Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2023 to 06/30/2023
Monongahela 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, Monongahela National Forest,  Cheat/Potomac Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Monongahela National Forest,  Gauley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Monongahela National Forest,  Greenbrier Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Monongahela National Forest,  Marlinton Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Monongahela National Forest,  POTOMAC RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  On Hold  N/A  N/A Sarah Shoemaker
907-586-7886
sarahshoemaker@fs.fed.us 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Land.
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/11/2022
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2023  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 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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Monongahela National Forest,   Cheat/Potomac Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Blackwater River Loop FY19 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:09/2023  09/2023 Amy Albright
304-257-4488 x7128
amy.albright2@usda.gov 
Description: Friends of Blackwater received a grant through Office of Surface Mining (administered by WVDEP) to develop this project o promote hiking, biking and tourism in the Blackwater River area by creating a loop trail to link the towns of Davis & Thomas.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60885
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located south of the towns of Davis and Thomas, WV, on land owned by the WV Division of Natural Resources (Blackwater Falls State Park) and US Forest Service (Monongahela National Forest).
Elklick Run Stream Restoration Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Watershed management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2023  		Expected:11/2023  10/2024 Nathaniel Dulaney
(304) 478-3251
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: This project proposes to drain the Elk Lick Reservoir in the Fernow Experimental Forest and either partially or fully remove the dam which created the reservoir. This project also includes stream restoration of Elk Lick Run to its pre-dam conditions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63487
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located in the Fernow Experimental Forest, south of Parsons and Hambleton WV. The Reservoir is located along Forest Road 701 approximately 2.5 miles from the northern entrance to the forest.
Pheasant Mountain Trail System Improvements
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:08/2023  09/2023 Brooke Andrew
304-257-4488 ext 7124
brooke.andrew@usda.gov 
Description: This proposal includes new trail construction and overlook creation, existing trail maintenance, trail rerouting, and trailhead maintenance and expansion in order to protect natural resources and improve user experience.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59788
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located in Tucker County, approximately two miles east of Parsons, WV and encompasses Shingletree Trail (#121), Pheasant Mtn Trail (#120), and Clover Trail (#124) and trailheads.
Stuart Bike Trail System
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 07/2023  		Expected:01/2024  03/2024 Brooke Andrew
304-257-4488 ext 7124
brooke.andrew@usda.gov 
Description: Construction of a 5 to 10 mile pedestrian/non-motorized vehicle trail system in the Stuart Recreation Area to meet the need for more mountain bike trails on the Forest in order to enhance recreation and tourism.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60389
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Randolph. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed trail system would be located in the vicinity of Stuart Recreation Area, approx. 4 miles to the east of the town of Elkins, WV. Trails would be planned both E and W of Shavers Fork Rd.
Upper Cheat River EA
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 09/13/2022  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Amy Albright
304-257-4488 x 7128
amy.albright2@usda.gov 
Description: This project aims to move the Upper Cheat watershed closer to the Forest Plan desired conditions by improving forest health & age class diversity, providing recreation opportunities, and improving wildlife habitat & stream/riparian conditions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58364
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Barbour, Preston, Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This 86,138-acre project area is located north of Parsons, WV. The area encompasses 33,991 acres of National Forest System land within the Upper Cheat River watershed.
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Monongahela National Forest,   Gauley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Cranberry Spring Creek
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Heritage resource management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/29/2021
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 08/2023  		Expected:11/2023
  		11/2023 Sarah Dezelin
304-846-2695
Sarah.Dezelin@usda.gov 
Description: The focus of the proposed action is on improving forest health and resiliency, restoring red spruce/northern hardwood forests, improving wildlife habitat and increasing age class diversity based on the specific Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58824
Location: UNIT - Gauley Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Nicholas, Pocahontas, Webster. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within the Cranberry River/Spring Creek watersheds. Includes Cranberry Glades, the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, part of the Cranberry Wilderness and the Falls of Hills. East of Richwood, WV.
