Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
01/01/2022 to 03/31/2022
National Forests In North Carolina

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, National Forests In North Carolina, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Appalachian Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Cheoah Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Croatan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Grandfather Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Nantahala Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Pisgah Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Tusquittee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R8 - Southern Region, National Forests In North Carolina,  Uwharrie 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.
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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
Regional Slow the Spread Project
EA
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/05/2021  		Expected:03/2022
  		04/2022 Christopher Jones
307-461-2884
christopher.d.jones@usda.gov 
Description: Aerial treatments of an exotic moth known as Lymantria dispar using mating disruption, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or their combination.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60529
Location: UNIT - Cherokee National Forest All Units, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest All Units, National Forests In North Carolina All Units, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest All Units, Daniel Boone National Forest All Units, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest All Units. STATE - Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. COUNTY - Bath, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Mitchell, Montgomery, Onslow, Randolph, Stanly, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey, Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, McCreary, Madison, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe, Abbeville, Chester, Fairfield, Greenwood, Laurens, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Union, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Monroe, Pickett, Scott, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Cherokee, Clay, Craven, Davidson, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Jones, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, Wythe. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Daniel Boone, Sumter, Jefferson, Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests and private, state, and other federal lands within their adjacent counties.
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National Forests In North Carolina, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Wildlife Openings Management Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 09/10/2021  		Expected:03/2022
  		04/2022 Sheryl Bryan
828-257-4271
sbryan@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to maintain existing wildlife fields across North Carolina through the use of mechanical treatments, prescribed fire, and herbicides to control undesirable vegetation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55310
Location: UNIT - National Forests In North Carolina All Units. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Mitchell, Montgomery, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Carteret, Cherokee, Clay, Craven, Davidson, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Jones, McDowell, Macon, Madison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forests in North Carolina.
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National Forests In North Carolina, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Nantahala National Forest Programmatic EA for Stand Improvement Treatments
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/25/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 03/2022  		Expected:07/2022
  		07/2022 Sarah Bridges
828-837-5152
sarahbridges@fs.fed.us 
Description: Provide programmatic direction for a standard set of treatments that promote the regeneration and survival of woody forest vegetation within the natural range of historic variation for a variety of ecosystem benefits.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58407
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Swain, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Areas on the Nantahala National Forest that meet programmatic direction and which are consistent with the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to environmental and heritage resources per the EA.
Nantahala National Forest Wildlife Openings Rehabilitation Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Jason Farmer
828-479-6431
jfarmer@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to conduct rehabilitate select existing wildlife openings on the Nantahala and Tusquitee Ranger Districts in Macon and Cherokee Counties, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58851
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee, Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Select WL openings on the Nantahala and Tusquitee Ranger Districts.
Nantahala and Pisgah NFs Plan Revision
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/14/2020
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 01/2022  		Expected:07/2022
  		07/2022 Heather Luczak
828-257-4817
heather.luczak@usda.gov 
Description: Revision of the Nantahala and Pisgah NFs Land Management Plan (Forest Plan)
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=43545
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District, Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah Ranger District, Appalachian Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 18-county area in Western North Carolina.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Appalachian Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Appalachian Trail Relocation at Log Cabin
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/04/2020  		Expected:04/2022
  		06/2022 Michael Good
828-689-9694 x116
Michael.Good@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to relocate approximately 1.13 miles of trail to avoid private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59211
Location: UNIT - Appalachian Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Appalachian Trail near Log Cabin.
French Broad Electric Fiberoptic Installation Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 11/18/2021  01/2022 Jessie Howard
540-265-5130
jessie.howard@usda.gov 
Description: This project proposes to install (via lashing to existing French Broad Electric utility lines, no ground disturbance) approximately 4.4 miles (approximately 5 acres with a 10 foot special use permit width) of fiberoptic telecommunication line.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60722
Location: UNIT - Appalachian Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This is located in Madison County on Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Water Line Replacement
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Facility management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2022  		Expected:04/2022  06/2022 David McFee
828-682-6146
dmcfee@fs.fed.us 
Description: Replacement of water line from well pump to holding tank.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48779
Location: UNIT - Appalachian Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Mitchell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Roan Mountain pump house to holding tank.
