Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2023 to 09/30/2023
Kisatchie 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, Kisatchie National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Kisatchie National Forest,  Calcasieu Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Kisatchie National Forest,  Caney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Kisatchie National Forest,  Catahoula Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Kisatchie National Forest,  Kisatchie Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Kisatchie National Forest,  Winn 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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Kisatchie National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Kisatchie National Forest Vegetation Management
EA
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Special use management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2023  		Expected:12/2023  01/2024 Dave Moore
318-473-7160
David.Moore1@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of the project is to treat terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant species occurring forest-wide in the KNF. In addition to nonnative invasive species, the project would treat some native species that are problematic in certain areas.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63777
Location: UNIT - Kisatchie National Forest All Units. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Claiborne, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, Webster, Winn. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest-wid.
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Kisatchie National Forest,   Calcasieu Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Calcasieu Prescribed Burning Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Steven Staples
318-472-1840
steven.staples@usda.gov 
Description: District wide prescribed burn EA
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47375
Location: UNIT - Calcasieu Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Rapides, Vernon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. District wide.
Calcasieu Ranger District Habitat improvement Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/30/2020  		Expected:03/2021
  		04/2021 Charles Fontenot
318-793-9427
charles.fontenot@usda.gov 
Description: Timber stand improvement and wildlife habitat improvement across the entire Calcasieu Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57476
Location: UNIT - Calcasieu Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Rapides, Vernon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Calcasieu Ranger District in Rapides and Vernon parishes.
Lee LeMoine Driveway Project Calcasieu RD Evangeline Unit Comp 17
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/28/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		04/2023 John Simpson
318 793 9427
john.a.simpson@usda.gov 
Description: Special Use Permit for a Driveway to access home and 5 ac of non-FS land that is surrounded on all sides by USFS property. Access will use FS road E017P and existing CLECO Powerline ROW to SW corner of LeMoine Property and encompasses 0.5 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63186
Location: UNIT - Calcasieu Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Rapides. LEGAL - T3N, R3W Section 12 Rapides Parish Louisiana. T3N, R3W Section 12 Rapides Parish, LA. Mr LeMoine will use FS Road E017P and approximately 60 yards of Cleco Powerline ROW to access SW corner of 5 ac inholding.
Valentine Nature Trail Connection Project
CE
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2023  		Expected:05/2023  05/2024 Vincent Chatelain
318-793-9427
Vincent.Chatelain@usda.gov 
Description: Creation of a 0.8-mile non-motorized nature trail connection from the current Valentine Loop Trail to the Wild Azalea
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63582
Location: UNIT - Calcasieu Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Rapides. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartment 20. Township 3 north, range 3 west, section 17. West of Valentine Lake, Kisatchie National Forest, Calcasieu Ranger District, Evangeline Unit.
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Kisatchie National Forest,   Caney Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Pine Island Boat Launch
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:06/2023  12/2023 John Wilcox
318-927-2061
john.wilcox@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is within an existing recreation site and will utilize an existing logging deck and CN04B for access, resurfacing up to one and one-half acres for parking area and boat launch with SB2 class 7 granite aggregate.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64197
Location: UNIT - Caney Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Claiborne. LEGAL - T23,R4W,Sec 35. Corney Lake, Caney Ranger District.
Waters Right of Way
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A James Williams
318-927-2061
james.williams3@usda.gov 
Description: Mr. Waters is proposing the use of Forest Service Road 813 to access his private property located just North of Caney Lakes Recreational Area in Minden, Louisiana. Mr. Waters proposal would only use the last .25 miles of Forest Service Road 813.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60864
Location: UNIT - Caney Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Webster. LEGAL - T20N, R9W, Sec 32, 33. The proposed action would be at the far west end of Forest Service Road 813.
XTO
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/31/2018  		Expected:12/2018
  		01/2019 James Williams
318-927-2061
jaimewilliams@fs.fed.us 
Description: REISSUE EXISTING EXPIRED PERMIT
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53269
Location: UNIT - Caney Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Claiborne, Webster. LEGAL - Not Applicable. REPLACE EXPIRED EXISTING SPECIAL USE PERMIT.
