Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2024 to 06/30/2024
Huron-Manistee 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
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Huron-Manistee National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Huron-Manistee National Forest,  Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Huron-Manistee National Forest,  Huron Shores Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Huron-Manistee National Forest,  Mio Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Land management planning  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 12/20/2023
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/2024  		Expected:01/2025
  		01/2025 Jennifer McRae
505-377-3145
Jennifer.McRae@usda.gov 
Description: Amend all land management plans for units of the National Forest System to include consistent direction to conserve and steward existing and recruit future old-growth forest conditions and to monitor their condition across planning areas of NFS.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65356
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. National Forests and Grasslands (128 units).
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  Completed  Actual: 02/06/2024  02/2024 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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Huron-Manistee National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Kirtland's Warbler Habitat Management Plan
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Eric Oneil
989-739-0728
comments-eastern-huron-manistee-huron-shores@usda.gov 
Description: The goal of this project is to determine a 15-year Kirtland's Warbler (KW) habitat management plan that will provide clearance for the Forest Service required 1,211-acre per year goal to create KW habitat accounting for site suitability.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63976
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District, Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, Oscoda. LEGAL - 26N05E, 26N04E, 26N03E, 25N01E, 24N07E, 23N07E, 25N03E, 25N07E, 25N02E, 26N02W, 26N01E, 25N01W, 25N04E, 24N06E, and 23N06E. The project blocks are dispersed between the Huron Shores and Mio districts on designated KW Essential Habitat.
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Huron-Manistee National Forest,   Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Arbre Farms Water Quality Monitoring Well
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/17/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 Dylan Sliter
231-745-5855
Dylan.Sliter@usda.gov 
Description: Arbre Farms LLC has requested that a permit be amended to authorize the addition of an additional water quality monitoring well.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65073
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oceana. LEGAL - T16N, R15W, Section 28. Colfax Township, Oceana County.
Capitol Chapter Conservation Cycle Club Trailride
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/24/2024  		Expected:02/2024
  		05/2024 Colette Boothman
231-745-5849
Colette.Boothman@usda.gov 
Description: Trail ride for dirt bikes and ATVs. Staging out of the Whiskey Creek Campground, using the Big O and Little O motorcycle/ORV trails.
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The group will be staying at Whiskey Creek Campground, and utilizing the Big and Little "O" Motorized Trails.
Clark Access
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/17/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		12/2023 Dylan Sliter
231-745-5855
Dylan.Sliter@usda.gov 
Description: James Clark has requested that a permit be issued to authorize the use and maintenance of a non-system road to access his private property. He will perform regular maintenance as approved in an operating plan.
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake. LEGAL - T17N, R14W, Section 32. Lake Township, Lake County.
Consumers Energy: Skeels Road
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/17/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		12/2023 Katie Racey
231-745-4631 ex 3138
katie.racey@usda.gov 
Description: Consumers Energy wishes to install a new buried electrical line within the existing roadbed of a natural surface 2-track road.
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oceana. LEGAL - T13N, R16E, Section 33. Otto Township, Oceana County.
Forest Road 5043 Partial Road Closure Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/23/2024  		Expected:03/2024
  		03/2024 Heather Keough
231-745-4631
heather.keough@usda.gov 
Description: Currently Forest Road 5043 goes south from Hayes Road into sensitive wetland habitat. Forest users are accessing wetlands at the end of the road to use for mud running. The southernmost part of the road experiences erosion from high water levels.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65598
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Newaygo. LEGAL - T15N, R12W, Sections 5,8. Forest Road 5043 travels south from Hayes Road for approximately one mile.
Gleason's Landing Handpump Removal Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/23/2024  		Expected:03/2024
  		03/2024 Russell Sutton
231-942-4927
russell.sutton@usda.gov 
Description: The project would remove the handpump, plug the well casing using bentonite/neat cement, remove the concrete slab, and cut the casing off 4 feet below grade. These are State of Michigan and USFS requirements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65604
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake. LEGAL - T17N, R14W, Section 13. Located at the Gleason's Landing Campground and River Access Site.
McMillian Access Request
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/05/2024  		Expected:04/2024
  		04/2024 Katie Racey
231-745-4631 ex 3138
katie.racey@usda.gov 
Description: Landowner is requesting the construction of a new road to access his private property, which is surrounded by NFS lands. The route will follow an old logging road, requiring the removal of trees, grading the road surface, and installing a gate.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65750
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake. LEGAL - T19N, R13W, Sections 21 and 22. Peacock Township, Lake County.
Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Commission: Dragon Trail Access
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/17/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		12/2023 Katie Racey
231-745-4631 ex 3138
katie.racey@usda.gov 
Description: The Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Commission requesting permission to install, operate and maintain about 40 ft of bike optimized natural surface trail on US Forest Service Property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65070
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Newaygo. LEGAL - T13N, R11E, Section 27. Big Prairie Township, Newaygo County, adjacent to Consumer's Energy property around Hardy Pond.
North Country Trail Reroutes Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2024  		Expected:03/2024  03/2024 Steven Sawyer
231-745-5851
Steven.Sawyer@usda.gov 
Description: The project would reroute five sections of the North Country Trail during the 2024 field season. Reroutes would provide a higher quality, safer, and more sustainable hiking experience by moving the trail and using a more sustainable design.
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Newaygo. LEGAL - T13N,R12W,Sec 32; T13N,R13W,Sec 2; T14N,R13W,Sec 26; T15N,R13W,Sec 35; T15N,R13W,Sec 6. Basswood/M37; Echo Drive; Cole Creek; 6 Mile Road; Nichols Lake.
Otto-Grant Road and Recreation Improvement Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2023  		Expected:06/2024  06/2024 Dave Jaunese
231-745-4631 Ext. 3122
David.Jaunese@usda.gov 
Description: FS lands in Otto-White River area have been heavily impacted from illegal offroading and extensive camping use. The road system would be managed by redesignating use, road closures, moving roads to a more sustainable route, and designating campsites.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59717
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oceana. LEGAL - T13N, R17W, Sections 9-16, 21-28, and 33-36; T13N, R16W, Sections 7-36. The project area is in Grant and Otto Townships of Oceana County. The project area is bounded by Arthur Road (north), 160th Avenue (east), Skeels Road (south), and Oceana Road (west).
Puckett Access Request
CE
 - Special use management  Completed  Actual: 12/19/2023  12/2023 Katie Racey
231-745-4631 ex 3138
katie.racey@usda.gov 
Description: Use and maintenance of an existing system road accessing private property. The owner wishes to perform regular road maintenance activities as approved in an operating plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63533
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake. LEGAL - T17N R13W Section 8 Pleasant Plains township. T17N R13W section 8.
Wildlife Area Restoration Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Mark Herberger
231-723-2211
mark.herberger@usda.gov 
Description: A wildlife habitat and fuels management project that uses a wide variety of management techniques to treat up to 65,000 acres over a 25 year period across the entire Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District.
Location: UNIT - Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is spread across the entirety of the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District.
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Huron-Manistee National Forest,   Huron Shores Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2023 Brittle Reforestation Project
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/23/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		04/2024 Benjamin Daly
989-739-0728 x3052
benjamin.daly@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to address the need for reforestation in some of the areas within the 2021 Brittle Fire area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64189
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iosco. LEGAL - The legal description for proposed activities is 24N 06E Sections 35 and 36; 23N, 06E, Sections 4 and 9. The general location of this project is the Southwest of River Road and East of Iargo Springs Road about 17 miles West of Oscoda, MI.
Developed Recreation Site Maintenance
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 08/10/2022  		Expected:06/2023
  		06/2023 Andrew Kenyon
989-739-0728
andrew.kenyon@usda.gov 
Description: This CE addresses recreation deferred maintenance in campgrounds, day use sites, and other recreation facilities on the district. Three major projects include Round Lake and Jewell Lake Campgrounds, Iargo Springs, and boat launch improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62470
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona, Iosco. LEGAL - Jewell Lake: Section 04 Township 26 North, Range 7 East, Pine River: Section 16 Township 25 North, Range 7 East, AuSable Vista: Section 13 Township 25 North, Range 5 East, Iargo Springs: Section 26. Campgrounds, boat launches, day use sites on the Huron Shores district.
Huron Shores Ranger District Jack Pine Mastication Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 11/13/2023  12/2023 Benjamin Daly
(989)739-0728
comments-eastern-huron-manistee-huron-shores@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to create openings in dense jack pine stands for wildlife habitat and to monitor understory vegetation response to opening creation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65139
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near Tuttle Road and Vandercook Road.
