Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2023 to 03/31/2023
Ouachita 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, Ouachita National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  Caddo Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  Cold Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  JESSIEVILLE RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  Kiamichi Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  MENA RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  ODEN RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  Poteau Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ouachita National Forest,  Womble 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 01/2023  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 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
E-bike Use on the Ozark-St. Francis and Ouachita National Forests Environmental Assessment
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/01/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:03/2023
  		03/2023 Christopher Ham
501-321-5320
christopher.ham@usda.gov 
Description: Project to evaluate purpose-built bike trails on the Ouachita and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests to allow use of e-bikes in accordance with revised FS directives.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62170
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District, Caddo Ranger District, Oden Ranger District, Womble Ranger District, Sylamore Ranger District, Buffalo Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Benton, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Buffalo Bike Trails on Big Piney Ranger District in Newton County, Syllamo Bike Trails on Sylamore Ranger District, and Womble Trail on the Caddo-Womble and Mena-Oden Ranger Districts.
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Ouachita National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
AECC Fiber optic cable installation US Highway 71
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 11/29/2021  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Jake Cowart
706-745-6928 ext 119
jake.cowart@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to authorize Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) to install approximately 5.79 miles of underground fiber optic cable on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the existing US 71 Highway corridor.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61009
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District, Poteau Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk, Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within existing highway corridor along Highway 71 between Mena and Y city Arkansas.
Subscribe to Our Mailing Lists
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Minerals and Geology
- Land ownership management
- Land acquisition
- Special use management
- Facility management
- Road management
- Research and Development 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2023  		Expected:01/2025  01/2025 Lisa Cline
501-321-5256
lcline@fs.fed.us 
Description: To better serve the public, the Forest has migrated to an electronic mailing platform. This project provides the public access to subscribe to electronic mailing lists, giving them direct control over the information they receive.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49516
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District, Kiamichi Ranger District, Caddo Ranger District, Cold Springs Ranger District, Fourche Ranger District, Oden Ranger District, Poteau Ranger District, Womble Ranger District, Winona Ranger District, Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas, Oklahoma. COUNTY - Ashley, Garland, Hot Spring, Howard, Logan, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Polk, Saline, Scott, Sebastian, Yell, Le Flore, McCurtain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Subscribe to our mailing lists.
Two Proposed Quartz Mines - Garland and Saline Counties
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/01/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 07/2021  		Expected:10/2021
  		11/2021 Paula Homan
501-683-5313
paula.homan@usda.gov 
Description: Two mines are proposed. One is in Garland county on a previously prospected site. The other is a new proposal in Saline County. See maps.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60238
Location: UNIT - Winona Ranger District, Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Garland, Saline. LEGAL - OQC-292 T2N R17W Section 10. Latitude 34.660N. Longitude -92.236W. OQC-304P T2N R17W Section 18. Latitude 34.815N. Longitude -92.847W. Garland County Location: Saline County Location:.
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Ouachita National Forest,   Caddo Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Entergy Powerline Install on Forest Service Road 99
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/19/2022  		Expected:02/2023
  		02/2023 Clint Bryant
870-867-2101
clint.bryant@usda.gov 
Description: Install powerline to provide serivce to a private inholding surronded by National Forest System land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63269
Location: UNIT - Caddo Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - T4S R26W SEC 27-29. 7.2 miles southwest of Black Springs.
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Ouachita National Forest,   Cold Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
ARES-57757 Federal Coal Lease by Application
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  On Hold  N/A  N/A Charity Ryles
479-394-2382
charity.j.ryles@usda.gov 
Description: To consent to lease approx 3,077 ac, of federal coal, authorize AVEC to construct & maintain approx 3.6 miles of new electric distribution line through NFS lands, amend the Revised Forest Plan to identify lands that are acceptable for coal leasing.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58159
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T3N, R32W, Sections 8-11, 14, 15, 17-19.
Dutch Creek Ecological Management Unit
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Donna Reagan
479-675-4743 ext 107
donna.reagan@usda.gov 
Description: Compartments 298, 299, 300, 301, and 302 - 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60085
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - T3N R27W Sec 13-15, 22-24, and 25-27; T3N R26W Sec 1-4,7-13 and 15-20; and T4N R26W Sec 35-36. Immediately west of the Yell County line, approx. 10 mi east of Waldron, AR and approx. 15 mi south of Magazine, AR. Blue Ball is located NE of project area.
Haletown Ecological Management Unit
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Donna Reagan
479-675-3233 ext 107
donna.reagan@usda.gov 
Description: Haletown Compartments 285, 286, 287, 288 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58803
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. In Scott County, AR approximately 15 miles south of Magazine, Arkansas. State Highway 250 travels east/west along the southern border. T3NR27WS10-12,15-17;T3NR26WS5-7.
