Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2023 to 12/31/2023
Ozark-St. Francis 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, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  BUFFALO RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  Bayou Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  Boston Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  Magazine Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  Pleasant Hill Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  St. Francis Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,  Sylamore 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 09/2023  		Expected:09/2023
  		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
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 10/2023  		Expected:01/2024
  		01/2024 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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Ozark-St. Francis 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
Amendment of Appendix F of the Forest Plan
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  Completed  Actual: 07/05/2023  07/2023 Janine Book
479-964-7282
janine.book@usda.gov 
Description: This is a programmatic plan amendment affecting vegetation management practices described in Appendix F of the Forest Plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58633
Location: UNIT - Ozark-St. Francis National Forest All Units. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Benton, Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Lee, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Phillips, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
Ozark Vegetation Management Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Janine Book
479-964-7282
janine.book@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation management activities across Ozark National Forest, including timber, silvicultural treatments, burning, and wildlife management, also connected actions such as roads/firebreaks.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61695
Location: UNIT - Ozark-St. Francis National Forest All Units. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Benton, Conway, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Lee, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Phillips, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, Washington, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Ozark National Forest.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Highway 23 bridge replacement over Mulberry River
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 08/28/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Janine Book
479-964-7282
janine.book@usda.gov 
Description: ARDOT is planning improvements to Highway 23 approximately 1.6 miles south of Cass in Franklin County on National Forest. More info including draft EA available @ https://vpiph03-job-040621-mulberry-river-str-and-apprs-en-ardot.hub.arcgis.com
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62661
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District, Pleasant Hill Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Franklin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Highway 23 approximately 1.6 miles south of Cass in Franklin County.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   BUFFALO RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2020 Richland Creek Road Land Slide
CE
 - Watershed management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Michael Mulford
870-446-5122
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: Stabilize a section of Searcy County Road 1205 and remove material sliding down onto the road. Approximately 1 mile to the South another project is being analyzed to relocate the road out of Falling Water Creek. These are 2 separate projects.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58055
Location: UNIT - Buffalo Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Searcy. LEGAL - Township 13 North, Range 18 West, Section 18. This project is less than 5 acres in size and has impacted Searcy County Road 1205 and the hillside above the road. Material would need to be removed and the road stabilized.
2023 Rosetta Forest Restoration CE
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/15/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 Jimmie Dixon
870-446-5122
jimmie.dixon@usda.gov 
Description: Project is designed to increase hardwood resiliency, to improve forest health, promote species diversity, increase productivity and promote a more resilient forest. This area has also had several storm events occur within the past 10 years.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63438
Location: UNIT - Buffalo Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - T12N R22W. This project is near the community of Salus and Rosetta.
Richland Creek Road Realignment Project CE
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Completed  Actual: 07/24/2023  09/2023 Michael Mulford
870-446-5122
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: Realign road away from Falling Water Creek and stabilize eroded section of streambank.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62676
Location: UNIT - Buffalo Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Searcy. LEGAL - Township 13 North, Range 18 West, Section 19. This project is located approximately 2 miles south of Richland Creek Campground and approximately 2.5 miles West of the community of Witt Springs.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   Bayou Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2022 Blue Hole Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special area management
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 07/26/2023  10/2023 Michael Mulford
870-446-5122
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: Ensuring the Blue Hole Special Interest Area retain its undisturbed and natural conditions for primitive and non-mechanized recreational enjoyment, to improve water quality, and protect the geological and scenic values.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61646
Location: UNIT - Bayou Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Pope. LEGAL - T10N R18W SEC14 the SIA covers parts of sec 10, 11, 12, 13,14,15,22 ,23, 27. This project is approximately 3 miles northeast of the community of Hector, AR. Project lies north of White oak mountain and south of East Fork Wilderness Area.
