Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2023 to 09/30/2023
Daniel Boone 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
R8 - Southern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
R8 - Southern Region, Daniel Boone National Forest,  Cumberland Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
R8 - Southern Region, Daniel Boone National Forest,  London Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
R8 - Southern Region, Daniel Boone National Forest,  Redbird Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
R8 - Southern Region, Daniel Boone National Forest,  Stearns 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 07/2023 
Expected:07/2023
 
01/2024 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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R8 - Southern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Regional Slow the Spread Project
EA

           *UPDATED*
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 04/07/2023  06/2023 Robert Bergstrom
404-606-6151
robert.bergstrom@usda.gov 
Description: Aerial treatments of an exotic moth known as Lymantria dispar using mating disruption, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or their combination.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60529
Location: UNIT - Cherokee National Forest All Units, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest All Units, National Forests In North Carolina All Units, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest All Units, Daniel Boone National Forest All Units, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest All Units. STATE - Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. COUNTY - Bath, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Mitchell, Montgomery, Onslow, Randolph, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, McCreary, Madison, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe, Abbeville, Chester, Fairfield, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Union, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Monroe, Pickett, Scott, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Cherokee, Clay, Craven, Davidson, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Jones, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Daniel Boone, Sumter, Jefferson, Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests and private, state, and other federal lands within their adjacent counties.
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Daniel Boone National Forest,   Cumberland Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cave Run Lake North Shore Docks
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Recreation management
- Facility management
- Environmental Justice 
Completed  Actual: 05/30/2023  06/2023 Jon Kazmierski
760-924-5503
Jonathan.Kazmierski@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of 3 docks along the north shore of Cave Run Lake. These include building High Banks Boat Dock adjacent to High Banks Picnic area, relocation of Scott's Creek Courtesy Dock, and Muskey Bend ADA Fishing Dock/Pier.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63999
Location: UNIT - Cumberland Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Rowan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple recreation sites along KY801 on the North Shore of Cave Run Lake.
Morehead Utility Plant Board (MUPB) Water Withdrawal
CE
- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/11/2019 
Expected:03/2023
 