Hightower Road Easement Authorization
CE
 - Special use management
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 09/01/2022  09/2022 Christopher Bay
000-000-0000
Christopher.Bay@usda.gov 
Description: Legal access to private land across an existing road on Forest Service land. The road is approximately 20' X 231'.
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - Township 3 North, Range 27 West, Section 15, 5th Principal Meridian. 12 miles east of Waldron, Arkansas in Scott County. The road begins at Arkansas Highway 80 and runs north to the point where it enters private land.
Jack Pigeon Ecological Management Unit
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Donna Reagan
479-675-4743 ext 107
donna.reagan@usda.gov 
Description: Compartments 223, 224, 225, and 226 - 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60086
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - T4N R26W and R27W. NE Scott Co., AR south of the Logan Co. line, west of Yell County Line. FSR 51 borders south. Sugar Creek Trail western border. Near Sugar Grove, Dry Creek Wilderness, and Walk-in Turkey Hunting Area.
Johnson Creek Watershed
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/15/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:06/2023
  		08/2023 Timothy Gill
479-637-3958, ext 109
timothy.gill@usda.gov 
Description: 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62488
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T1N, R30W, Sections 14, 15, 22-27, 33-36; and T1N, R29W, S7, 17-20, 30, and 31; T1S R30W S1-4 and 9-11; and T1S R29W S6. Scott and Polk Counties, Arkansas. West of Y City and Hwy 71. S. of Nella.
Right Hand Sugar Creek Ecological Management Unit (2021/2022)
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Donna Reagan
479-675-4743 ext 107
donna.reagan@usda.gov 
Description: Compartments 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, and 277 -- 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60087
Location: UNIT - Cold Springs Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - T5N R28W Sec 1; T5N R27N Sec 3-6; T4N R28W Sec 12-13, 23-25; and T4N R27W Sec 7-9, 17-20, and 29-30. Approx 6 miles south of Booneville just west of Knopper's Ford Recreation Area. Logan/Scott County lines run east to west through the northern section of this project area.
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Ouachita National Forest,   JESSIEVILLE RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Driveway Authorization - Nelson
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Robin Vaughn
501-984-5313
rvaughn@fs.fed.us 
Description: Special use permit for an existing driveway. Size 15' x 250'. Off Forest Rd Y09.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57401
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located in Yell County at the end of Forest Road Y09.
First Electric Fiber Optic Cable Installation
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/01/2020  		Expected:07/2020
  		07/2020 Jake Cowart
706-745-6928 ext 119
jcowart@usda.gov 
Description: Fiber optic cable installation along Highway 9.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58449
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Perry, Saline. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Along Hwy 9. South of Perryville.
Irons Fork Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 08/12/2022  		Expected:11/2022
  		12/2022 Hunter Speed
501-984-5313
hunter.speed@usda.gov 
Description: Watershed level management.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59750
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Garland, Montgomery, Perry, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North of Lake Ouachita. Latitude 34 48' 22.68" N Longitude 93 22' 48.72" W.
Little Cedar Creek Farm Bill
CE
 - Forest products  On Hold  N/A  N/A Hunter Speed
501-984-5313
hunter.speed@usda.gov 
Description: Management for forest health
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58649
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Perry, Saline. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 1426, 1428, 1429.
North Alum Proposed Quartz Mine EA - OQC-288P
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 09/20/2020  		Expected:10/2020
  		10/2020 Paula Homan
5019835313 x107
paula.homan@usda.gov 
Description: A quartz mine has been proposed. It is in public domain land and must be competitively bid.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54614
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Saline. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T2N, R19W, S20/21.
Rock Creek - Huston Watershed Management Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 08/2022  		Expected:02/2023  03/2023 Christopher Dexter
(541) 467-5152
christopher.r.dexter@usda.gov 
Description: Watershed level management
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62664
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Perry. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T4N R17-19W, T3N R17-19W.
Sale of Perryville, Arkansas USFS Office
CE
 - Facility management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 08/2022  		Expected:10/2022  12/2022 Michael Welker
501-984-5313
michael.welker@usda.gov 
Description: USFS proposes to sell the building that served as its Perryville Office. Sale Date currently unkown.
Location: UNIT - Jessieville Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Perry. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 1069 N. Fourche Avenue, Perryville, AR 72126.
