Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) |
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| This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact. | |||||
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Report Contents (click to jump to a section) : - Projects Occurring Nationwide - R8 - Southern Region, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) - 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) - R8 - Southern Region, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Oconee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) | |||||
Projects Occurring Nationwide |
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| Project Name | Project Purpose | Planning Status | Decision | Expected Implementation | Project Contact |
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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 |
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| 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. | |||||
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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) |
R8 - Southern Region | ||||
| Project Name | Project Purpose | Planning Status | Decision | Expected Implementation | Project Contact |
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Southern Appalachian Watershed Resiliency Project EA |
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Watershed management - Road management - Projects that may affect Wilderness (for mailing list contacts) |
In Progress: Scoping Start 07/01/2024 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 11/2024 |
Expected:05/2025 |
06/2025 |
Jessie Howard 540-492-1728 jessie.howard@usda.gov |
| Description: The Southern Appalachian Forests(Cherokee National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, National Forests in North Carolina and Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest seek to implement large landscape watershed resiliency efforts.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66472 |
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| Location: UNIT - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest All Units. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Banks, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Habersham, Lumpkin, Murray, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, Walker, White, Whitfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project spans the entirety of the Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest. | |||||
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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 |
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BRRD Spring 2025 Outfitter and Guide Permits CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management |
Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 05/2025 |
Expected:06/2025 | 06/2025 |
Warren Carver 706-745-6928 x122 warren.carver@usda.gov |
| Description: Spring 2025 outfitter and guide special use permits on the Blue Ridge Ranger District.
Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66864 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Union County, Georgia. | |||||
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BRRD Trout Stream Habitat Enhancement Project CE *UPDATED* |
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Watershed management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 04/26/2022 |
Expected:06/2025 |
07/2025 |
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: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/62094 |
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| 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. | |||||
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Deavertown Courtesy Dock Expansion CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 12/19/2024 |
Expected:01/2025 |
02/2025 |
Warren Carver 706-745-6928 x122 warren.carver@usda.gov |
| Description: The Blue Ridge Ranger District is evaluating a permit application to extend the existing courtesy dock at the Deavertown Boat Ramp, which is located on Nottely Lake at the terminus of Deaver Road in Union County, Georgia.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/67442 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Union County, Georgia. | |||||
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Glenn Elliott Road to Inholding Road ROW CE *UPDATED* |
- Special use management | Completed | Actual: 03/11/2025 | 04/2025 |
Warren Carver 706-745-6928 x122 warren.carver@usda.gov |
| Description: The District is considering an application for the issuance of a road right-of-way for access to a private inholding tract adjacent to Glenn Elliot Road, east of Suches, Georgia.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/archive/66876 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Union County, Georgia. | |||||
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Glenn Elliott Road to Inholding Utility Line ROW CE |
- Special use management | Completed | Actual: 11/22/2024 | 12/2024 |
Warren Carver 706-745-6928 x122 warren.carver@usda.gov |
| Description: The District is considering an application for the issuance of a utility line right-of-way to provide power and internet to a private inholding tract adjacent to Glenn Elliot Road, east of Suches, Georgia.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/archive/66937 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Union County, Georgia. | |||||
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Ride-a-Horse Wildlife Habitat Improvement CE |
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Forest products - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management - Road management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 11/08/2024 |
Expected:01/2025 |
03/2025 |
Michael Starbuck 706-754-6221 x133 michael.starbuck@usda.gov |
| Description: The District proposes conducting a combination of commercial vegetation treatments, noncommercial vegetation treatments, and prescribed fire to promote desirable native vegetation and improve habitat conditions for wildlife.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66754 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Fannin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Fannin County, Georgia. | |||||
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Windstream Lumpkin Fiber Optic Upgrade - BRRD (CE) CE *UPDATED* |
- Special use management | Completed | Actual: 08/27/2024 | 09/2024 |
Norman Leonard 770-297-3051 Norman.Leonard@usda.gov |
| Description: Environmental documentation to support a Special Uses Permit for Windstream, which seeks to expand its broadband internet service to rural homes and businesses in accordance with relevant legislation and Executive Orders.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66804 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Lumpkin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Cable will be buried or hung along existing roads within the engineered road prism. | |||||
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Windstream Union County Fiber Optic Upgrade CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management | Completed | Actual: 05/15/2025 | 06/2025 |
Norman Leonard 770-297-3051 Norman.Leonard@usda.gov |
| Description: This DM supports a Special Use Authorization and associated Special Use Permit for proponent Windstream and any contractor they hire to install fiber optic cable along existing roads to provide broadband Internet access to rural homes and businesses.
Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=68134 |
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| Location: UNIT - Blueridge Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Lumpkin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Existing road prisms and road rights of way on NFS lands in Union and Lumpkin counties in Georgia on the Blue Ridge Ranger District on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. | |||||
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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 |
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Chestnut Mountain Prescribed Burn CE |
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) |
In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 11/30/2022 |
Expected:12/2024 |
03/2025 |
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: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/63243 |
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| 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. | |||||
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Georgia Gwinnett College Research Field Station CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 03/24/2025 |
Expected:04/2025 |
05/2025 |
Jerome Bennett 706-695-6736 ext 101 jerome.bennett@usda.gov |
| Description: The District is considering an application from Georgia Gwinnett College for the construction and subsequent use of a research field station located within the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66779 |
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| Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Stephens. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Stephens County, Georgia. | |||||
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Leatherwood Creek & Upper Middle Fork Landscape Management Project EA *UPDATED* |
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management - Road management |
In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 07/11/2024 |
Expected:06/2025 |
07/2025 |
Michael Starbuck 706-754-6221 x133 michael.starbuck@usda.gov |
| Description: Integrated resource management project aimed to improve forest health, return fire back to the landscape, improve habitat for rare plants, and conduct road improvement projects in the area.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/63437 |
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| Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Banks, Stephens. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is located in portions of Habersham, Stephens, and Banks Counties, Georgia, primarily within the Lake Russell WMA. | |||||
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Run Bum Tours Multiyear Sky-to-Summit Event CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 04/03/2025 |
Expected:05/2025 |
06/2025 |
Maison Grose 000-000-0000 Maison.Grose@usda.gov |
| Description: The District is considering an application for a multiyear special use permit, authorizing the Sky-to-Summit recreation event.
Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=67931 |
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| Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Rabun County, Georgia. | |||||
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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 |
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Armuchee Ridges 2 Thinning and Restoration Project EA *UPDATED* |
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management - Watershed management - Road management |
Completed | Actual: 04/06/2025 | 04/2025 |
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: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/65004 |
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| 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. | |||||
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Emery Creek Trailhead and Holly Creek Picnic Parking Project CE *UPDATED* |
- Recreation management | Completed | Actual: 05/02/2025 | 06/2026 |
Sydney Earley 7066956736 Sydney.Earley@usda.gov |
| Description: Emery Creek parking lot to be expanded and paved to prevent further runoff from parking lot into Holly Creek, and to provide more parking access for trail users.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/65696 |
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| Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Murray. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Holly Creek Picnic Area and the Emery Creek Trailhead are located along the first mile of Holly Creek Road (FSR 18), before reaching the Holly Creek Check Station. | |||||
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Houston Valley OHV Trail Reroute CE *UPDATED* |
- Recreation management | Completed | Actual: 10/28/2024 | 01/2025 |
Sophie Beavin 423-602-1833 sophie.beavin@usda.gov |
| Description: This project will reroute 405 feet of the Houston Valley Trail #181L to improve water drainage ability, reduce erosion potential, and improve visitor use.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/archive/66718 |
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| Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Whitfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Houston Valley Trail system is located at the end of Forest Service Road 327 in Whitfield County, Georgia. | |||||
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Mulberry Gap Outfitter/Guide Reauthorization CE *UPDATED* |
- Recreation management | Completed | Actual: 01/31/2025 | 01/2025 |
James Jolly 706-695-6736 James.Jolly@usda.gov |
| Description: Mulberry Gap Outfitters has requested a renewal of their five-year special use permit. They provide shuttle services, as well as guided hikes and bike rides on select Forest Service Roads and Trails.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/archive/60887 |
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| 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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Pinhoti Trail Reroute - Section 21 CE *UPDATED* |
- Recreation management | Completed | Actual: 05/02/2025 | 09/2025 |
Sophie Beavin 423-602-1833 sophie.beavin@usda.gov |
| Description: This project will reroute 2.5 miles of section 21 of the Pinhoti Trail from the Forest Service Road 254 roadbed to Taylor Ridge.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66842 |
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| Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Chattooga. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project takes place on section 21 of the Pinhoti Trail that runs from Mack White Gap (US Highway 27) to West Armuchee Road at Narrows Road. | |||||
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Pocket Recreation Area ERFO Project CE |
- Recreation management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 05/24/2024 |
Expected:11/2024 |
10/2025 |
Sydney Earley 706-695-6736 Sydney.Earley@usda.gov |
| Description: The Conasauga Ranger District received funding through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) program to repair Pocket Recreation Area infrastructure damaged from a flood event in 2022.
Web Link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/projects/66298 |
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| Location: UNIT - Conasauga Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Floyd. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Pocket Recreation Area is located off Pocket Road and includes a developed campground and a day-use area. | |||||
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Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Oconee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) |
R8 - Southern Region | ||||
| Project Name | Project Purpose | Planning Status | Decision | Expected Implementation | Project Contact |
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GA Power Arkwright-Lloyd Shoals Utility Line CE *NEW LISTING* |
- Special use management |
In Progress: Scoping Start 04/29/2025 |
Expected:05/2025 |
06/2025 |
Luke Wilson 706-485-3180 x118 |
| Description: The District is considering an application for the reconstruction of an existing utility line, southwest of Monticello, Georgia. | |||||
| Location: UNIT - Oconee Ranger District. STATE - Georgia. COUNTY - Jasper, Jones. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Existing utility corridor from Highway 16 in Jasper County to approximately 500 feet south of Highway 10 in Jones County. | |||||
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