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Kisatchie National Forest,   Catahoula Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
AT&T Permit Amendment
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/02/2022  		Expected:05/2023
  		06/2023 Camelia Steward
318-765-3554
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: Place a fiber-optic cable along the southwest side of LA-8 beginning approximately 90 ft. west of LA-8 proceeding west along the southwest & northwest side of LA-8 for approximately 1.33 miles to #6461 Then south for .289 ft.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63272
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - T1W R6N Sec. 7 & 8. Along LA Hwy 8.
Camp Livingston Trail System Rehabilitation Project
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/25/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		05/2023 Camelia Steward
318-927-2061
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: Presently, the trail system is closed due to severe resource damage from hurricane and tornado events. This project will rehabilitate the trail to a sustainable grade and condition.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61821
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant, Rapides. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 98-104 in the Old Camp Livingston Army Base area.
Catahoula Ranger District B22 Trail
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/24/2023  		Expected:05/2023
  		10/2023 Camelia Steward
318-765-3554
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed hiking, biking, & running trail would be approximately 2 miles. The proposed trail is planned within a .5-acre tract of land on the forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64080
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Township 7 North; Range 2 West; Section 14. Compartment 44.
Clear Creek Road Driveway Special Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/01/2023  		Expected:05/2023
  		06/2023 Camelia Steward
318-765-3554
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: This is a proposal to issue a special use permit for an existing driveway for all-weather or year-round access to private property. This project covers .04 acres.
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - T6N, R1E Section 34. T6N, R1E Section 34.
Cleco McCullough Amendment Special Use Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2023  		Expected:05/2023  09/2023 Camelia Steward
318-765-3554
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: Cleco is looking to run power to private property located in Compartment 6. To accommodate this line it will requiring clearing .6 ac of land to build the line.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64082
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Township 7 North; Range 2 West; Section 17. Compartment 6.
Foster Special Use Road Permit.
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Camelia Steward
318-765-3554
camelia.steward@usda.gov 
Description: This permit will be to grant use and upgrade road CO70I for permanent access to private land. This permit consist of 0.56 miles in length and 3.6 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60391
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The location of road C70I is off of Dyson Creek road in compartment 70.
Louisiana Pine Snake (LPS) & Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Habitat Improvement Thinning Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  On Hold  N/A  N/A Anthony Page
318-765-3554
anthony.page@usda.gov 
Description: Thinning approximately 2,707 acres in compartments 29 & 38 of the Catahoula Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest. The proposed actions include first thinnings and intermediate thinnings.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61811
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Sections 8, 17, and 28-33 of Township 8 North, Range 1 West. Compartments 29 & 38.
Sandy Branch Ecosystem Management Project
EA
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  On Hold  N/A  N/A Anthony Page
318-765-3554
anthony.page@usda.gov 
Description: The project area is approximately 4,483 acres which includes activities of thinning, clearcutting, site preparing, planting of yellow pine, releasing seedlings, mechanical fuel reduction, herbicide application, RCW cavity installation, etc.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59813
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 35, 36, 52, 53 & 54 .
Socia Branch Trail
EA
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Raymond Sewell
318-765-3554
Raymond.Sewell@usda.gov 
Description: Construct a single-track, multi-directional trail for motorcycles, bicycles, and hikers including two trailheads, signs, etc.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=41298
Location: UNIT - Catahoula Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - T7N R1W, T8N R1W and T8N R2W. Compartments: 50, 51, 52, and 58.
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Kisatchie National Forest,   Kisatchie Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bayou L'Ivrogne Subwatershed
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Kelly Boles
318-472-1840
kelly.boles@usda.gov 
Description: Project located on Kisatchie Ranger District and will consist of clear cut and planting longleaf pine for restoration, commercial thinning, first thinning for forest health, and RCW habitat maintenance.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62286
Location: UNIT - Kisatchie Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Natchitoches. LEGAL - T5N, R6W, Sections 5 and 6; T6N, R6N, Sections 30, 31, and 32; T6N, R7W, Section 36. Compartments 44, 50,51.