Roan Peak Finder Signs and Spur trails
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/15/2021  		Expected:01/2022
  		03/2022 Michael Good
828-689-9694 x116
Michael.Good@usda.gov 
Description: Two peak finder signs installed on grassy ridge and short spur trails to those signs added to the trail system.
Location: UNIT - Appalachian Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Mitchell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. AT North of Carvers Gap.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Cheoah 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 Tower at Wauchecha Bald
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Robert Vance
828-837-5152
revance@fs.fed.us 
Description: Remove and replace the existing AT&T telecommunications tower at the existing communication tower complex on Wauchecha Bald in Graham County, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58405
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Telecommuncation complex on Wauchecha Bald, Graham County, NC.
Crossover Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/02/2017
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 04/2022  		Expected:08/2022
  		08/2022 Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action includes timber harvest, prescribed burning, and improvement of wildlife, fisheries, and botanical habitat to reestablish age class and structural diversity in NE Cherokee and southern Graham Counties, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56347
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee, Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southern and northern slopes of the Snowbird Mountains west of Topton, North Carolina.
Duke Energy Meetinghouse Mountain Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/19/2020  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 Robert Vance
828-837-5152
revance@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to relocate approximately 1,750 linear feet of power line from the south side of U.S. Hwy 28 to the north side of Hwy 28 in the Meetinghouse Mountain area of Graham County, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58848
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North and south sides of U.S. Highway 28 in the Meetinghouse Mountain area of Graham County, NC.
Lovin Landowners Access Across NFS Lands Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2021  		Expected:02/2022  02/2022 Robert Vance
828-837-5152 x117
revance@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a special use permit to allow vehicular access to a tract of private land in Graham County, NC, that has been used by the same family since the early 1900s.
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West Buffalo area of Graham County, North Carolina.
Meetinghouse Mountain Road Access Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2022  		Expected:02/2023  02/2023 Robert Vance
828-837-5152 x117
revance@fs.fed.us 
Description: Grant access across National Forest System lands on the Cheoah Ranger District in Graham County, North Carolina for vehicular access to private lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58850
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Off Meetinghouse Mountain Road near Lake Santeetlah in Graham County, North Carolina.
NCDOT Project - NC 143 Cherohala Skyway to Robbinsville
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 09/06/2020  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Allyson Conner
828-545-5941
Allyson.Conner@usda.gov 
Description: NCDOT has proposed making improvements to NC 143 from the Cherohala Skyway to SR1127 at Robbinsville in Graham County. Portions of this project are located on National Forest System lands. Project currently on hold pending additional DOT funding.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=20272
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. NC 143 from the Cherohala Skyway to SR1127 at Robbinsville.
NCDOT Project - US Highway 74 (A-9) Robbinsville to Almond
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/29/2008
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		01/2023 Allyson Conner
828-545-5941
Allyson.Conner@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to improve transportation options from Robbinsville to Almond in Graham County to provide the transportation infrastructure necessary for the well-being of local and regional traffic.
Web Link:  https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/corridor-k/Pages/default.aspx
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. US Highway 74 from Stecoah to Robbinsville.
TVA Fontana Phase 2 Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 11/22/2021  11/2021 Robert Vance
828-837-5152 x117
revance@fs.fed.us 
Description: Grant special use authorization to the Tennessee Valley Authority to utilize National Forest System lands to upgrade the electrical distribution system that serves Fontana Village.
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forest System lands in the vicinity of Lewellyn Cove on the Cheoah Ranger District, approximately 12 miles west of Stecoah Gap near Highway 28.
