Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2024 to 12/31/2024
Chequamegon / Nicolet 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, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Eagle River-Florence Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Great Divide Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Lakewood-Laona Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Medford-Park Falls Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Washburn 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
 - Land management planning  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/21/2024
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2024  		Expected:01/2025
  		01/2025 Jennifer McRae
202-791-8488
SM.FS.NFSWONGA@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.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2024 Special Use Application Project - Fall Batch
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 09/25/2024  09/2024 Kelly Scarbrough
715-362-1314
Kelly.Scarbrough@usda.gov 
Description: To authorize requests for 10 special use permits on Forest Service Lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66508
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District, Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, Washburn Ranger District, Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield, Oconto, Sawyer, Vilas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located across four districts.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Eagle River-Florence Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Hemlock Lake Wildlife Openings Prescribed Burn
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2024  		Expected:12/2024  03/2025 Jesse Harrand
715-528-4464 x 2807
jesse.harrand@usda.gov 
Description: Hemlock Lake wildlife openings are in Florence County near FS Rd 2446 and LeRoy Creek. There are 12 wildlife openings, totaling 64 acres, that would be prescribed burned to enhance wildlife habitat.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65837
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Florence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T41N R16E Sections 6 & 7, T41N R15E Sections 1& 12.
Town of Alvin ROW Maintenance
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:11/2024  01/2025 Daniel Reynolds
715-479-2827 ext 2723
daniel.reynolds2@usda.gov 
Description: The Town of Alvin has requested that the Forest Service conduct a timber sale to remove merchantable trees within the road right of ways. This is for safer travel and easier snow removal.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65313
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - T41N, R13E, Sections 20, 25, 28-29,33-34; T41N, R14E, Sections 21-23, 25-32, 34, 36; T40N, R13E, Sections 3, 9-16, 21-22, 27-28, 33; T40N, R14E, Sections 1-2, 4, 10-11, 13-18, 20, 22-24, 26-29, 32-36. 49 miles of road within the Alvin Township.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Great Divide Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Forest Lodge Nature Trail Trailhead Parking Area and Traffic Circulation
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Watershed management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/28/2021  		Expected:12/2024
  		12/2024 Nicole Molitor
715-638-0272
nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov 
Description: Improve Forest Lodge road and trail infrastructure to accommodate increased use of Forest Lodge and the Nature Trail - parking, road and trail capacity, drainage, stormwater treatment, traffic sight lines within the complex and ingress and egress.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58868
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Lodge is located about eight miles east of Cable, Wisconsin.
Forest Road 164 Reconstruction
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/31/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 09/2024  		Expected:05/2025
  		05/2025 Eric Lynch
715-762-5137
eric.lynch@usda.gov 
Description: The 11.6-mile-long project area will be cleared and grubbed within 16 feet of the road centerline or as needed to create ditching. All cross-drain culverts will be replaced with polymer coated arch pipes. The entire road length will be resurfaced.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61289
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Road 164 between County Highway GG and Forest Road 163.
Forest Road 182 Segment Reroute
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Road management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/19/2024  		Expected:05/2025
  		05/2025 Eric Lynch
715-762-5137
eric.lynch@usda.gov 
Description: A 1.22-mile reroute is proposed to improve the operation of the road and avoid a wetland that is regularly in need of gravel application.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65857
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland. LEGAL - T43N R4@ Sections 22, 23, 26, 27. Forest Road 182 segment northeast of Clam Lake.
Jump River Electric Cooperative 2024-2027 Construction Workplan Project Codes 323-324-325
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/03/2024  07/2024 Nicole Molitor
715-634-4821, x 2327
nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov 
Description: About 6.6 miles of two-phase 6A CW overhead powerline will be replaced with single-phase 1/o AL underground powerline for a total of 1.76 acres of disturbance. Aging facilities will be replaced allowing for new load balancing in the area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66229
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Sawyer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project Code 323 - 2.8 miles south and west of Lost Land Lake. Project Code 324 - 2.4 miles north of STH 77 between Lost Land and Teal Lakes. Project Code 325 - 1.4 miles east of Teal Lake.
Norvado Fiber Optic Installation
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/03/2024  07/2024 Nicole Molitor
715-638-0272
nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov 
Description: Installation of underground fiber optic cable in portions of National Forest System land along State Highway 77, County Road S, Sams Lane, and Forest Roads 164, 174, 308, and 1661.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65949
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Sawyer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Right of Ways for State Highway 77, County Road S, Sams Lane, Forest Roads 164, 174, 308, and 161 south of Clam Lake, WI.
Penokee Trail Network Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/26/2023  		Expected:12/2024
  		12/2024 Katherine LeMoine
715-634-4821 x2326
katherine.lemoine@usda.gov 
Description: Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10.5 miles of cross-country ski/snowshoe trail that is also used as a hiking trail in the summer.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65412
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Off of County Highway GG about five miles southwest of Mellen, WI.
Snowmobile Trail 5 - Reroute off Highway 77 to Forest Road 1648B
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2024  		Expected:11/2024  11/2024 Jenifer Bratsch
715-373-2667 x5235
Jenifer.Bratsch@usda.gov 
Description: About 0.38 of a mile of Snowmobile Trail 5 would be rerouted from the Highway 77 right-of-way on to Forest Road 1648B. About 0.05 of a mile of trail would need to be constructed.