Pine River Branches Project
EA
 - Special area management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Benjamin Daly
989 739 0728
comments-eastern-huron-manistee-huron-shores@usda.gov 
Description: Managing timber resources, maintaining early successional wildlife habitat (forest openings and alder), reducing wildfire potential through prescribed fire and hazardous fuelbreak management, suppressing or eliminating non-native plants.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62959
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona. LEGAL - 26N06E, Sec 13-15, 21-28, 34-36; 26N07E, Sec 1, 2,11-24; 26N08E, Sec 4-9, 16-18; 27N07E, Sec 35, 36; 27N08E, Sec 30-33. Hawes, Gustin, and Millen Townships of Alcona County, Michigan.
Pine River Channel Restoration Project
CE
 - Watershed management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/04/2022  		Expected:05/2023
  		05/2023 Luca Adelfio
907-424-4753
luca.adelfio@usda.gov 
Description: Removal of unneeded mid-channel concrete structures blocking fish passage, reducing habitat quality, and damaging a hiking trail.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62629
Location: UNIT - Huron Shores Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona. LEGAL - Township 25N, Range 7E, Section 16. The project is located at the Pine River Recreation Area and Campground along the South Branch of the Pine River near Glennie in Millen Township.
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Huron-Manistee National Forest,   Mio Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2023 Mio Ranger District Openings Maintenance Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/07/2023  		Expected:10/2023
  		10/2023 Greyling Brandt
218-663-8084
greyling.brandt@usda.gov 
Description: We are proposing to maintain open and/or early successional habitat conditions in approximately 5,050 acres of established wildlife openings.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63936
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Alcona, Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Mio Ranger District.
Consumers Energy Indian Lake Road Special Use Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/16/2024  		Expected:03/2024
  		03/2024 Katie Racey
231-745-4631 ex 3138
katie.racey@usda.gov 
Description: Consumers Energy wishes to install a buried electrical line and associated fiberglass cabinets just outside the existing right-of-way of Forest Roads 4880 and 4877 to provide new electrical service to a private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65660
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oscoda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Section 8 of T27N R4E, Oscoda county.
Harmon Road Haul Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Patricia Beebe
9898263252 ext3355
patricia.beebe@usda.gov 
Description: Temporary special use authorization to permit the company to use equipment and haul logs across National Forest System (NFS) lands, between private property and public roadways. Temporary road construction of less than 1 mile.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65494
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oscoda. LEGAL - T26N R3E Section 5. Mentor Township, Oscoda County, Michigan.
Kneff Lake Recreation Facilities Renovation Project
CE
 - Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/25/2023  		Expected:10/2023
  		04/2024 Bradley Schumaker
989-826-3252 x3420
bradley.schumaker@usda.gov 
Description: The goal of this project is to ??renovate and replace the water system and retaining wall at the Kneff Lake Day Use and Campground.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64903
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Crawford. LEGAL - NE ?, Sec 20, T26N, R2W. The general location of this project is about eight miles east of the city of Grayling.
Mio Ranger District Jack Pine Mastication Project
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 11/13/2023  12/2023 Benjamin Daly
(989) 826-3252
comments-eastern-huron-manistee-mio@usda.gov 
Description: The purpose of this project is to create openings in dense jack pine stands for wildlife habitat and to monitor understory vegetation response to opening creation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65141
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oscoda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near M-18 and Curtisville Road.
Red Creek Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A Karlis Lazda
989-826-3252
karlis.lazda@usda.gov 
Description: Proposed actions include reducing wildfire potential, managing timber resources, providing for Kirtlands warbler breeding habitat, maintaining early successional wildlife habitat, suppressing non-native plant species infestations, and road management
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62753
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Crawford, Oscoda. LEGAL - Oscoda County-T25 N, R1 E, S4 thru 8,10,11,and 15.T26N R1E, S1 thru 3,10 thru23,and 26thru 34.T25N, R2E, S5 thru 8,and 18. Crawford County - T25N, R1W,S1, 2, 3, 9 thru 14, 24, 25, and 34 thru 36. The proposed actions are located on National Forest System lands in Big Creek Township in Oscoda County and South Branch Township in Crawford County, Michigan.
Valley Road Gravel Pit Restoration Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 02/13/2024  02/2024 Dana Meder
989-826-3252 x3334
Dana.Meder@usda.gov 
Description: A 7.4 acre former gravel storage area on the southeast corner of Valley Rd and Howard Rd (FR 4538) is proposed for restoration and conversion to a native seed nursery.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64905
Location: UNIT - Mio Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Oscoda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. A 7.4 acre former gravel storage area on the southeast corner of Valley Rd and Howard Rd (FR 4538).
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