands Eastside Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 07/2025  		Expected:01/2026  09/2026 Cristina Peterson
541-383-5578
cristina.peterson@usda.gov 
Description: This project proposes vegetation management actions on 14,830 acres within previously managed stands on the eastside of the Crescent Ranger District.
Location: UNIT - Crescent Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes, Klamath. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is located south and east of the community of La Pine, OR.
ODOT Highway 58 Pit Fence Authorization
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2025  		Expected:07/2025  08/2025 Michael Johnson
907-882-6826
michael.g.johnson@usda.gov 
Description: Oregon Department of Transportation requested authorization to install a fence along Forest Service Road 9751130 to deter camping, vandalism and theft in the rock pit and to secure equipment staged in the pit.
Location: UNIT - Crescent Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Klamath. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 58 south of La Pine, OR.
Royce Mountain Roadside Hazardous Fuels
CE
 - Fuels management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Floyd Comer
5418227203
floyd.comer@usda.gov 
Description: Intent is to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire on Federal land or catastrophic wildfire for an adjacent, at-risk community by reducing fuel loading, ladder fuels, and raising canopy base heights.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/66669
Location: UNIT - Crescent Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Klamath. LEGAL - T23S,R7E,S35,S26-29,31-35; T24S,R7E,S2,3,5-11,15-17. Near Crescent Lake Junction, project area up to 200' on either side of 46, 4672, 4672900, 4672930, and 61 National System Roads, 200' from the border of Diamond Peak Estates on Forest Service lands.
Back To Top

Deschutes National Forest,   Sisters Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R6 - Pacific Northwest Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Black Butte Ranch Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Reduction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/09/2024  		Expected:09/2025
  		10/2025 Madison Anderson
541-549-7735
Madison.Anderson@usda.gov 
Description: The BBR WUI project proposes to maintain and restore resiliency and forest health and to address the potential risk of large-scale high severity wildfires. Proposed actions include thinning, mowing and prescribed burning on up to 2,800 acres.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/67053
Location: UNIT - Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forest System lands adjacent to Black Butte Ranch, west of the city of Sisters, Oregon.
Edgington Road Water Transmission Line
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/21/2025  		Expected:08/2025
  		08/2025 Madison Anderson
541-549-7735
Madison.Anderson@usda.gov 
Description: The City of Sisters is proposing to install approximately 2.3 miles of buried water transmission line along Edgington Road, a segment of which is along Forest Service Road (FSR) 1505, on Forest Service System Lands.
Location: UNIT - Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - 15S, R 10E, Sec 19, Sec 17, and Sec 7, W.M. 2.5 miles southwest of Sisters, Oregon.
Green Ridge Landscape Restoration
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 06/06/2025  06/2025 Lauren DuRocher
541-549-7711
lauren.durocher@usda.gov 
Description: The project would maintain and restore forest conditions closer to the historic range of variability and contribute to the restoration of ecosystem process and function in the planning area. Timber products are an outcome of restoration activities.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/48454
Location: UNIT - Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is located about 13 air miles north of Sisters, Oregon.
Sisters Trail Additions and Realignments (S.T.A.R.)
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Projects that may affect Wilderness (for mailing list contacts) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/21/2023  		Expected:08/2025
  		08/2025 Lauren DuRocher
541-549-7711
lauren.durocher@usda.gov 
Description: The STAR project proposes several trail actions including new trail construction, additions of existing routes to the official Forest Service trail system, as well as realignments and decommissioning of existing trails on the Sisters Ranger District.
Web Link:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/projects/64457
Location: UNIT - Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes, Jefferson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Proposed trail actions would occur on portions of 21 new and existing trails (totaling approximately 77 miles) on the Sisters Ranger District.
Upper Black Butte Swamp Restoration
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/17/2025  		Expected:09/2025
  		10/2025 Lauren DuRocher
541-316-9686
lauren.durocher@usda.gov 
Description: Upper Black Butte Swamp is a 34-acre wetland that has incised channels and drying out vegetation. The project would restore the fen through channel filling, planting native vegetation, aspen restoration and invasive weed management.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=68406
Location: UNIT - Sisters Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Deschutes. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sisters Ranger District, southwest of Black Butte.
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.