2024 Big Piney Prescribed Burn and Habitat Restoration Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/24/2023
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2023  		Expected:02/2024
  		03/2024 Michael Mulford
870-446-5192
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: The project area for the 2024 Big Piney Burning and Habitat Restoration Project proposes periodic prescribed burning on 131,595 acres of National Forest lands in Johnson, Newton, Madison, Searcy, Pope, Conway, and Van Buren Counties.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64654
Location: UNIT - Bayou Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Conway, Johnson, Madison, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Van Buren. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Various across Big Piney District.
2024 Big Piney Prescribed Burn and Habitat Restoration Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Fuels management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Michael Mulford
870-446-5122
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: Duplicate entry error
Location: UNIT - Bayou Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Conway, Johnson, Madison, Newton, Pope, Searcy, Van Buren. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Various across Big Piney District.
Liberty Springs Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products  Completed  Actual: 07/18/2023  10/2023 Michael Mulford
870-446-5122
michael.mulford@usda.gov 
Description: Project to thin overcrowded pine stands to reduce hazardous fuels and potential insect disease outbreak. Create a healthy more resilient forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62640
Location: UNIT - Bayou Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Van Buren. LEGAL - Van Buren County, Arkansas Township 10 North, Range 17 West, Sections 10-15, and 23-24 and Township 10 North, Range 16 West, Sections 5-8,16-17,19-20, and 29-30. Eastside of District between Brock Creek Rec. Area and District boundary.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   Boston Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
BOS0165 Amendment 4 Special Use Request
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/12/2022  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Joseph Wood
740-534-6533
joseph.wood@usda.gov 
Description: Powerline ROW off of Hwy 74
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Washington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sec 25 T13N R31W, Near Devils Den State Park.
BOS0294 Special Use Request
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/03/2022  		Expected:12/2023
  		12/2023 Joseph Wood
740-534-6533
joseph.wood@usda.gov 
Description: Authorize a neighboring landowner to convert a two-track road to a private driveway. The driveway will be 261 feet long and 20 feet wide. In addition to the driveway, also authorize a waterline to run the length of the driveway to where it cuts over
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Crawford. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sec. 28 T12N R32W.
BOS0305 Access Request
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/12/2023  		Expected:10/2023
  		10/2023 Joseph Wood
740-534-6533
joseph.wood@usda.gov 
Description: Granting a special use permit to a private landowner to use and maintain FS Road95599B to access private land.
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Crawford. LEGAL - T11N, R31W Sec. 30. FS Road 95599B on the Boston Mountain Ranger District.
Devil's Den Trail System
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/18/2020  		Expected:04/2024
  		12/2024 Charles Stokes
479-264-6024
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Construct 6.27 miles of mountain bike trail, reconstruct 0.36 miles of existing mountain bike trail, and maintain 20.17 miles of existing hiking and horse trails in addition to the mountain bike trails on FS land adjacent to Devils Den State Park.
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Washington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Service System land surrounding Devil's Den State Park.
Electric Gate with Security System on Forest Service Road 1722
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2023  		Expected:12/2023  12/2023 Kyle Burris
479-964-7245
kyle.burris@usda.gov 
Description: Install electric gate with keypad and security system (2 dome cameras on poles). Install security system communication line (approx. 1,860 feet in length by 2 feet in width within telephone/electric ROW)
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Crawford. LEGAL - Section 14 of Township 11 North, Range 32 West, 5th Principle Meridian. Forest Service Road 1722 within Section 14 of Township 11 North, Range 32 West, 5th Principle Meridian, Crawford County AR.
Fanes Mill
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2023  		Expected:03/2024  04/2024 Coy Longshore
479-667-2191
coy.longshore@usda.gov 
Description: Multi-resource project to help improve forest conditions; stands more resilient to stressors such as weather, insects, and disease. Improving habitat for game species as well as threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Improving trails, roads.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57438
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Crawford, Franklin, Madison. LEGAL - multiple sections in T 12N R 26W, T 12N R 27W, T 13N R 26W, T 13N R 27W. Primarily in Madison and Franklin counties. Bounded on the north by the White River, the east by Highway 23. Near towns: Cass to the south, Brashears northeast, Combs northwest.