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Ouachita National Forest,   Kiamichi Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Buffalo Creek AOP Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/29/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		03/2023 Jona Tucker
580-494-6404
Jona.Tucker@usda.gov 
Description: This project proposes to improve aquatic organism passage (AOP), including for the threatened leopard darter, while providing access for National Forest management activities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63132
Location: UNIT - Kiamichi Ranger District. STATE - Oklahoma. COUNTY - McCurtain. LEGAL - Sections 14 and 22 in T2S-R25E. North of Broken Bow Lake, east of Hwy 259, south of Smithville, Oklahoma.
Choctaw Electric Cooperative, Inc. Power Line Upgrades Near Government Spring
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 12/16/2022  12/2022 Jona Tucker
580-494-6402 x120
jonatucker@fs.fed.us 
Description: Choctaw Electric Coop., Inc. requests authorization to upgrade transmission capacity within an existing right of way across National Forest System (NFS) lands on the Ouachita National Forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63196
Location: UNIT - Kiamichi Ranger District. STATE - Oklahoma. COUNTY - McCurtain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Hochatown, Oklahoma.
East of Broken Bow Lake
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/03/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 Jona Tucker
580-494-6502 x120
jona.tucker@usda.gov 
Description: The Oklahoma Ranger Districts propose to implement management activities to meet the needs of the East of the Lake Project Area and to move the project area toward desired conditions described in the Revised Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61462
Location: UNIT - Kiamichi Ranger District. STATE - Oklahoma. COUNTY - McCurtain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Northeast of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. East of Broken Bow Lake, McCurtain County, Oklahoma.
Road Access Across NFS Lands on Carver Mountain in S6-T2N-R25E to Private Tract
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2022  		Expected:10/2022  10/2022 Jona Tucker
580-371-6751
Jona.Tucker@usda.gov 
Description: Request for road access across NFS lands to private tract.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62560
Location: UNIT - Kiamichi Ranger District. STATE - Oklahoma. COUNTY - Le Flore. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Approximately 2.4 miles East of Muse, Oklahoma.
Tiak Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 09/17/2020  		Expected:01/2023
  		01/2023 Jona Tucker
580-494-6502 x120
jona.tucker@usda.gov 
Description: The Tiak Project Area includes approximately 14,928 acres of Forest Service lands in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. The intent is to move the project area toward the desired conditions established in the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (2005).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57672
Location: UNIT - Kiamichi Ranger District. STATE - Oklahoma. COUNTY - McCurtain. LEGAL - Acreages within Sections in T7S-R25E, T7S-R26E, T7S-27E, T8S-R24E, T8S-R25E, T8S-R26E, T8S-R27E, T9S-R25E, T9S-R26E, T9S-R27E, and T10S-R26E. East and southeast of Idabel, OK. Compartments 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1807, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1816, 1817.
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Ouachita National Forest,   MENA RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Brushy Creek
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/21/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		07/2023 Jennifer Benefield
479-394-5595-222
jennifer.benefield@usda.gov 
Description: The Mena-Oden Ranger District proposes to implement management activities to meet the needs for Brushy Creek Project Area. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions described in The Revised Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63033
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Primarily south of the community of Dallas; east of Hatfield; and west of the community of Shady, Arkansas.
Clear Fork
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/03/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2022  		Expected:01/2023
  		02/2023 Charity Ryles
479-394-2382
charity.j.ryles@usda.gov 
Description: The Mena-Oden Ranger District proposes to implement management activities to meet the needs for Clear Fork Project Area. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions described in The Revised Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61217
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk, Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Primarily North of the community of Eagleton, Arkansas, North of Mena Arkansas.
Construction of FS Access Road off of PK 48
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/26/2022  		Expected:11/2022
  		11/2022 Edwin Spence
479-394-2382
edwin.spence@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of a Forest Service access road off of PK 48. The road would cross county owned lands. Forest Service is currently seeking an easement to allow permanent access.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62947
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 2 South, Range 32 West, Sections 9, 10, and 15 in Polk County, Arkansas.
East Mill Creek
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Charity Ryles
479-394-2382
charity.j.ryles@usda.gov 
Description: The East Mill Project Area includes approximately 8,060 acres of Forest Service lands in Scott County, Arkansas. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions established in the Ouachita National Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57801
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery, Polk, Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 1133-1140 Northeast of Oden Arkansas.
Shady Lake Recreation Area Day use Rehabilitation
CE
 - Recreation management
- Facility management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 08/2022  		Expected:09/2022  05/2023 Russell Standingwater
479-394-2382
russell.standingwater@usda.gov 
Description: Maintenance, repairs, updates, and replacement of existing site facilities and infrastructure. Replacing existing fishing pier and upgrading parking lots and non-historic sidewalks to be ADA compliant. Re-design road for two-way traffic.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62699
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Shady Lake Recreation Area, T4S, R29W, S31 in Polk County, Arkansas.
