Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2024 to 06/30/2024
Malheur 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
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Malheur National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Malheur National Forest,  Blue Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Malheur National Forest,  Emigrant Creek Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Malheur National Forest,  Prairie City 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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R6 - Pacific Northwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
EIS
 - Land management planning  On Hold  N/A  N/A Gene Yates
541-523-1290
gyates@fs.fed.us 
Description: The revised Land Management Plans (Forest Plans) for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests (Blue Mountains) provide an updated framework to guide the management of approximately 5.5 million acres of National Forest System lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BlueMountainForestPlanRevisionComments
Location: UNIT - Malheur National Forest All Units, Wallowa Valley Ranger District, Eagle Cap Ranger District, La Grande Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest All Units, Whitman Ranger District. STATE - Oregon, Washington. COUNTY - Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, Baker, Grant, Harney, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wheeler. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest-wide for Malheur, Umatilla, & Wallowa-Whitman (except for the HCNRA).
Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision
EIS

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land management planning  Developing Proposal
Est. NOI in Federal Register 11/2024  		Expected:06/2027  07/2027 Michael Neuenschwander
541-278-3716
sm.fs.bluesforests@usda.gov 
Description: Land Management Plan revision for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman (excluding Hells Canyon NRA) National Forests, which will provide management direction on approximately 4.9 million acres of public lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64157
Location: UNIT - Malheur National Forest All Units, Wallowa Valley Ranger District, Eagle Cap Ranger District, La Grande Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest All Units, Whitman Ranger District. STATE - Oregon, Washington. COUNTY - Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wheeler. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman Forests in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington.
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.
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Malheur 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
Austin
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 07/08/2019
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2024  		Expected:11/2024
  		11/2024 Bethany Parker
541-523-1279
bethany.parker@usda.gov 
Description: This project includes a suite of activities to restore forest and watershed resiliency, including: upland, riparian, and wildlife restoration, and associated road system changes; fuels treatments and prescribed burning; and recreation system changes.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53678
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District, Prairie City Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Various sections in T10S, R35E; T 10S, R35-1/2E; T11S, R35E; T11S, R35-1/2E; T11S, R36E; T12S, R34E; T12S, R35E; T12S, R35-1/2E; T12S, R36E; T13S, R35E; T13S, R35-1/2E; Willamette Meridian. The project is located approximately 9 miles northeast of Prairie City, Oregon and borders the Wallowa Whitman National Forest.
Big Meadow, Black Butte, and Crockets Knob Reforestation and Revegetation Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2024  		Expected:05/2024  05/2025 Anna Petersen
541-575-3333
Anna.Petersen@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of the project is to promote reforestation and restoration of appropriate conifer, hardwood and shrub species. The need was necessitated by the 2021 Big Meadow Fire, 2021 Black Butte Fire, and the 2022 Crockets Knob Fire.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65704
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District, Prairie City Ranger District, Emigrant Creek Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant, Harney. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within the Big Meadow, Black Butte and Crockets Knob fire perimeters.
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Malheur National Forest,   Blue Mountain 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
Bark
EIS
 - Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Bethany Parker
541-575-3031
bethany.parker@usda.gov 
Description: This project includes a suite of activities to restore forest and watershed resiliency, including: upland, riparian, and wildlife restoration, and associated road system changes; and fuels treatments and prescribed burning.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56089
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - T14SR28E,S21-22,26-35;T14SR29E,S20-22,26-29,31-35;T15SR27E,S1,12-14,22-27,34-36;T15SR28E,S1-36;T15SR29E,S2-24,26-32;T15SR30E,S7-8,17-19;T16SR27E,S1-3,10-15,22-25;T16SR28E,S1-35;T16SR29E,S5-8,17-19,30. The project area is primarily within the Middle South Fork John Day River and Murderers Creek Watersheds, though a small area on the western side is in the Lower South Fork John Day River Watershed.
Boulder Group Abandoned Mine Restoration
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management
- Minerals and Geology
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2024  		Expected:05/2024  06/2024 Raidon Poe
541-575-3328
Raidon.Poe@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce potential public safety hazards associated with abandoned mine features, restore impaired riparian and aquatic habitat, and improve water quality.
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located on an unnamed intermittent tributary to Dads Creek, southwest of Dixie Butte. Access is by Hwy 26 -> FSR 2600098 -> FSR 2600265.
Keeney Meadows Private Drive
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/06/2023  		Expected:04/2024
  		06/2024 Sean Levin-Pompetzki
5415753061
Sean.Levin-Pompetzki@usda.gov 
Description: This project is to decommission the current NFS road 3940136 which accesses private property and install a private driveway. Doing so will reduce resource damage to wet soils and water resources in the area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65752
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Keeny Meadows.
Murderers Creek Wild Horse Joint Management Area, Herd Management Area Plan
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special area management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 06/14/2023  		Expected:12/2024
  		01/2025 Ryan Falk
541-575-3181
ryan.falk@usda.gov 
Description: Establish a Herd Management Area Plan including appropriate management level. Conduct population management actions (gather activities) to attain proposed population and habitat objectives for wild horses in the joint management area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44570
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Township, Range and Section information is available by calling 541-575-3302. The area lies between Dayville, Seneca, & Mt. Vernon, Oregon covering approximately 143,000 acres of National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife & private lands.
North Murderers Creek Pasture Corral
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/06/2023  		Expected:04/2024
  		05/2024 Sean Levin-Pompetzki
541-575-3061
Sean.Levin-Pompetzki@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to create a corral in the Southeast corner of the North Murderers Creek Pasture which is in the Fields Creek allotment.
Location: UNIT - Blue Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North Murderers Creek Pasture within Fields Creek Allotment.
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Malheur National Forest,   Emigrant Creek 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
Boundary Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/20/2023
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 03/2024  		Expected:09/2024
  		10/2024 Melissa Ward
541-573-4363
melissa.ward@usda.gov 
Description: The overarching purpose and need for this project is to restore vegetation resilience to fire, drought, and insects and disease by moving stands towards historic structure and species composition.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61912
Location: UNIT - Emigrant Creek Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant, Harney. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Boundary project area on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District, Malheur National Forest.
Emigrant Creek Ranger District Aspen Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Melissa Ward
541-573-4363
melissa.ward@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to improve and restore aspen communities within the boundary of the Emigrant Creek Ranger District of the Malheur National Forest.
Web Link:  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/10e9d69fe4ce47b48f83b000d2c16312
Location: UNIT - Emigrant Creek Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Crook, Grant, Harney. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The entire Emigrant Creek Ranger District.
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Malheur National Forest,   Prairie City 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
62 Road Fuel Break
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2024  		Expected:09/2024  11/2024 Frederick Hoeft
541-820-3807
Frederick.Hoeft@usda.gov 
Description: The 62 Roadside Fuel Break CE Project would address hazardous fuel conditions on approximately 305.97 contiguous acres adjacent to roadways
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65009
Location: UNIT - Prairie City Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. FS 62 road runs south from Prairie City to Summit Prairie.
Upper Bear Lake
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/20/2024
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2024  		Expected:06/2025
  		10/2025 Frederick Hoeft
541-820-3807
Frederick.Hoeft@usda.gov 
Description: Promoting landscape resiliency within a complex disturbance regime of wildfire, drought, insects, and diseases, providing a road system that is environmentally and economically sustainable that moves toward access and resource management objectives.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65008
Location: UNIT - Prairie City Ranger District. STATE - Oregon. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. On the Prairie City Ranger District, Malheur National Forest.
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