Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
07/01/2023 to 09/30/2023
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, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  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 07/2023  		Expected:07/2023
  		01/2024 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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Monongahela National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2023 Reauthorization of Expiring SUP's (Forest Wide)
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/23/2023  		Expected:10/2023
  		01/2024 Nathaniel Dulaney
(304) 478-3251 ext. 5552123
Nathaniel.Dulaney@usda.gov 
Description: This project reauthorizes several special use permits across the Monongahela National Forest
Location: UNIT - Cheat Ranger District, Greenbrier Ranger District, White Sulphur Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Grant, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The area affected by this decision is located throughout the Monongahela National Forest. Maps can be found in the pinyon public folder for the project.
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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 		 On Hold  N/A  N/A 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

           *UPDATED* 		- Watershed management  In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice 04/04/2023  		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  In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/30/2023  		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 11/2023  		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:09/2023
  		10/2023 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 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@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

           *UPDATED* 		- Special area management
- Watershed management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:09/2023  09/2023 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@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.
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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 08/2023  		Expected:12/2023
  		01/2024 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
Aerial Fiber Installation Project
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:07/2023  01/2024 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@usda.gov 
Description: The Pocahontas County Commission is proposing to install 49 miles of aerial fiber along existing utility poles to provide broadband service to local businesses and residents.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=64366
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Aerial fiber will be installed along existing utility poles crossing approximately 0.5 mile over three sections of Forest Service property in Pocahontas County.
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:08/2023
  		08/2023 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

           *UPDATED* 		- Special area management
- Watershed management
- Road management
- Climate Change Adaptation 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:10/2023  10/2023 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@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:08/2023
  		08/2023 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@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.
MAR261 Road Right-of-Way Special Use Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2023  		Expected:07/2023  07/2023 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@usda.gov 
Description: To authorize a special use permit to construct, maintain, and utilize a permitted use access road of approximately 70 feet in length and twenty feet wide for passenger vehicle travel to a part of the landowner%u2019s farmland that is inaccessible
Location: UNIT - Marlinton Ranger District. STATE - West Virginia. COUNTY - Pocahontas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. East of the Greenbrier River trail in the Huntersville district of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Near corner 29 on FS Tract 391.
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 Adrienne Nottingham
304-636-1800
adrienne.nottingham@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:09/2023
  		09/2023 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
2023 Bear Rocks Loop Trail Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 06/14/2023  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.
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