FSR 76 (Cranberry) and FSR 911 (Big Ditch) Bridge Repair and Maintenance
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special area management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:06/2023  06/2023 Karen Stevens
304-636-1800
karen.stevens@usda.gov 
Description: Replace bridge superstructures on National Forest System (FSR) 76 at Tumbling Rock and Birchlog Runs and protect abutments with riprap. Replace decking on the Homcomb Run bridge on FSR 911 and spot paint girders that are exposed and corroding.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63893
Location: UNIT - Gauley Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas, Webster. LEGAL - Not Applicable. FSR 76 bridges approximately 10 miles northwest of Richwood, WV. Holcomb bridge is approximately 1.8 miles southeast of Cowen, WV.
GAU260: Encroachment Maintenance Special Use Permit
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 02/09/2023  02/2023 Sarah Dezelin
304-846-2695
Sarah.Dezelin@usda.gov 
Description: To authorize a special use permit to use and maintain encroachments on a total of .2 acres
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62957
Location: UNIT - Gauley Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Nicholas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located North of Richwood, South of Webster Springs, and East of Cowen.
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Monongahela National Forest,   Greenbrier Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Deer Creek Integrated Resource Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/27/2022
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2023  		Expected:10/2023
  		11/2023 Thomas Craig
304-635-4453
Thomas.Craig@usda.gov 
Description: This project seeks to improve stream habitat, riparian corridors, and hydrologic connectivity, improve public recreation and interpretive opportunities, reduce fuel loads, encourage oak regeneration, and improve forest diversity and wildlife habitat.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60882
Location: UNIT - Greenbrier Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The 89,050-acre project area is centered on the town of Green Bank, WV & contains Deer Creek, Greenbrier River, and a portion of Sitlington Creek headwaters. Approx 39% is National Forest System land.
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Monongahela National Forest,   Marlinton Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Brushy Mountain Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/07/2018  		Expected:05/2023
  		05/2023 Chad Stachowiak
304-799-4334 x7995535
Chad.Stachowiak@usda.gov 
Description: Create early successional wildlife habitat by mulching and enhance tree regeneration for species preferred by wildlife.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54154
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Greenbrier. LEGAL - Not Applicable. South of Minnehaha Springs, West Virginia in Greenbrier County.
FSR 135 (at Tea Creek Campground) Bridge Replacement
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special area management
- Watershed management
- Road management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2023  		Expected:06/2023  07/2023 Karen Stevens
304-636-1800
karen.stevens@usda.gov 
Description: Replace the low water crossing on National Forest System Road 135 at Williams River with a bridge designed for higher flow passage, better adapted to changing climate conditions, and egress from Tea Creek Campground during high water flows.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63889
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Adjacent to Tea Creek Campground. Approximately 2.3 miles northwest of Hadley Public Hunting and Fishing Area.
MAR2030 Pocahontas County OEM Special Use Permit
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/24/2022  		Expected:05/2023
  		05/2023 Sarah Dezelin
304-846-2695
Sarah.Dezelin@usda.gov 
Description: To issue a special use permit to the Pocahontas County Office of Emergency Management for right-of-way (ROW) of road 438A for approximately 2.5 miles, allowing ingress/egress, routine maintenance, and limited road upgrades.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62958
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Road 438A on Day Mountain. Approximately 9 miles north of Mill Point.
Pocahontas County Emergency Management Commission Road Access Special Use Authorization
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Thomas Craig
304-635-4453
Thomas.Craig@usda.gov 
Description: This project is the same as Project #62958 MAR2030 Pocahontas County OEM Special Use Permit. Please refer to Project #62958 for status and future updates.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61278
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Service Road 438 (and attached spur) on Day Mountain in Pocahontas County, located to the west of Marlinton, WV.
Sitlington Creek - Greenbrier River Watershed Improvement
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2023  		Expected:08/2024  08/2024 Sarah Dezelin
304-846-2695
Sarah.Dezelin@usda.gov 
Description: Needs exist in the project area include wildlife habitat improvement. Possible treatments include vegetation management and prescribed fire.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62246
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Greenbrier, Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Boundary includes all of the Sitlington Creek-Greenbrier River watershed within the forest proclamation boundary. It centers around Marlinton, WV.