Kisatchie Ranger District 2023 MVUM updates
CE
 - Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/23/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		04/2023 Kelly Boles
318-472-1840
kelly.boles@usda.gov 
Description: Kisatchie Ranger District is changing designation on multiple roads throughout the District
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62562
Location: UNIT - Kisatchie Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Natchitoches. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Throughout the Kisatchie Ranger District.
Larry Brasseaux Access Road Permit Project
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/01/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		04/2023 John Simpson
318 793 9427
john.a.simpson@usda.gov 
Description: Purpose is to issue a Special Use Permit Access from Mr Brasseaux Property off LA 119, through FS property using an existing woods road to access 40 ac owned by Mr. Brasseaux along Bayou Pierre. Less than 5 acres will be impacted by access road.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63258
Location: UNIT - Kisatchie Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Natchitoches. LEGAL - NW/4 of SW/4 of Section 18, T5N, R5W, Natchitoches Parish. Mr Brasseaux owns 2-20 acres tracts of LA 119 and is asking to access a 40ac tract he owns located SW of LA119 going through FS property using an existing woods road for ATV/UTV plus tractor.
Scenic Overlooks Beautification
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Kelly Boles
318-472-1840
kelly.boles@usda.gov 
Description: Beautification of approximately 7 scenic overlooks throughout the Kisatchie Ranger District. Work could include timber harvest/tree removal/bushhog to accentuate view.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62561
Location: UNIT - Kisatchie Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Natchitoches. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Throughout Kisatchie Ranger District, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
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Kisatchie National Forest,   Winn Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
BellSouth Amendment 25
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2023  		Expected:05/2023  06/2023 Orin Sampson
252-638-5628 ext.4010
orin.sampson@usda.gov 
Description: BellSouth is proposing to bury copper cable in a existing ROW at a depth of 36in. The project area will be approx. 626ft along HWY 126 between HWY 1233 and HWY 501.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64086
Location: UNIT - Winn Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Rapides, Winn. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T13N R5W Sec.10.
Guidry Road Permit
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2021  		Expected:12/2021  12/2021 Orin Sampson
252-638-5628 ext.4010
orin.sampson@usda.gov 
Description: Private Driveway permit (20 Year) for access across existing wooded well kept non-paved access road approximately 30 foot wide by 100 feet long to private property and existing residence with generator/solar power and well water.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61282
Location: UNIT - Winn Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Winn. LEGAL - SECTIONS 22 T9N R3W. Located in Compartment 106 on the Winn Ranger District. Off of Huey Barton Road.
Gum Springs Enhancement Project
CE
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2022  		Expected:10/2022  08/2025 Orin Sampson
318-628-4664 ext. 207
orin.sampson@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to enhance the availability of the current range of recreational opportunities available on the Gum Springs Lake. The actions include:Establishing the trail, adds a parking lot, a viewing pier, a Gazebo, and bathroom.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62636
Location: UNIT - Winn Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Winn. LEGAL - T11N R4W Sec. 33. Located on the Gum Springs Recreation Area. Off of Highway 84 E. in Winnfield, Louisiana. Right next door to the Winn Ranger District.
NATRC Competitive Trail Ride
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2023  		Expected:02/2023  09/2023 Orin Sampson
318-302-5815
orin.sampson@usda.gov 
Description: The North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) has requested a recreational special use permit that would allow them to host a equine trail ride that is judged and timed on the Gum Springs Horse Trail. The event would be held on September 8 thru 10
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63532
Location: UNIT - Winn Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Winn. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North of Winnfield, LA on HWY 84. Across the street from the Winn Ranger District.
White Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2022  		Expected:11/2022  11/2022 Orin Sampson
252-638-5628 ext.4010
orin.sampson@usda.gov 
Description: Gives Mr. White access to his private property using road W104J which is approximately 25 foot wide by .25 miles long, totaling .68 acres. For 20 years. He will place a gate at the entrance to the road which is already blocked off to the public.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63085
Location: UNIT - Winn Ranger District. STATE - Louisiana. COUNTY - Winn. LEGAL - Section 4 T10N R2W. Off of Hwy 167 near Bear Creek in Packton.
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