Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2024 to 06/30/2024
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

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, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,  Blueridge Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,  Chattooga River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,  Conasauga 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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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,   Blueridge Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
BRRD Trout Stream Habitat Enhancement Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/26/2022  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 Laura Brown
678-943-0764
laura.r.brown@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of the project is to enhance stream habitat conditions for trout and other aquatic species, which would move these areas toward the desired conditions stated in the Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62094
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Towns, Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project would contribute to the restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of aquatic habitats on the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
Blue Ridge Ranger District Small Tract Act land conveyance
CE
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders
- Land ownership management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/01/2021  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 Warren Carver
770/297-3041
warren.carver@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service is in the process of considering two applications that request conveyance of small tracts of National Forest System (NFS) lands on the Chattahoochee National Forest to private landowners per the provisions of the Small Tracts Act
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61032
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin, Lumpkin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Small Tract #1 is located in USA Tract G-1320b in Land Lot 116, 15th District, 1st Section, Lumpkin County, Georgia. Small Tract #2 is located in USA Tract BRR-37 in Land Lot 86, 7th District, 2nd Sec.
Early Successional Habitat Creation Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/21/2021  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 David Vinson
706-782-3320
david.vinson@usda.gov 
Description: The BRRD is proposing 183 total acres of early-successional habitat across the district, including areas within the Coopers Creek and Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Areas, through commercial and non-commercial means.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60330
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
Flatlands Road Closure Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 08/08/2023  01/2024 Mike Chambers
706-745-6928
michael.chambers1@usda.gov 
Description: The Blue Ridge Ranger District is proposing to permanently close approximately 1.4 miles Forest Service Road 256 - Flatlands Road between Suches Creek and Locust Gap to all motorized vehicular traffic.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63980
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Service Road 256 - Flatlands Road between Suches Creek and Locust Gap.
Forest Service Road (FSR) -135 Three Sisters Closure Project
CE
 - Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/17/2023  		Expected:05/2023
  		05/2023 Mike Chambers
706-745-6928
michael.chambers1@usda.gov 
Description: The Blue Ridge Ranger District is proposing to close Forest Service Road 135 and 135-A Three Sisters Road and Three Sisters Spur to all motorized vehicular access under 36 CFR 220.6(d)(1).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63981
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Lumpkin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Three Sisters Road and Three Sisters Spur Road are located on National Forest System lands on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Lumpkin County.
Morganton Point Campground Improvement Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/01/2023  		Expected:03/2024
  		04/2024 John Stephens
706-745-6928 x114
john.r.stephens@usda.gov 
Description: Expand infrastructure and amenities at Morganton Point Campground in Fannin County, GA, including extending utility connections and campsites on the North Loop, improving access for larger recreational vehicles, and constructing rental cabins.
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Morganton Point Campground, Blue Ridge Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Fannin County, Georgia.
Morganton Point Campground Phases I and II
CE
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2022  		Expected:01/2023  03/2023 John Stephens
706-745-6928 x114
john.r.stephens@usda.gov 
Description: Expand public use opportunities at the Morganton Point Campground by adding new campsites, building small cabins at new camp sites, and expand utilities to service new sites and cabins.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62083
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Morganton Point Campground, Blue Ridge Ranger District, Fannin County, Georgia.
Spring 2022 Recreation Scoping
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/06/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 Warren Carver
706-745-6928
warren.carver@usda.gov 
Description: The project is located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60898
Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin, Gilmer, Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,   Chattooga River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Chattooga River District Five Year Recreation Special Uses Permits
CE
 - Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/09/2023  12/2023 Julia Sparks
706-754-6221
Julia.Sparks@usda.gov 
Description: Two recreation event special use permits using National Forest System lands administered by the Chattooga River Ranger District. PROPOSED SPECIAL
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63974
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Rabun, White. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Service trails/roads around Helen and near Warwoman Wildlife Management Area.
Chattooga River Vault Toilet Replacement Project
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 01/01/2022  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 Ryan Foote
706-754-6221
ryan.foote@usda.gov 
Description: This is to replace chemical toilets on the Chattooga River Ranger District with new vault toilets.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62721
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin, Habersham, Rabun, White. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is at various developed recreation sites across the District.
Chestnut Mountain Prescribed Burn
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 11/30/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		01/2023 Amy McClave
706-754-6221 x102
amy.mcclave@usda.gov 
Description: This is to continue burning of the Chestnut Mountain Burn Unit aimed at wildlife habitat improvement. This unit was last burned in 2015/2016.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63243
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is located in Rabun County, Georgia. This is the continuation of a long standing prescribed burning project to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuels in the Wildland Urban Interface.
Leatherwood Creek & Upper Middle Fork Landscape Management Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 01/18/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		02/2024 Michael Starbuck
706-754-6221 x133
michael.starbuck@usda.gov 
Description: Integrated resource management project aimed to improve forest health, return fire back into the landscape, improve habitat for rare plants, and road improvement projects in the project area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63437
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Banks, Stephens. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is located in Stephens & Banks County GA located primarily within the Lake Russell WMA.
Outfitter & Guide Permit: Second Nature Blue Ridge LLC
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2023  		Expected:11/2023  01/2024 Julia Sparks
7069705752
Julia.Sparks@usda.gov 
Description: SECOND NATURE BLUE RIDGE, LLC, dba BLUE RIDGE THERAPEUTIC WILDERNESS, is requesting reissuance of an outfitter and guide permit for guided backpacking and camping trips with a term of ten (10) years.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64817
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Second Nature has proposed several locations to operate within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Rabun County, Georgia including within the Dillard, Satolah, Rabun and Rainy Mtn. quadrants.
Tallulah River Bridge 3 Replacement
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 04/28/2023  07/2023 Ryan Foote
530-258-5169
ryan.foote@usda.gov 
Description: Proposed replacement of Tallulah River Bridge 3 on FSR 70.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63415
Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located on Forest Service Road 70 in Rabun County, GA.
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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests,   Conasauga Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Armuchee Ridges 2 Thinning and Restoration Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 10/04/2023  		Expected:09/2024
  		03/2025 William Hunter
706-695-6736 x113
william.hunter@usda.gov 
Description: The primary objectives of this project are to restore and maintain native forest communities, reduce stand density in pine and pine-oak stands, expand prescribed fire use, enhance terrestrial and aquatic habitat diversity, and refine the road system.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65004
Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Walker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 41,503 acres of National Forest System lands on the Armuchee unit of the Conasauga Ranger District, located in Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, and Walker counties.
High Point to Jenkins Gap-Pinhoti Trail Reroute
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/18/2021  		Expected:02/2023
  		03/2023 Karen Larsen
715-373-2667
karen.larsen@usda.gov 
Description: The project is located in the Chattooga County, GA.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60886
Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Chattooga. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is located in the Conasauga Ranger District.
Ocoee Horse Ride and Mulberry Gap O and G permits CE
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/18/2021  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 Jeff Gardner
706-695-6736
jeffrey.gardner1@usda.gov 
Description: The project is going to be implemented in the Conasauga Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60887
Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Chattooga. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is located in the Conasauga Ranger District.
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