Ford Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Special area management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Special use management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 06/06/2022  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 Jobi Brown
479-667-2191 x2175
jobi.brown@usda.gov 
Description: Multi-resource project to help improve forest conditions with trees that are more resilient to insects, diseases, weather events; improve habitat for threatened, endangered and sensitive species; improve watershed conditions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44980
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Crawford, Franklin. LEGAL - multiple sections in townships 11N 28W, 11N 29W, 11N 30W, 12N 28W, 12N 29W, 12N 30W. On main division in vicinity of Mountainburg and Chester Arkansas. Aboout 10 miles south of Winslow, AR and 15 miles North of Alma, AR. East of interstate I49 and north of interstate I40.
Range Allotment Management Project
EA
 - Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jobi Brown
479-667-2191 x2175
jobi.brown@usda.gov 
Description: Manage allotments on district by grazing livestock to combat woody plant encroachment and maintain open conditions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53774
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Benton, Crawford, Washington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple allotments on Wedington, Lee Creek, and Main Units of the district.
Temple Hill Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/02/2022  		Expected:05/2024
  		06/2024 James Lindsay
479-667-2191
james.a.lindsay@usda.gov 
Description: 252 acres pine and 434 acres hardwood thinning. Prescribed burning in total project area of 2603 acres.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61864
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Benton, Washington. LEGAL - T13N R28W Sections 19 and 20. Main Unit near the Temple Hill Community.
Wedington Wildcat Stream Restoration Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2023  		Expected:11/2023  12/2023 Jobi Brown
479-667-2191
 
Description: Streambank and riparian area restoration activities to exclude cattle from stream using fencing. Plant native species to protect and stabilize streambanks, deter off road vehicles from accessing stream using boulders.
Location: UNIT - Boston Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Benton, Washington. LEGAL - sections 5, 6, 7, 8 in T 17 N Range 31 W. Wedington Unit in Washington County Arkansas.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   Magazine Mountain Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Boston Mountain and Mt. Magazine Developed Recreation Improvements
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management
- Facility management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A Charles Stokes
479-264-6024
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Improve the Boston Mountain and Mt. Magazine Ranger Districts developed recreation sites - Shores Lake, White Rock, Lake Wedington, Cove Lake, and Spring Lake - on a sustainable basis.
Location: UNIT - Magazine Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Franklin, Logan, Washington, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Shores Lake, White Rock, Lake Wedington, Cove Lake, and Spring Lake Recreation Areas on the Boston Mountain and Mt. Magazine Ranger Districts of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
Cameron Bluff Campground Expansion
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/28/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 Joseph Wood
740-534-6533
joseph.wood@usda.gov 
Description: Arkansas State Parks have requested to amend their permit for Mt. Magazine and expand Cameron Bluff Campground
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63629
Location: UNIT - Magazine Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Logan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mt. Magazine State Park.
Carter Mountain 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 03/09/2022  		Expected:02/2024
  		03/2024 Charles Stokes
479-264-6024
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Forest management in the Carter Mountain area of the Mt. Magazine Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60502
Location: UNIT - Magazine Mountain Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Logan, Yell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T6N-7N, R22W-23W.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   Pleasant Hill Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Mulberry River Stream and Riparian Restoration Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Watershed management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2023  		Expected:02/2024  03/2024 Matthew Anderson
479-964-7231
matthew.anderson4@usda.gov 
Description: Improve riparian conditions and reduce erosion on the Mulberry River
Location: UNIT - Pleasant Hill Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T12N, R24W, Sections 19 & 20.
PLE0201 Permit Amendment
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 08/11/2023  09/2023 Charles Stokes
479-754-2864
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: the removal and rehab of 10,420' of pipeline that is no longer in use.
Location: UNIT - Pleasant Hill Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Section 31 of T12N, R23W; Sections 32 & 33 of T12N, R24W; & Section 4 of 11N, R24W, in Johnson County, AR.
