Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2021 to 12/31/2021
Ottawa 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, Ottawa National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest,  Bergland Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest,  Bessemer Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest,  Iron River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest,  Kenton Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest,  Watersmeet 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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Ottawa National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2021 North Zone Special Use Permits Authorization
CE
 - Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 07/2021  		Expected:08/2021  08/2021 Shawn Brown
906-285-6913
spbrown@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal to issue four new Special Use Permits to separate private landowners to access their private property across National Forest land using existing and new travel ways. Permits would set terms/conditions for use up to 10 years starting in 2021.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59090
Location: UNIT - Kenton Ranger District, Ontonagon Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Houghton, Ontonagon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Walton Crk-T47N R37W Sections 26 and 35, Houghton Cty. Hash Crk-T49N R38W Section 3, Ontonagon Cty. FR1750-T50N R36W Section 21, Houghton Cty. FR2210-I-T48N R35W Sections: 6, 18, and 19, Houghton Cty.
Baraga II Vegetation Management Project
EA

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management
- Climate Change Adaption 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/16/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 08/2022  		Expected:08/2022
  		09/2022 Christopher Kovala
906-852-3500
christopherskovala@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Baraga II VMP includes approximately 21,674 acres within Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, and Iron Counties, Michigan. Approximately 865 of these acres are comprised of jack pine stands located outside of the primary project area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60519
Location: UNIT - Kenton Ranger District, Ontonagon Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Baraga, Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Baraga II VMP is located within Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, and Iron Counties, Michigan. Iron and Ontonagon counties only include scattered jack pine stands outside of the primary project area.
Ontonagon County Telephone Company Fiber Optics Project
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/11/2021  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Shawn Brown
906-285-6913
spbrown@fs.fed.us 
Description: Ontonagon County Telephone Company is planning on placing a new fiber optic line in Ontonagon County, MI. Approximately 1.2 miles of fiber optic cable will be placed within the road right-of-way along Ottawa National Forest land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59330
Location: UNIT - Ontonagon Ranger District, Watersmeet Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Ontonagon. LEGAL - M-38: T50N, R39W, Sec 4 W1/2W1/2, Sect. 5 N1/2N1/2, W1/2NW, W1/2SW. Sleepy Hollow: T46N, R39W, Sect. 9 N1/2N1/2, Sect. 8 N1/2N1/2, Sect. 7 NENE, W1/2NE, Sect. 6 W1/2SE and T46N, R40W, Sect.11 NENE. M-38 and Sleepy Hollow road Right of Ways (see legal description).
Sun Lake Vegetation Management Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Minerals and Geology
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/11/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2021  		Expected:02/2022
  		03/2022 Christine Makuck
906-358-4032
christine.makuck@usda.gov 
Description: Project proposal includes activities associated with vegetation management, wildlife habitat, fire and fuels, old growth classification, aquatic resource, transportation system, designated public motorized access and non-motorized trails, and gravel.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59508
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District, Watersmeet Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Gogebic, Iron. LEGAL - T43N, R39W Sec 1-5; T44N, R37W Sec 3-9, 17-19; T44N, R38W Sec 1-36; T44N, R39W Sec 1-36; T44N, R40W Sec 2-4; T45N, R37W Sec 15-24, 26-34; T45N, R38W Sec 7, 8, 13-36; T45N, R39W Sec 13, 14, 19-36;T45N, R 40W Sec 13, 21-28, 33-36. The project area is in the vicinity of Watersmeet, Michigan.
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Ottawa National Forest,   Bergland Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bergland New Use - FR696,696-C
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Shawn Brown
906-285-6913
spbrown@fs.fed.us 
Description: Access is requested to utilize Forest system and non-system travelways to their private land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51754
Location: UNIT - Bergland Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Ontonagon. LEGAL - T50N, R40W, Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 16. Approximately 8 miles south of Ontonagon on Norwich Road, then 6 miles east on Forest Road 690, to 696, then 696-C north into the NWNW corner of Section 3.