03/2023 Heather Ellison
352-625-2520 x2526
heather.ellison@usda.gov 
Description: The MUPB is requesting the USFS amend their permit to add and maintain a new raw water transmission main(approximately 2,500' with 30'maintence area)and an access road alongside the waterline. An area 50'wide may be used for construction.
Location: UNIT - Cumberland Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Rowan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located near KY HWY 801 South approximately 3 miles south of the junction with US 60 in Farmers, Kentucky.
Mountain Rural Fiberoptic Line Special Use Permit amendment
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management
- Environmental Justice 
On Hold  N/A  N/A Heather Ellison
352-625-2520 x2526
heather.ellison@usda.gov 
Description: Application to amend special use permit for extending a fiberoptic line from the Frenchburg Job Corps Center to the Gladie Visitor Center.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63405
Location: UNIT - Cumberland Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Menifee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. From Frenchburg Job Corps Center to Gladie Vistor Center.
Rebel Trace Dam, White Pine Removal
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Facility management  Completed
This project has changed to a CE that does not require a written decision document and will be removed from the SOPA. 
  03/2023 Kelley Corbine
606-784-6428
kelley.corbine@usda.gov 
Description: Several rows of White Pine would be removed at the base of Rebel Trace Dam to allow access to the dam's failing infrastructure. The access will allow crews to make repairs.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63781
Location: UNIT - Cumberland Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Menifee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southeast of western end of Forest Service road 1293A, Big Salt Lick Creek Road, along the base of Rebel Trace Dam.
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Daniel Boone National Forest,   London Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Dog Slaughter Trail #414 Reroute
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Recreation management
- Watershed management 
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023 
Expected:07/2023  08/2023 William Ryan
270-924-2179
william.ryan@usda.gov 
Description: Rerouting of two sections of the Dog Slaughter Trail to address ongoing ongoing public safety and trail sustainability issues
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64263
Location: UNIT - London Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Whitley. LEGAL - Not Applicable. USA Tract C-1404 and C-1372 N 36 50 53.21 W 84 16 24.63.
London District Recreation Sites Rehabilitation and Improvements
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Recreation management
- Facility management
- Road management 
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 08/2023 
Expected:08/2023  08/2023 William Ryan
270-924-2179
william.ryan@usda.gov 
Description: Authorization to conduct necessary improvements across the London District recreation sites to improve public safety, ADA compliance, and enhance existing facilities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63171
Location: UNIT - London Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Jackson, Laurel, Pulaski, Whitley. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple locations on the London Ranger District, including but not limited to boat ramps, campgrounds, day use areas and administrative facilities.
Special Use Authorization: Access Roads to Private Properties
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Special use management
- Road management 
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023 
Expected:06/2023  06/2023 Donovan Epperson
606-401-6981
Donovan.Epperson@usda.gov 
Description: Special Use Authorization to provide multiple landowners legal access to their private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64253
Location: UNIT - London Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Jackson, Laurel, Pulaski, Whitley. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple Private Access Roads located in Pulaski, Laurel, Whitley and Jackson Counties, Kentucky.
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Daniel Boone National Forest,   Redbird Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Clay County Fiscal Court Road Permit
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management
- Road management
- Environmental Justice 
Completed  Actual: 03/23/2023  03/2023 Tricia Boles
606-598-2192 x106
tricia.boles@usda.gov 
Description: County to widen existing 1000ft section of Trace Branch Rd from 10ft to 30ft to improve cemetery access. Road will be gravel with culverts as needed. Road will be included in a county road agreement for maintenance once completed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63517
Location: UNIT - Redbird Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Clay. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Clay County, Kentucky. Lat 37.229935 and Long. -83.529856. Trace Branch Road.
Hyden-Leslie Water SUP
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Tricia Boles
6065982194
tricia.boles@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of two concrete buildings to house water booster pumps on National Forest System Lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62370
Location: UNIT - Redbird Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Leslie. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wilder Branch Road and Trace Fork Road.
Redbird Crest Trail Size Limit Re-Designation Sections 5 and 6
CE

           *UPDATED*
- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 04/25/2023  05/2023 Tricia Boles
606-589-2192 x 106
tricia.boles@usda.gov 
Description: Changing the official width designation to 64 inches for sections 5 and 6 of the Redbird Crest Trail and implement ground work to accommodate the new trail widths.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62372
Location: UNIT - Redbird Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - Leslie. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sections 5 and 6 of the Redbird Crest Trail.
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Daniel Boone National Forest,   Stearns Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Greenwood NFSR 5104 Construction Project
EA

           *UPDATED*
- Road management  In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 06/14/2023 
Expected:09/2023
 
09/2023 Kathryn Fitzsimmons
606-376-5323 x125
kathryn.fitzsimmons@usda.gov 
Description: Reconstruction of a National Forest System (NFS) road to provide management access.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63038
Location: UNIT - Stearns Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - McCreary, Pulaski. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Service road 5104.
Jellico Vegetation Management Project
EA
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 
In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/19/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 03/2023 
Expected:09/2023
 
10/2023 John Hull
606-376-5323 x105
john.hull@usda.gov 
Description: Silvicultural management including commercial harvest, road work, salvage, and intermediate vegetation treatments to adjust conditions such that all desired age classes, structures, and species compositions are represented in the project area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63037
Location: UNIT - Stearns Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - McCreary, Whitley. LEGAL - Not Applicable. NFS lands located south of Kentucky Highway 92 and between Interstate 75 and US Highway 27.
North End Unauthorized OHV Closure
CE

           *NEW LISTING*
- Watershed management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023 
Expected:07/2023  08/2023 Nicholas Parker
606-376-5323
nicholas.parker@usda.gov 
Description: A project to close, block, and rehabilitate unauthorized off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails on the Stearns Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64347
Location: UNIT - Stearns Ranger District. STATE - Kentucky. COUNTY - McCreary, Pulaski. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Various locations within Pulaski and McCreary counties on the Stearns Ranger District.
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