Upper Black Fork
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Charity Ryles
479-394-2382
charity.j.ryles@usda.gov 
Description: Project Area includes approximately 16,266 acres of Forest Service lands in Scott and Polk County, Arkansas. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions established in the Ouachita National Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59990
Location: UNIT - Mena Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Polk, Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 1N, Range 31W Sections 3-10, 16-21 and 30-31; Township 1N, Range 32W Sections 7-30; Township 1N, Range 33W, Sections 12, 13, 24, and 25; and Township 2N,R31W Sections 33 and 34.
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Ouachita National Forest,   ODEN RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
FS Rd 149 Culvert Replacement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2022  		Expected:12/2022  03/2023 Jennifer Benefield
479-394-5595-225
jennifer.benefield@usda.gov 
Description: Removal of two culverts and installation of a bottomless aluminum box culvert at the same site. Reconstruction of approximately 100 feet of the roadway.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63144
Location: UNIT - Oden Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Township 1 North, Range 24 West, Section 20; Montgomery County, Arkansas.
Little Texas
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 11/06/2022  		Expected:02/2023
  		04/2028 Jennifer Benefield
479-394-5595-222
jennifer.benefield@usda.gov 
Description: The Mena-Oden Ranger District proposes to implement management activities to meet the needs for Clear Fork Project Area. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions described in The Revised Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62006
Location: UNIT - Oden Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Primarily North of the communities of Nola and Gravelly, Arkansas; East of Waldron, Arkansas.
Robertson Creek
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Charity Ryles
479-394-2382
charity.j.ryles@usda.gov 
Description: Robertson Creek Project Area includes approximately 12,621 acres of Forest Service lands in Scott County, Arkansas. The intent of these activities is to move the project area toward desired conditions established in the Ouachita National Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58715
Location: UNIT - Oden Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery, Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 1000-1008 Northeast of Oden, AR.
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Ouachita National Forest,   Poteau Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
West Blackfork Ecological Management Unit
EA
 - Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/15/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2023  		Expected:06/2023
  		08/2023 Donna Reagan
479-675-4743 ext 107
donna.reagan@usda.gov 
Description: 10 Year Watershed Entry
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61600
Location: UNIT - Poteau Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Scott. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T1N, R32W,S1-6 and 7-12, T2N R32W S34-36 and T1N R31W S5-6 in Scott County, AR adjacent to the AR/OK border; 10 miles SW of Waldron, AR; Nella community east of project.
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Ouachita National Forest,   Womble Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Fancy Hill Mine Reclamation
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 04/11/2021  		Expected:05/2021
  		05/2021 Andrew McCormick
501-321-5285
andrewtmccormick@fs.fed.us 
Description: Removing old mining structures left by the operator.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59326
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Montgomery County, AR.
Headwaters Little Missouri
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/31/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2022  		Expected:03/2023
  		03/2023 Mary Brown
870-867-2101
mary.e.brown@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation managements in the Headwaters Little Missouri Project Area
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58454
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Howard, Montgomery, Pike, Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 7 miles west of Black Springs, AR.
Owl Creek Gravel Pit
EA
 - Forest products
- Minerals and Geology 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/21/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2020  		Expected:03/2021
  		04/2021 Andrew McCormick
501-321-5285
andrewtmccormick@fs.fed.us 
Description: Gravel Pit Located in Garland County, AR
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58821
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Garland County, Arkansas.
Owl Creek Test Holes
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/21/2020  		Expected:10/2020
  		11/2020 Charles Stokes
479-264-6024
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Test pits to see if gravel exists in the proposed Owl Creek Gravel Pit
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58820
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Garland. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Garland County, Arkansas.
Walnut
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/31/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		01/2023 Charles Stokes
870-867-2101
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Watershed entry including timber harvest, prescribed burning, wildlife enhancement activities.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56214
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Garland, Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T2S R22&23W; T3S R22&23W.
Windstream Fiber Optic Cable Install AR188
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/22/2022  		Expected:03/2023
  		03/2023 Clint Bryant
870-867-2101
clint.bryant@usda.gov 
Description: Fiber optic installation within an existing designated corridor along Arakansas Highway 188
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63205
Location: UNIT - Womble Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - T1S R23W SEC 28, 31-33; T1S R24W SEC 36; T2S R23W SEC 5-6; T2S R24W SEC 1-4, 9. 3.4 miles northwest of Mount Ida, Arkansas.
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