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Ottawa National Forest,   Bessemer Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Black River Harbor Dock Improvement II Project
CE
 - Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/13/2021  		Expected:08/2021
  		04/2022 Nathaniel Dulaney
906-884-2085 x88420
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: The project seeks to replace approximately 1,000 feet of dock infrastructure in the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The dock has exceeded the structural life expectancy and is requiring extensive maintenance and repair to provide for public use.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60088
Location: UNIT - Bessemer Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Gogebic. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T49N, R36W, Section 3.
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Ottawa National Forest,   Iron River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2130 M Trail Association - Special use road request
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 03/06/2020  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Michelle Holland
906-358-4021
mholland@fs.fed.us 
Description: proposal for a special use road permit that covers Forest Road 2130-M for use and maintenance to access private property. Approximately 0.45 miles of road.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57237
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron. LEGAL - T46N, R35W, Sec. 26, SWSW, SESW. Forest Road 2130-M on the east side of Perch Lake.
Iron River New Use - FR3460
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/14/2013  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Michelle Holland
906-358-4021
mholland@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to issue a long-term special use permit to landowners for use and maintenance of FR 3460 and other existing roads approx. 0.83 miles in length on NFS lands in order to access private property.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50897
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron. LEGAL - T44N, R36W, Sec. 1, SESE, SENW; Sec. 12, N1/2NW and T44N, R35W, Sec. 6, SESW. Project is located off of CR 657, approx. 2 miles west of its intersection with Gibbs City Road.
Iron River New Uses - FR2184 and 4020
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 11/22/2016  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Michelle Holland
906-358-4021
mholland@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to issue special use permits on Federal roads for landowner use to access private land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50361
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron. LEGAL - T44N, R37W, Sec 9 and 10; T45N, R35W, Sec 25 and 26. Forest Roads 2184, 4020 and 4020-A.
Iron River New Uses - FR3409 and 3212
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/18/2015  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Michelle Holland
906-358-4021
mholland@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to issue three special use permits on Federal roads for landowner use to access private land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47267
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron. LEGAL - T43N, R37W, Sec. 10; T45N, R36W, Sec. 8. Forest Roads 3212, 3409, and 3476 on the Iron River District.
Mallard Lake, South 3340
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/19/2015  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Michelle Holland
906-358-4021
mholland@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal is to issue a special use permit for existing roads, in order to access private land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50348
Location: UNIT - Iron River Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron. LEGAL - T45N, R37W, Sec. 21. Non-system roads on the south side of FR 3340, approx. 1.5 miles west of FH16.
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Ottawa National Forest,   Kenton Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2021 North Zone Fiber Optic Installation Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 09/07/2021  10/2021 Shawn Brown
906-285-6913
spbrown@fs.fed.us 
Description: Fiber optic placement. Will use the vibratory and/or static plow and directional bore methods. The fiber will be placed entirely within road right of way. Best management procedures will be followed to prevent and minimize erosion and sediment runoff
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60048
Location: UNIT - Kenton Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Baraga, Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lines located near: Rockland, Agate (Trout Creek), Markley Lake, Kenton, and Perch Lake.
Tepee Lake Vegetation Management Project
EA
 - Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Minerals and Geology
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/05/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 08/2021  		Expected:06/2022
  		07/2022 Christopher Kovala
906-852-3500
christopherskovala@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Tepee Lake VMP is located on the Kenton and Iron River Ranger Districts, in Houghton, Iron, and Ontonagon Counties, Michigan. The project area includes approximately 45,940 acres, of which about 33,021 acres are National Forest System lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59634
Location: UNIT - Kenton Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Tepee Lake VMP is located on the Kenton and Iron River Ranger Districts, in Houghton, Iron, and Ontonagon Counties, Michigan.
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Ottawa National Forest,   Watersmeet Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bridge Replacement
CE
 - Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/01/2021  		Expected:09/2021
  		10/2022 Bryan Hewitt
906-285-6922
Bryan.Hewitt@usda.gov 
Description: Replace 4 bridges that have deteriorated with time, and currently are posted for reduced load limits.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59859
Location: UNIT - Watersmeet Ranger District. STATE - Michigan. COUNTY - Iron, Ontonagon. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Watersmeet and Iron River District.
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