Water Tank Repair at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Heath Emmons
828-479-6431
heath.e.emmons@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to repair the concrete reservoir that supplies water to the flush restrooms at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on the Cheoah Ranger District in Graham County, NC. Restrooms are currently closed to public use.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60402
Location: UNIT - Cheoah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Graham. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, but confined to the interior of an existing structure that predates wilderness designation. There would be no change to wilderness characteristics.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Croatan Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Crooked Run Road
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2022  		Expected:07/2022  08/2022 Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to restore access to FSR 204 by reconstructing an existing, closed system road (FSR 209) to a maintenance level (ML) 3. Proposed road reconstruction would be approximately 2.1 miles along FSR 209.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60346
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Jones. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Jones County, Maysville, NC.
Neuse River Recreation Sites
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/29/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 08/2022  		Expected:12/2022
  		01/2023 Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The Neuse River Recreation Sites Project involves Flanners Beach, Fisher Landing, Pine Cliff and Siddie Fields Recreation sites. Potential activities include hurricane damage restoration and recreation site amenity improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60345
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Craven. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Flanners Beach, Fisher's Landing, Pine Cliff, and Siddie Fields Recreation Sites.
Newport Timber Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/28/2014  		Expected:01/2022
  		02/2022 Victoria Payne
9286355632
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The Croatan RD is proposing to improve timber stand and wildlife habitat by conducting mngmt activities on approx. 2,669 acres. The project consists of various timber and wildlife related mngmt activities to move the Forest towards desired conditions
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=37454
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Carteret. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Croatan National Forest, just west of Newport, NC.
Newport Transfer Station Permit Amendment
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/25/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 01/2022  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to issue an amended SUP for the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority to expand their existing transfer station located on the Croatan Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59766
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Carteret. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Croatan Ranger District in Carteret County NC.
Tideland 24 Recreation Event
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 10/13/2021  11/2021 Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The Croatan Ranger District of the National Forests in North Carolina is considering a 5-year special use permit for the Tideland 24 Recreation Event on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The permit would cover a 24-hour ultramarathon foot race.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60888
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Carteret. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carteret County, North Carolina. Croatan Ranger District.
White House Forks Restoration Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2022  		Expected:08/2022  09/2022 Steven Maharrey
606-864-4163
steven.maharrey@usda.gov 
Description: The Croatan Ranger District is proposing to improve and restore timber and wildlife habitat through various management treatments.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61240
Location: UNIT - Croatan Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Carteret, Jones. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Jones and Carteret Counties in North Carolina.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Grandfather Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Lovers Branch Wildfire Resilience Project
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2021  		Expected:04/2022  05/2022 Nicholas Larson
928-635-8230
nicholaslarson@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action includes a combination of stand improvement, commercial thinning, regeneration, and prescribed burning proposed to reduce the risk and increase the resilience to wildfire.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59243
Location: UNIT - Grandfather Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Caldwell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lovers Branch Area. The area is within the 602(b) Designation of Insect and Disease Infestation Landscape area.
Old Fort Trails Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 11/15/2021  01/2022 Lisa Jennings
828-652-2144
lisanjennings@fs.fed.us 
Description: Adding and modifying trails to create a new system of connecting trails in the area of Old Fort, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59242
Location: UNIT - Grandfather Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - McDowell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near Old Fort, NC.
Wilson Ridge Prescribed Burn
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Greg Philipp
828-652-2144
gphilipp@fs.fed.us 
Description: Project proposes an addition to a previously analyzed prescribed burn unit named Wilson Ridge. The addition is proposed to utilize system roads for control lines and create a better burn unit.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51261
Location: UNIT - Grandfather Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Caldwell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North and east of intersection of NFSR 45 and 4068, Wilson Ridge.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Nantahala 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 Cowee Bald Tower Farm Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 06/29/2021  06/2021 John Thompson
208-765-7385
john.thompson@usda.gov 
Description: Amend an existing special use authorization issued to AT&T to improve telecommunication service in Macon and Swain counties by installing new equipment at the tower farm site at Cowee Bald on the Nantahala Ranger District.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60396
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Tower farm site at Cowee Bald, Macon County, NC.