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Sawyer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Highway 77.
Snowmobile Trail 8 Reroute and Rehabilitation in Clam Lake Area
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/26/2023  		Expected:11/2024
  		11/2024 Jenifer Bratsch
715-373-2667 x5235
Jenifer.Bratsch@usda.gov 
Description: Snowmobile trail 8 reroute in the Clam Lake area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65413
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Bayfield, Sawyer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Clam Lake area.
Veikko Trail Improvement and Development
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2023  		Expected:11/2024
  		11/2024 Katherine LeMoine
715-634-4821 x2326
katherine.lemoine@usda.gov 
Description: The Veikko Trail, an old cross-country ski trail in the St. Peter's Dome area developed by a local ski group, will be improved and realigned to fix drainage issues. Additional trail will be developed to connect to the St. Peter's Dome Trail network.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58459
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - Not Applicable. St. Peter's Dome area.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Lakewood-Laona Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Armstrong Creek Trail Reroute
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Evan Miller
715-674-4481
evan.miller@usda.gov 
Description: Snowmobile Trail Reroute moving off a paved road
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65369
Location: UNIT - Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T36N R16E Sec 12,13.
CCI Systems, Inc Reconstruction and Maintenance of Telephone/Utility Lines
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:11/2024  03/2025 Casey Swanson
715-362-1300
Casey.Swanson@usda.gov 
Description: CCI Systems, Inc needs permit for existing line to reconstruct and continue maintenance across the district.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66128
Location: UNIT - Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest, Oconto. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Scattered though the district.
Jones Springs Project
EA
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Evan Miller
715-674-4481
evan.miller@usda.gov 
Description: This recreation area was heavily impacted by the 2019 blowdown. This project is reviewing the recreation opportunities in the area to see if any changes are needed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59902
Location: UNIT - Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Langlade, Oconto. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The Jones Springs area, legal T33N, R14 and R15E; T32N, R14 and 15 E.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Medford-Park Falls Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Clark Electric Overhead Conversion 2024
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/24/2024  08/2024 Matthew Monahan
715-762-2461 Ext. 5125
matthew.monahan@usda.gov 
Description: Clark Electric is proposing to convert 11,280 feet of overhead utility line to underground along FR 119. The conversion will take place in Clark Electric's current right of way. One segment will be relocated from Lake Marion to the 119 right of way.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65766
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - T31N, R2W, Secs. 4,8,9,16,17. The project will take place between FR 554 and FR 121 in the existing right of way of FR 119.
John's Creek Gravel Pit Expansion
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jennifer Maziasz
616-581-5756
jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov 
Description: This project consists of expansion of an existing gravel pit to meet road construction, re-construction, and maintenance needs in the project vicinity. This is an existing pit that has an additional source of gravel that has not been developed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54736
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Town of Grover, Township 31 North, Range 2 West, Section 7, Taylor County, Wisconsin.
Joseph Creek #34 Trail Bridge Replacement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 09/2024  		Expected:11/2024  11/2024 Matthew Monahan
715-748-4875 Ext 7484834
matthew.monahan@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to replace the current bridge over Joseph Creek along the Perkinstown ATV Trail. The current bridge is failing and undersized. The bridge is located approximately 1/2 mile from FR 119.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=66816
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - (SW ?; NE ?; Sec 8; T31N; R2W, Grover Township, Taylor County). The project is located approximatley 1/2 mile west of FR 119 and 2 miles south of Perkinstown in Taylor County.
Kidrick Vegetation Management
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Road management 		 Completed  Actual: 08/29/2024  08/2024 Matthew Monahan
715-762-2461 Ext. 5125
matthew.monahan@usda.gov 
Description: This project is primarily a vegetation management project with focus on mid to late successional hardwood forest. Primary purpose is to maintain forest health and diversity. Project will also include a transportation analysis.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50889
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located in the northwest portion of the Forest within Taylor County in T32N, R2-3W and T33N, R1-3W.
Round Lake Fish Passage and Water Level Control
CE
 - Watershed management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Matthew Monahan
715-762-2461 Ext. 5125
matthew.monahan@usda.gov 
Description: The project will consist of reestablishing a two-way fish passage and reconnect the ecosystems of the Pike Lake Chain of Lakes and the South Fork Flambeau River.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55358
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T40N, R3E, Sections 23-26, Price County, WI.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Washburn Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership SUP
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jennifer Maziasz
715-373-2667
comments-eastern-chequamegon-nicolet-washburn@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to re-issue a special use authorization for a new term for Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership's existing pipeline system, pumping station, and associated improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44889
Location: UNIT - Washburn Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Bayfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project includes 11.5 miles of existing pipeline system, the pumping station, and associated improvements on Forest Service lands north of US Highway 2.
Peerless Vegetation and Transportation Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 08/08/2024  		Expected:10/2024
  		11/2024 Sarah Holmes
715-373-2667
sarah.holmes@usda.gov 
Description: Vegetation Management actions would include clearcut and shelterwood systems to regenerate oak, aspen, and pine, and thinnings to promote growth and vigor in pine plantations. Associated actions: updating road system and improving wildlife habitat.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=65086
Location: UNIT - Washburn Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Bayfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located in the central portion of the Washburn Ranger District. The project area is about 5 miles east of Iron River, WI.
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