Upper Elk Ecological Restoration Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 In Progress:
Objection Period Legal Notice 12/09/2021  		Expected:04/2023
  		05/2023 Jason Hattersley
540-291-2188
jason.hattersley@usda.gov 
Description: The goals of the proposed action include improving forest health and resiliency, restoring red spruce/northern hardwood forests, improving wildlife habitat and increasing age class diversity based on the specific Forest Plan Desired Future Conditions
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57646
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is approximately 6 miles north of Marlinton, WV along US-219. The area encompasses the National Forest System land within the Upper Elk Watershed and is centered near Slaty Fork, WV.
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Monongahela National Forest,   POTOMAC RANGER DISTRICT (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2022 Cheat-Potomac Allotment Burn Piles
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Fuels management 		 Completed  Actual: 03/08/2023  03/2023 Nathaniel Dulaney
906-884-2085 x88420
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: This project would authorize pile burning in the Mowery-Glover, Hartman Heirs, and Smoke Hole Champ South Grazing Allotments. Previous NEPA analysis authorized the clearing of encroaching brush/trees but not the use of fire to eliminate brush piles.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62907
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pendleton. LEGAL - Tract 1199 and 920 (Mowery-Glover), Tract 868 (Hartman Heirs), Tract 999 and 998A (Smoke Hole Champ South). Mowery-Glover Grazing Allotment off Reeds Creek Road, Hartman Heirs Grazing Allotment off Pretty Ridge Road and Smoke Hole Champ South Grazing Allotment off Smoke Hole Road.
2022 Seneca Rocks Area Trail Maintenance Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Watershed management 		 Completed  Actual: 01/18/2023  01/2023 Nathaniel Dulaney
304-478-3251 ex. 5552123
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: Repair and maintenance to the areas of damage along the Seneca Rocks Trail. Repair and replacement of the footbridge along the Roy Gap Run trail.
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pendleton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Seneca Rocks and Roy Gap Run Trails within the Seneca Rocks-Spruce Knob National Recreation Area, near Seneca Rocks.
2023 Bear Rocks Loop Trail Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/23/2023  		Expected:05/2023
  		06/2023 Nathaniel Dulaney
304-478-3251 ex. 5552123
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: Create a system trail that meanders back and forth through the Bear Rocks Preserve and USFS system lands outside of the Dolly Sods wilderness area. Includes 0.75 miles of trail construction, some trail restoration/revegetation, and interpretation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63448
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Grant, Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bear Rocks Nature Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and neighboring USFS lands. Just North-West of the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
Grassy Ridge
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Completed  Actual: 01/12/2023  01/2023 Amy Albright
304-257-4488x7128
amy.albright2@usda.gov 
Description: This project seeks to restore red spruce communities and regenerate hardwood and spruce-hardwood communities, as well manage areas for wildlife.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56948
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pendleton, Randolph. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is located in Randolph and Pendleton Counties, WV, adjacent to the recent Spruce Mountain Grouse Management Area EA project area, near the town of Osceola, WV.
Grassy Ridge TSI
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 Completed  Actual: 03/02/2023  03/2023 Jeff Kochenderfer
304-257-4488x7117
jeff.kochenderfer@usda.gov 
Description: Timber stand improvement will be completed on up to 420 acres by releasing desirable trees by cutting vegetation surrounding them with a chainsaw.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57373
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pendleton, Randolph. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is located in Randolph and Pendleton Counties, WV, adjacent to the recent Spruce Mountain GMA EA project area, near the town of Osceola, WV.
POT2611 Special Use Authorization
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 01/18/2023  01/2023 Thomas Craig
304-635-4453
Thomas.Craig@usda.gov 
Description: Authorization for use of an existing, unclassified road on federal lands for approximately 2,085 feet across two segments. This road is needed for access their private land. This does not create right of ways across other private land along the road.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62908
Location: UNIT - Potomac Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pendleton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located within Smoke Hole Canyon off of Smoke Hole Road.
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