Alarka Creek and Greasy Branch Marina Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/02/2021  07/2021 Joseph Wood
828-5246441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a new special use authorization for the Alarka Creek Marina and the Greasy Branch Marina, which are located on National Forest System lands on the Nantahala Ranger District in Swain County, NC, which have been permitted for >40 years.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60395
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Swain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Shoreline of Fontana Lake near Alarka Creek and Greasy Branch, Swain County, NC.
Bartram Trail Osage/Scaly Relocation Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2021  		Expected:02/2022  02/2022 Viviana Ruiz
828-524-6441 x424
viviana.ruiz@usda.gov 
Description: Utilize funding from an RTP grant to improve and relocate a short section of the Bartram Trail on Scaly Mountain.
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Scaly Mountain, Macon County, NC.
Duke Energy Cowee Bald Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/15/2021  07/2021 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Amend an existing special use authorization issued to Duke Energy to improve telecommunication service by installing new / removing old equipment at the tower farm site at Cowee Bald, National Forest System lands, Macon County, NC, Nantahala RD.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60397
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Tower farm site at Cowee Bald, Macon County, NC.
Duke Energy Fontana Lake Power Line Relocation Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/16/2020  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to move a 4,900 foot segment of the existing overhead power line that crosses USFS and reinstall it on a series of new power poles within the NCDOT ROW along NC Hwy 28 near the Almond Community in Swain County, NC.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58406
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Swain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. On National Forest System lands in Swain County, NC, east of the Almond Community.
Duke Energy Wesser - Silver Mine Power Line Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/19/2020  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to replace power lines along U.S. Hwy 19 between Wesser Road and Silver Mine Road. Most of the work will occur within the existing NCDOT right-of-way.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58849
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Swain. LEGAL - Not Applicable. North of Franklin, NC, one mile above the Nantahala Outdoor Center along U.S. Highway 19.
Haywood Electric McCall Road Powerline Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/14/2021  		Expected:01/2022
  		01/2022 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Grant a special use authorization to Haywood Electric Company to install one wooden utility pole within the NCDOT ROW on McCall Road and install approximately 200 feet of powerline across NFS lands to an adjacent tract of private property.
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. McCall Road area of Macon County, NC.
Haywood Electric Scaly Mountain Fiber Optic Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/12/2021  07/2021 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a special use authorization issued to Haywood Electric Membership Corporation to improve telecommunication service by hanging approximately 8,100 feet of new fiber optic line telecommunication line in the Scaly Mountain area of Macon County, NC
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60398
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Scaly Mountain area of Macon County, NC, on the Nantahala Ranger District.
Nantahala Fire and Rescue Boat Dock - Nantahala Lake
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/18/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 Joseph Wood
828-524-6441
josephbwood@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue a special use authorization to the Nantahala Fire and Rescue Squad to construct a 20' x 6' boardwalk and steps on NFS lands at the shore of Nantahala Lake, Nantahala Ranger District, Macon County, NC, and connect to a slip for a S&R boat.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60399
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Eastern shoreline of Nantahala Lake, Macon County, NC.
Nantahala Mountains Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/10/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 02/2022  		Expected:06/2022
  		06/2022 Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152 x 108
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: Multiple resource management treatments for the Nantahala Mountains area of western Macon County, NC. Formerly Turkey Pen and Redbird Projects.
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Nantahala Mountains area of Macon County, NC, west and southwest of Franklin, NC.
Nantahala Ranger District 2021 Rx Burn Program Additions
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land management planning
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/18/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		02/2022 James Browning
828-524-6441, Ext 429
james.browning@usda.gov 
Description: Add six areas totaling approximately 10,024 acres in Macon County, North Carolina to the district's prescribed burn program.
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Six areas in Macon County, NC.