Provide Access to Private Property in Section 28 of T13N R24W
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/10/2020  		Expected:10/2023
  		11/2023 Charles Stokes
479-264-6024
Charles.Stokes@usda.gov 
Description: Provide access across a closed road to an adjacent private landowner. Landowner will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the closed road.
Location: UNIT - Pleasant Hill Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Road will go west starting at Forest Service Road 1434a and south of the Ozark Highlands Trail in Section 28 of T13N R24W.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   St. Francis Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bear Creek Lake Dam Spillway Rehabilitation Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 07/20/2022  		Expected:08/2024
  		09/2024 Jan Franks
870-269-3228
jan.franks@usda.gov 
Description: Replacement of the Bear Creek Lake dam primary chute spillway & associated activities to address deficiencies that led to failure of the existing spillway in 2019 & to ensure the structure meets established national standards
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62111
Location: UNIT - St. Francis Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Lee. LEGAL - Bear Creek Lake, Lee County, AR T1N, R4E, Sec. 8 & 9. Dam creating Bear Creek Lake in Lee, County, AR.
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Ozark-St. Francis National Forests,   Sylamore Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Blanchard Springs Caverns Facilities Renovation Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Heritage resource management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/31/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 11/2023  		Expected:06/2024
  		07/2024 Jan Franks
870 269 3228
jan.franks@usda.gov 
Description: Renovation of the Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor Information Center and cavern trail infrastructure within Blanchard Springs Caverns
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58732
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Stone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor Information Center and cavern trails within the Blanchard Springs Developed Recreation Area Complex.
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation Fiber Optic Utility Corridors
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/06/2023  08/2023 Kenney Smedley
479-284-3150
kenney.smedley@usda.gov 
Description: 30 yr permit(s) requested by North AR Electric Cooperative to occupy and maintain fiber optic corridors across NFS lands. Involves continued use in existing corridors and a new 12.3 mile corridor to provide high speed internet to Big Flat, AR
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63341
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Stone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Existing NAEC utility corridors in Stone and Baxter Counties. Proposed new corridor on the east side of Hwy 341 in Baxter County.
Permit to Use and Maintain FSR91013C and an Un-named Forest Service Road to access Private Land
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/15/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		11/2023 Kenney Smedley
479-284-3150
kenney.smedley@usda.gov 
Description: Issue a special use permit to a landowner to use and maintain FSR91013B and an unnamed NFS road to access his private property which is surrounded by NFS lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63332
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter. LEGAL - Not Applicable. FSR91013C (2787 feet),Unnamed FSR (227 feet) within T17N, R12W, Section 16 in Baxter County AR.
Special Use Permit SYL0023-Amendment 3
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2023  		Expected:01/2024  01/2024 Kenney Smedley
479-284-3150
kenney.smedley@usda.gov 
Description: Amend Entergy Arkansas's existing permit (SYL0023) to authorize an additional 2019 feet of new aerial utility corridor measuring 30 feet in width to provide electric service to a private landowner whose property is surrounded by NFS land.
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Stone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within T.15.N R.13.W, Section 1 in Stone County in the vicinity of Bear Pen Road.
Sylamore Range Allotment Management Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Special use management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Jan Franks
870-269-3228
jan.franks@usda.gov 
Description: Proposing management of 4 range allotments with conversion from exotic pasture grass to native grasses, forbs and herbaceous species on fields; proposal includes placing 2 allotments in closed status and removing them from the NFS range system.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=42968
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Stone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Six range allotments on the Sylamore District located within Baxter (2 allotments) and Stone (4 allotments) County.
Walk and Roll Trail Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jan Franks
870-269-3228
jan.franks@usda.gov 
Description: Maintenance and improvement of non-motorized trails; actions will include realignment when needed;limited herbicide use; converting a road and a user-created trail to system trail; constructing new trail
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44724
Location: UNIT - Sylamore Ranger District. STATE - Arkansas. COUNTY - Baxter, Searcy, Stone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. corridors up to 400' wide of NFS land centered on system trail treads.
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