Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 04/01/2015 to 06/30/2015 Helena National Forest This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact. Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R1 - Northern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitter and Guide Permit Reissuance - Recreation management - Special use management CE Description: Reissuance of existing outfitter and guide permits in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44827 Location: FNF Plan Revision & NCDE GBCS Amendment to the Lolo, Helena, Lewis & Clark,and Kootenai NFs *NEW LISTING* 04/2015 Debbie Mucklow 406-758-6464 dmucklow@fs.fed.us In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 03/06/2015 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 02/2016 Expected:06/2017 07/2017 Joseph Krueger 406-758-5243 jkrueger@fs.fed.us Description: The Flathead NF is revising their forest plan and preparing an amendment providing relevant direction from the NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy into the forest plans for the Lolo, Helena, Kootenai, and Lewis & Clark National Forests. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/flathead/fpr Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT Expected:04/2015 UNIT - Swan Lake Ranger District, Hungry Horse Ranger District, Lincoln Ranger District, Rocky Mountain Ranger District, Seeley Lake Ranger District, Spotted Bear Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY Flathead, Glacier, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Teton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. - Land management planning EIS In Progress: Scoping Start 03/29/2014 UNIT - Kootenai National Forest All Units, Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units, Flathead National Forest All Units, Helena National Forest All Units, Lolo National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Flathead, Glacier, Granite, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Sanders, Teton. LEGAL Not Applicable. Flathead National Forest; portions of the Lolo, Kootenai, Helena, and Lewis & Clark NF found in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (grizzly bears). Page 1 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R1 - Northern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Helena and Lewis & Clark National Forests Plan Revision - Land management planning EIS Developing Proposal Est. NOI in Federal Register 11/2015 Expected:02/2018 02/2018 Jennifer Swiader 406-495-3774 jennifereswiader@fs.fed .us Description: Forest Plan revision for the Helena and Lewis & Clark National Forests. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/forestplanrevision Location: UNIT - Lewis And Clark National Forest All Units, Helena National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Broadwater, Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Gallatin, Glacier, Golden Valley, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, Meagher, Missoula, Park, Pondera, Powell, Sweet Grass, Teton, Wheatland, Yellowstone. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Helena and Lewis & Clark National Forests. Helena National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Tenmile South Helena Project EIS Allen Byrd - Vegetation management Developing Proposal Expected:08/2016 06/2017 406-495-3716 (other than forest products) Est. NOI in Federal Register allenbyrd@fs.fed.us - Fuels management 10/2014 - Watershed management Description: Proposal is to conduct fuel treatments for the purposes of maintaining consistent water quantity-quality within Helena's municipal watershed and improving conditions for public and firefighters safety across the landscape in the event of a wildfire Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45725 Location: Helena National Forest 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT R1 - Northern Region UNIT - Helena National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is located within the Upper Tenmile watershed, the primary source of municipal water for the City of Helena, and extends east through Colorado Gulch and the South Hills area of Helena. Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Page 2 of 11 R1 - Northern Region Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) City of Helena Permit Change and Reissuance - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 11/2013 Expected:01/2014 Project Contact 01/2014 CE Heather Degeest 406-449-5490 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: The City of Helena proposed an increase right of way width from 7.5 feet to 100 feet on either side of the flume structure to reduce risk to wildfire and tree strikes. All other permit authorizations remain the same Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42061 Location: City of Helena Road Relocation UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposal applies to upper Tenmile southwest of Helena, MT. - Special use management 09/2014 Completed CE Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: We are proposing to authorize the City of Helena to re-locate approximately 400 feet of road, 50-100 feet north of the existing road to allow for safer turn radius to grade ratio. The City will obliterate existing raod incororating BMP's. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45163 Location: Divide Travel Plan UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Legal location: T8N, R6W, Section13. The general location of this project is Bullion Parks. - Road management EIS In Progress: DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/14/2014 Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 10/2014 Expected:01/2015 06/2015 Jaime Tompkins 406-449-5201 comments-northernhelena@fs.fed.us Description: Travel management analysis for summer and winter motorized use; to provide a manageable system of designated public motorized routes and areas consistent with 36 CFR 261.13. A programmatic Forest Plan amendment for elk hiding coverage is included. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=24091 Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark, Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Ten Mile drainage, Little Blackfoot drainage, and area towards Meyers Hill. Page 3 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Eakin Permit Re-issuance - Special use management CE In Progress: Scoping Start 11/04/2014 Expected:12/2014 Project Contact 12/2014 Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: Kirk and Cathy Eakin have a portion of their Garage and driveway on NFS lands. The area of the permit is directly off of Rimini Road. No authority exists to perform suitable land adjustment and no known survey error exists. Location: Helena Lion's Club Organization (Sunshine) Camp Permit Reissuance UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - RSW, T9N,Sec. 33. Rimini Road. - Recreation management - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 01/28/2014 Expected:03/2014 03/2014 CE Gabe Witham 406-449-5490 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: The goal of this project is to ¬¬re-issue a 20 year permit authorizing the YMCA to continue using the Lion%u2019s Club Organization Camp Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43606 Location: Holiday Private Access EA UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Road #227 Little Black Foot River drainage. Mark Hunting N/A - Recreation management On Hold N/A 406-495-3912 - Special use management mhunting@fs.fed.us - Road management Description: Special use application requesting access to private land. An exchange of reciprocal easements is possible, depending on alternative selected. Location: UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - T 8 N, R 6 W, Sec. 6. Little Blackfoot River/Telegraph Creek. Lewis and Clark County Hedges - Special use management Mtn. Communications Use On Hold CE N/A N/A Mark Hunting 406-495-3912 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: Special use application for long-term occupancy of site on Hedges Mtn. for communications use. Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T 11 N, R 1 E, Sec. 6. Hedges Mtn. Page 4 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Mac Pass Beacon Permit Reissuance - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 11/04/2014 Expected:12/2014 Project Contact 12/2014 CE Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: State of MT Aeronautics has applied for re-issuance of their special use permit to operate and maintain an historic airway beacon on the top of Mac-pass south site near Vista Point. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45743 Location: Murfitt Radio Special Use Permit Reissuance UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - T9N R6W, Sec 2. Mac-Pass. - Special use management Completed 03/2014 CE Mark Hunting 406-449-5201 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: This HAM radio use based on Hogback Mountain was orginally authorized in 1992 and conveyed to the current holder upon the death of the previous holder. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43610 Location: PPSR Private Access CE - Recreation management On Hold N/A - Special use management - Road management Description: Special use application requesting access to private land. Location: Skelton Private Access EA N/A Scott Johnson 406-495-3795 sbjohnson@fs.fed.us UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T8N, R2W, Sec.2. Elkhorn Mountains. Mark Hunting - Recreation management On Hold N/A N/A 406-495-3831 - Special use management mhunting@fs.fed.us - Road management Description: Special use application requesting private access to two separate tracts of private land. An exchange of reciprocal easements will be required, thus allowing the public access to adjacent NFS lands. Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Hogback Mountain Communications Site, Hogback Lookout. UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T 12 N, R 1 W, Sec. 31, T 13N, R 1 E, Sec. 19. Soup Creek, Elk Ridge. Page 5 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Telegraph Vegetation Project EIS - Forest products - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 07/20/2012 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 01/2014 Expected:01/2015 Project Contact 04/2016 Sharon Scott 406-495-3943 sascott@fs.fed.us Description: This project is designed to be responsive to mountain pine beetle outbreak by recovering economic value of dead and dying wood, reducing hazardous fuels, promoting desireable regeneration, and maintaining diverse wildlife habitats. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30353 Location: Tenmile and Priest Pass Restoration Project CE *NEW LISTING* Kyle Whelan - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:04/2015 06/2015 406-495-3942 - Watershed management Scoping Start 02/04/2015 kylerwhelan@fs.fed.us - Road management Description: The project proposes to decommission non-system routes and user-created dispersed campsites in the lower Tenmile area that are redundant or resulting in resource damage. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46229 Location: Vigilante Electric Cooperative Special Use Permit UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 15 miles southwest of Helena and 5 miles south of Elliston, MT in the Little Blackfoot andTelegraph drainages. UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark, Powell. LEGAL - T09N R05W, T10N R05W, T10N R06W. Lower Tenmile area from Rimini to HWY 12 and from Hwy 12 to Priest Pass. - Special use management Completed CE 05/2014 Mark Hunting 406-449-5201 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: The goal of this project is to reissue a special use permit to Vigilante Electric Cooperative for their powerline facilities located on the Helena Ranger District. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44324 Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T9N, R4W, Sections 2934. Project activities would be located in the Travis Creek area of Jefferson County. Page 6 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Warm Springs Habitat Enhancement Project EIS Project Purpose Alice Creek Wildlife Enhancement Project CE Expected Implementation Project Contact R1 - Northern Region Jan Fauntleroy - Vegetation management On Hold N/A N/A 406-449-5201 (other than forest products) jfauntleroy@fs.fed.us - Fuels management Description: Treat appx. 4500 acres to develop and/or maintain mature habitat structures where possible, address mountain pine beetle infestation and fuel hazard, and manage the landscape and fuel loadings so that stand replacement fire is less likely. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30351 UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. 10 miles south of Helena in the Warm Springs drainage. R1 - Northern Region Lincoln Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Pat Shanley - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:02/2014 09/2014 406-362-7006 - Vegetation management Scoping Start 02/27/2011 pshanley@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) - Fuels management Description: This project improves big game winter range by reducing conifer encroachment within native grasslands. In addition to creating and maintaining natural openings and improving stand structure, burning will improve forage quality and quantity. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34765 Location: Baldy Mountain Sampling Decision Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Location: Helena National Forest Planning Status UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T16N, R7W, sections 10,11,14 and 15. The headwaters of Alice Creek just west and north of Lewis and Clark Pass. - Minerals and Geology CE In Progress: Scoping Start 07/19/2011 Expected:11/2013 11/2013 Gabe Witham 406-449-5490 gwitham@fs.fed.us Description: The operator proposes to remove sample materials from the side of Forest road #1826. His plan is to remove sample material for testing to a private site, then return the tested materials to the test pit. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37294 Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T13N, R08W,Sec 08. Poorman Creek drainage. Page 7 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose CE Expected Implementation Project Contact R1 - Northern Region Amber Kamps - Regulations, Directives, In Progress: Expected:12/2014 01/2015 406-362-7000 Orders Objection Period Legal Notice akamps@fs.fed.us - Land management planning 03/28/2014 - Recreation management - Road management Description: This is for non-winter motorized use to provide a manageable system of designated public motorized and nonmotorized access routes and areas that would be consistent with 36 CFR 261.13. A programmatic Forest Plan Amendment is also included Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30899 Location: Copper Creek Wildlife Enhancement Project Decision Lincoln Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Blackfoot Travel Plan (nonwinter) EIS Planning Status UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark, Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena National Forest, excluding the Scapegoat Wilderness. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Vegetation management (other than forest products) On Hold N/A N/A Michael Kaiser 406-362-7036 or 3627000 mkaiser@fs.fed.us Description: This project is proposing to treat aspen and whitebark pine in the Snow/Talon fire burn scar. Location: Dalton Mountain Forest Restoration and Fuels Reduction Project EIS UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T15N, R9W, Sections 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15. T15N, R8W, Sections 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,14,15,16,17,18,22,26,27. Copper Creek Project is located approximately 5 miles north east of Lincoln, running adjacent to FS road #330. Project area lands are situated in the Copper Creek drainage in the 2003 Snow/Talon Fire scar. - Forest products - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 11/16/2011 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 09/2014 Expected:08/2015 10/2016 Jan Fauntleroy 406-449-5201 jfauntleroy@fs.fed.us Description: This project will address stand health and related fuel hazards in an area with expanding insect infestations (mountain pine beetle). Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37404 Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Five miles southeast of Lincoln, MT. Page 8 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Lincoln Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Sauerkraut Creek Restoration - Watershed management Completed Actual: 10/23/2014 Project Contact 06/2014 CE Timothy Olson 406-362-7000 comments-northernhelenalincoln@fs.fed.us Description: This project proposal is to restore 770 feet of Sauerkraut Creek above the historic wall structure by relocating the channel to the center of the valley and reconnecting relic and intact floodplain surfaces. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43649 Location: Stonewall Creek Restoration UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T13N, R9W, Section 8. Southwest of Lincoln adjacent to FSR 1898-D1 in the Sauerkraut Creek drainage. - Watershed management Completed CE Actual: 02/03/2015 10/23/2014 06/2014 Timothy Olson 406-362-7000 comments-northernhelenalincoln@fs.fed.us Description: This project propoals included reclamation of approximately 4,200 feet of Stonewall Creek where past mining activity has changed the natural stream channel and fisheries habitat. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43651 Location: Stonewall Vegetation Project EIS UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T15N, R9W, Section 27. North of Lincoln adjacent to FSR # 607-F1 in the Stonewall Creek drainage. - Forest products - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Fuels management In Progress: DEIS NOA in Federal Register 05/06/2013 Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 07/2014 Expected:12/2014 01/2016 Amber Kamps 406-362-7000 akamps@fs.fed.us Description: Be responsive to mountain pine beetle outbreaks, maintain and improve viable mature habitat structure to support big game and other wildlife, promote resiliency with a mosaic of species, reduce fire hazard and potential, and provide timber products. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30355 Location: Helena National Forest 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 6 miles northwest of Lincoln in the Lincoln Gulch drainage. Townsend Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Page 9 of 11 R1 - Northern Region Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Dalrymple Access Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Townsend Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management CE In Progress: Scoping Start 11/05/2014 Expected:12/2014 Project Contact 12/2014 Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: Reciprocal exchange of easements to fulfill Federal Court sanctioned Settlement Agreement to provide long term residential access to Jennifer Dalrymple and Linda Cousineau through National Forest System lands Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45744 Location: Ioerger Ditch UNIT - Townsend Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Broadwater. LEGAL - T7N, R4E, Sec 28 & 29. Black Butte Gulch road area. - Special use management 09/2014 Completed CE Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us Description: The Townsend District Ranger is proposing the issuance of a special use permit for a water ditch on Grassy Mountain to convey water from an unnnamed tributary of Mike Day Creek to private land. A valid water right for the use of 2.46 cfs is in place. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45032 Location: Links #1, #2, and #3 UNIT - Townsend Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Meagher. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T7N, R5E, Sec 34, Grassy Mountain. - Minerals and Geology CE In Progress: Scoping Start 10/17/2013 Expected:11/2013 11/2013 Kyle McGuire 406-266-3425 comments-northernhelenatownsend@fs.fed.us Description: Proposed activities would use a suction dredge to process placer gravels in the stream channels of Confederate and Cement Gulches as water levels allow. If water levels drop, claimant would use a sluice box to remove concentrates. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41600 Location: 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT UNIT - Townsend Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Broadwater. LEGAL - T10N, R3E, NE 1/4, Section 20. Proposed activities would occur approximately nine miles up Confederate Gulch (NE from FS road #287) at the mouth of Cement Gulch and in an unnamed gulch immediately to the east. Page 10 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact. 04/02/2015 08:54 pm MT Page 11 of 11 Helena National Forest