Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 10/01/2014 to 12/31/2014 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. Location: Helena and Lewis & Clark National Forests Plan Revision Expected:12/2014 03/2015 Debbie Mucklow 406-758-6464 dmucklow@fs.fed.us 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 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: Helena National Forest 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT 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 Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Page 1 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 Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 08/2014 Expected:09/2014 09/2014 CE *NEW LISTING* 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 Mark Hunting 406-495-3831 mhunting@fs.fed.us 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am 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 2 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) Helena Lion's Club Organization (Sunshine) Camp Permit Reissuance - Recreation management - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 01/28/2014 Expected:03/2014 Project Contact 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: Hogback Radio Site Upgrade Project UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Road #227 Little Black Foot River drainage. - Facility management In Progress: Scoping Start 01/14/2014 CE Expected:07/2014 Actual: 08/14/2014 08/2014 Tessa Donahue (406) 449-5201 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: Improve and expand radio coverage for the Helena National Forest and Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Department. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44940 Location: Holiday Private Access EA Mark Hunting - Recreation management On Hold N/A 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T13N R1W Sec.3. General location of this project is Hogback Mountain Fire Tower. UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Powell. LEGAL - T 8 N, R 6 W, Sec. 6. Little Blackfoot River/Telegraph Creek. 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) Lewis and Clark County Hedges - Special use management Mtn. Communications Use On Hold N/A Project Contact N/A CE 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: Murfitt Radio Special Use Permit Reissuance UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T 11 N, R 1 E, Sec. 6. Hedges Mtn. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 12/30/2013 Expected:02/2014 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 N/A - Recreation management On Hold 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am 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 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) 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: UB Placer 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. - Minerals and Geology CE *NEW LISTING* Expected:11/2014 11/2014 Chelsea McKinney 928-643-8121 cmmckinney@fs.fed.us Description: To conduct placer sampling activities. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45318 Location: Vigilante Electric Cooperative Special Use Permit In Progress: Scoping Start 09/19/2014 UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Section 13 and 14 of Township 11 North, Range 7 West, MPM. Uncle Ben Gulch, on the Helena Ranger District. Specifically, these sampling activities would occur off Forest Service Road 708 and 571C. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 03/11/2014 CE Expected:05/2014 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am 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 5 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Warm Springs Habitat Enhancement Project EIS Project Purpose Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R1 - Northern Region Helena Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) 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 Location: York Sand Shed Project Planning Status UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. 10 miles south of Helena in the Warm Springs drainage. - Special use management Completed Actual: 08/18/2014 CE 06/2014 Mark Hunting 406-449-5201 comments-northernhelenahelena@fs.fed.us Description: The York Sand Shed Project would allow the Lewis and Clark County Road and Bridge Department to build a sand storage shed for the purpose of more efficient and cost effective treatment of winter road conditions in and around the community of York. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44484 Location: Helena National Forest Alice Creek Wildlife Enhancement Project CE Lincoln Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) R1 - Northern Region 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT UNIT - Helena Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - The legal description for proposed activities is T11N, R1W, Section 8. The general location of this project is just north of York immediately off of the east side of Nelson Road. 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. Page 6 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) Baldy Mountain Sampling - Minerals and Geology CE In Progress: Scoping Start 07/19/2011 Expected:11/2013 Project Contact 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: Blackfoot Travel Plan (nonwinter) EIS 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 CE UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - T13N, R08W,Sec 08. Poorman Creek drainage. 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) In Progress: Scoping Start 07/30/2014 Expected:09/2014 06/2015 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT 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. Page 7 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) Dalton Mountain Forest Restoration and Fuels Reduction Project EIS - 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 Project Contact 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: Sauerkraut Creek Restoration UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Five miles southeast of Lincoln, MT. - Watershed management CE In Progress: 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 02/05/2014 Expected:05/2014 06/2014 Timothy Olson 406-495-3738 taolson@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: Sculpture Park 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. - Special use management Completed CE *NEW LISTING* 08/2014 Josh Lattin 208-839-2108 joshlattin@fs.fed.us Description: The Council for the Arts Inc., out of Lincoln, MT, has initiated a program called %u201CBlackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild.%u201D This program intends to draw world-renowned artists to perform their trade in the Lincoln area. Location: 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT Actual: 09/16/2014 UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Legal location:Sec. 19, T.14N., R.8W. FS lands on Highway 200, directly across from Lincoln Ranger Station. 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) Stonewall Creek Restoration - Watershed management CE In Progress: 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 02/05/2014 Expected:05/2014 Project Contact 06/2014 Timothy Olson 406-495-3738 taolson@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 UNIT - Lincoln Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Lewis and Clark. LEGAL - Not Applicable. 6 miles northwest of Lincoln in the Lincoln Gulch drainage. R1 - Northern Region Townsend Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Dahlman Pipeline and Tank Project - Grazing management In Progress: Scoping Start 06/18/2014 CE Expected:07/2014 07/2014 Anthony Smith 406-266-3425 amsmith@fs.fed.us Description: Improvement that would distribute livestock more effectively in the allotment by burying 1/2 mile of pipe from a well to an existing tank. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44642 Location: 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT UNIT - Townsend Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Broadwater. LEGAL - Township 6 North, Range 2 West, Sections 25 & 36. Helena National Forest on the Townsend Ranger District southwest of Townsend, MT in the Elkhorn Mountain Range. Page 9 of 11 Helena National Forest Project Name Helena National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R1 - Northern Region Townsend Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Dry Range Pipeline Extension - Special use management CE In Progress: Scoping Start 06/18/2014 Expected:07/2014 Project Contact 07/2014 Anthony Smith 406-266-3425 amsmith@fs.fed.us Description: The proposed project would add approximately ¾ of a mile of buried 1¼%u201D pipe to an existing pipeline. It would then feed two 1,000 gallon stock tanks. The work would be performed using existing roadways to access the area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44648 Location: Ioerger Ditch UNIT - Townsend Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Meagher. LEGAL - Township 12 north, Range 3 east, sections 12 and 14. The general location of this project is northwest of White Sulphur Springs, MT in the Dry Range. The legal description for proposed activities is Township 12 north, Range 3 east, sections 12 and 14. - Special use management CE In Progress: Scoping Start 02/24/2014 Expected:08/2014 09/2014 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: 10/01/2014 08:45 am 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. 10/01/2014 08:45 am MT Page 11 of 11 Helena National Forest