Nantahala Ranger District Post-Fire Crop Tree Release Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 02/08/2019  		Expected:04/2022
  		04/2022 Bryan Killian
828-524-6441
bkillian@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to conduct mechanical and chemical treatments to release stump sprouts of hard mast-producing trees that were top-killed during arson fires in fall of 2016.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54813
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Swain, Jackson, Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Limited to areas on the Nantahala Ranger District in Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties that were affected by arson fires in 2016.
Pol Miller Mine Closure Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 07/12/2021  07/2021 Jason Farmer
828-479-6431
jfarmer@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to close access to a vertical mine shaft near Pol Miller Branch on NFS lands in Macon County, NC which will improve the condition and safety for forest visitors and for the terrestrial wildlife species that inhabit the mineshaft.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60400
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Pol Miller Branch area of Macon County, NC.
Redbird Multiple Resource Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning
- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A David Perez
828-524-6441
davidmperez@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to conduct multiple resource management treatments to improve wildlife habitat and forest resources in Comparments 102, 110, 111, 121, and 124.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57890
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forest System lands on the Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, Compartments 102, 110, 111, 121, and 124, Macon County, NC.
Turkey Pen Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 Cancelled  N/A  N/A Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to conduct multi-resource management treatments on the Nantahala Ranger District in Macon County, North Carolina.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52068
Location: UNIT - Nantahala Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Macon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Nantahala Mountains east of Nantahala Lake, Macon County, North Carolina.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Pisgah Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bobby Setzer Fish Hatchery Redesign
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2022  		Expected:12/2022  02/2023 Heather Luczak
828-257-4817
heather.luczak@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action includes replacing the dated and failing infrastructure of the existing fish hatchery and improving operational efficiency and healthy yield of fish.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59657
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Transylvania. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery is located in Pisgah National Forest on National Forest land and is leased and operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
Butter Gap Trail Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2022  		Expected:10/2022  04/2023 Patrick Scott
828-877-3350
patrick.scott2@usda.gov 
Description: New trail construction and reroute of unsustainable sections of trail on Butter Gap and Long Branch trails. Also the construction of a connector trail between Cove Creek Campground and Daniel Ridge Road (FS 5046) on established former system trail.
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Transylvania. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Butter Gap Trail, eastern portions of Long Branch Trail, western portions of Cat Gap Trail.
Catheys Creek Watershed Improvement Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2021  		Expected:04/2022  05/2022 Brady Dodd
828-257-4214
bdodd@fs.fed.us 
Description: A Watershed Restoration Action Plan (WRAP) is in place for Catheys Creek as of 2019. The proposed activities would codify reclassifying the watershed into a %u201CProperly Functioning%u201D condition class.
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Transylvania. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Catheys Creek Watershed.
Graveyard Fields Project 2019
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/20/2020  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Patrick Scott
828-877-3350
pscott@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action includes trail maintenance in Graveyard Fields and Graveyard Ridge area; regeneration of red spruce; stand improvement treatments in recently planted red spruce in Flat Laurel; and stream restoration along Yellowstone Prong.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55665
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Haywood. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The general area of Graveyard Fields, north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and south of Shining Rock Wilderness area. .
Lickstone Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2022  		Expected:06/2022  07/2022 Jason Herron
828-689-9694
jason.herron@usda.gov 
Description: The Lickstone Project is a forest vegetation, wildlife habitat, and watershed management project.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57553
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Haywood. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Lickstone Project Area is comprised of all FS lands of the Pisgah Ranger District East of Lickstone Ridge which is approximately 25 miles southwest of Canton, NC.
NCDOT Project - Davidson River Pedestrian Bridge Construction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/20/2021  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Allyson Conner
828-545-5941
Allyson.Conner@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Davidson River linking Brevard to the Pisgah NF. The City will own and maintain the bridge. Potential activities include clearing, grading, bridge construction and relocation of power-lines.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54691
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Transylvania. LEGAL - Not Applicable. On Hwy 276 (Pisgah Hwy) near the intersection with Hwy 64, on the south side of the road just inside the Pisgah NF boundary.
NCDOT Project - Hwy 276 Sight Distance Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/30/2016  		Expected:04/2022
  		05/2022 Allyson Conner
828-545-5941
Allyson.Conner@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to remove vegetation and broaden road shoulders to improve sight distance for driver safety.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54709
Location: UNIT - Pisgah Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Transylvania. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Last switchback curve on Hwy 276 when driving from Brevard to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Tusquittee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
NCDOT Project - Replace Bridge 159 on SR 1326, Joe Brown Highway, over Hanging Dog Creek
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2022  		Expected:07/2022  08/2022 Allyson Conner
828-545-5941
Allyson.Conner@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to replace the one-lane bridge on SR 1326, Joe Brown Hwy, over Hanging Dog Creek, with a 2-lane bridge. This would also straighten the curve on the western bridge approach.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56860
Location: UNIT - Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The bridge over Hanging Dog Creek on Joe Brown Highway (SR 1326) in Cherokee County, North Carolina, northwest of Murphy.
Shortoff Knob Backcountry Rx Burn Addition
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land management planning
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2022  		Expected:03/2022  03/2022 Chad Cook
828-837-5152
chadcook@fs.fed.us 
Description: Add additional acres to the existing Shortoff Knob backcountry Rx burn unit.
Location: UNIT - Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Clay. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Hickory Cove Creek headwaters, Fires Creek watershed, south side of the Valley River Mountains.
Tusquitee Ranger District Insect Infestation Treatment Project - Phase 1
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  On Hold  N/A  N/A Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action includes planting and regeneration treatments in stands that are dominated by off-site white pine and which are at risk of insect infestation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54823
Location: UNIT - Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Selected stands that meet criteria as supporting a majority of off-site white pine on National Forest System lands in Cherokee County, NC.
Tusquitee Ranger District Prescribed Fire Reauthorizations
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to use prescribed burning on 27 separate units totaling approximately 16,776 acres in Cherokee and Clay Counties.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54815
Location: UNIT - Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee, Clay. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Existing previously authorized prescribed burn units on National Forest System lands in Cherokee and Clay counties, North Carolina.
White Grape Bend Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/25/2019
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 02/2022  		Expected:06/2022
  		06/2022 Steverson Moffat
828-837-5152
smoffat@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to conduct shortleaf pine ecosystem restoration, including timber harvest, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat, fisheries habitat, and botanical habitat improvement projects in Cherokee Co, NC near White Grape Bend on Hiawassee Lake.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56346
Location: UNIT - Tusquittee Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Cherokee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Central Cherokee County, North Carolina, near the White Grape Bend area of Hiwassee Lake.
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National Forests In North Carolina,   Uwharrie Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R8 - Southern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Footpath Divide Forest Health Restoration and Stewardship Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to authorize vegetation treatments on up to 3,000 acres of pine and/or mixed pine-hardwood stands to decrease susceptibility and increase resilience and resistance to insects and disease in the project area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60461
Location: UNIT - Uwharrie Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County, NC.
Uwharrie Roads Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/06/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2022  		Expected:10/2022
  		12/2022 Victoria Payne
2526390304
Victoria.Payne@usda.gov 
Description: The proposed action is to improve management and maintenance of approximately 5 miles of road including Forest Roads (FRs) 576 (Moccasin Creek Rd), 553 (Dutch John Rd), and 6584 (Green Gap Rd).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59699
Location: UNIT - Uwharrie Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located on the Uwharrie Ranger District in Montgomery County, NC. Includes FSRs 576, 553, and 6584.
Wood Run Recreation Area Improvements Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/27/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2022  		Expected:10/2022
  		01/2023 Theresa Savery
910-576-6391 x 102
tsavery@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action includes expansion of the trailhead parking, new trail construction in the Wood Run Area and connection of the Wood Run mountain bike area to the Yates Place Camp.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58245
Location: UNIT - Uwharrie Ranger District. STATE - North Carolina. COUNTY - Montgomery. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wood Run Mountain Biking Area.
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