Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 07/01/2014 to 09/30/2014 Carson 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 R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Supplement to the Final EIS for Invasive Plant Control Project EIS - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Watershed management In Progress: DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/21/2014 Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 10/2014 Expected:02/2015 05/2015 Julie Bain 505-438-5443 commentssouthwesternsantafe@fs.fed.us Description: A supplement to the Final EIS for Invasive Plant Control Project on the Carson and Santa Fe National Forests to disclose, review, and assess additional information. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=27249 Location: UNIT - Carson National Forest All Units, Santa Fe National Forest All Units. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY Colfax, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carson and Santa Fe National Forests in New Mexico. R3 - Southwestern Region Carson National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Forest-wide Outfitter-Guide Permit Issuance - Special use management EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 04/14/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 09/2014 Expected:12/2014 01/2015 Amy Simms 575-758-6200 commentssouthwesterncarson@fs.fed.us Description: Issue new and reissue expiring 10-year permits for outfitter-guide services on the Carson National Forest. Permits would be issued based on the need and capacity within individual geographic areas. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43472 Location: Carson National Forest 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Carson National Forest All Units. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba, Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carson National Forest. Camino Real Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Page 1 of 11 R3 - Southwestern Region Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Camino Real Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) 2014 Green Fuelwood Areas - Forest products Completed Actual: 06/10/2014 Project Contact 06/2014 CE Paul Czeszynski 575-587-2255 commentssouthwestern-carsoncaminoreal@fs.fed.us Description: Three small green fuelwood cutting areas near communities to meet local need. Valid permit holders would be authorized to cut and remove marked fuelwood or other forest products such as vigas. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43772 Location: Romero Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project EA Paul Czeszynski N/A - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Cancelled N/A 575-587-2255 - Vegetation management pczeszynski@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) Description: Felling and removal of trees in addition to prescribed burning on approx 1,300 ac. to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. Project area is comprised of primarily ponderosa pine with pinyon pine and juniper. **Note: changed to EA** Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35311 Location: Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort Pedro's Park Lift UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba, Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Near the communities of Truchas, Ojo Sarco, and east of Picuris Pueblo. UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.21N., R.11E., Sec(s) 11,12. Project located on the southwestern end of the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/14/2014 CE *NEW LISTING* Expected:07/2014 07/2014 Amy Simms 575-758-6310 commentssouthwesterncarson@fs.fed.us Description: Construct a new chairlift that would leave the base area and access existing beginner terrain. The proposal would require approximately 1.6 acres of clearing. The proposed project is within the special use permit boundary. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44298 Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 22N, R. 13E, section 10. Within the special use permit boundary of Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort, located approximately 8 miles east of Penasco, NM. Page 2 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Camino Real Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Tri-State Taos to Black Lake Transmission Line Access - Special use management EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 09/29/2011 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 10/2014 Expected:04/2015 Project Contact 05/2015 Kathryn Furr 575-758-6200 commentssouthwesterncarson@fs.fed.us Description: Approval of 2010 proposed plan, including access across NFS lands. *This project was previously named "Tri State Transmission Line Vegetation Management Plan". Vegetation management within the transmission line right-of-way has been dropped.* Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=31668 Location: Carson National Forest UNIT - Camino Real Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - sections in T 25N R 13E thru T25N R 15E. North of US 64, in Taos Canyon. R3 - Southwestern Region Canjilon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Canjilon Water Association - Special use management CE Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 09/2014 Expected:12/2014 12/2014 Ray Martinez 575-684-2489 rjmartinez@fs.fed.us Description: reissue expired permit Location: Cebolla Water Association UNIT - Canjilon Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.26N., R.5E., Section 9, T. 27N., R6E., Section 30, T.27N., R.5E. Section 36, T.26N., R.5E., Section 2. pipelines, PRVs. spring development, and water tanks are located northeast from the community of Canjilon. - Special use management CE Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 09/2014 Expected:12/2014 12/2014 Ray Martinez 575-684-2489 rjmartinez@fs.fed.us Description: reissue expired special use permit Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Canjilon Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.26N., R.4E., Section 2 and T.27N., R.4E., Section 35. pipeline west of U.S. Highway 84 south of village of Cebolla. Page 3 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Canjilon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Continental Divide National Scenic Trail-Martinez Canyon and Mesa de Las Viejas - Recreation management In Progress: Scoping Start 06/07/2011 Expected:09/2014 Project Contact 10/2014 CE Sandra Imler-Jacquez 575-581-4554 sandraimlerjacquez@fs. fed.us Description: Complete the re-route analysis for the last two segments of the CDT on the Canjilon Ranger District. Location: Carson National Forest UNIT - Canjilon Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Canjilon Ranger District. R3 - Southwestern Region El Rito Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Abeyta-Trujillo Acequia SUP Phase 2 - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 02/06/2014 Expected:12/2014 12/2014 CE Ray Martinez 575-684-2489 rjmartinez@fs.fed.us Description: Install a 36 inch pipeline underground and associated improvements/maintenance. Location: UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. El Rito Ranger District. Marshall Alford 575-581-4554 malford@fs.fed.us Ancones Mutual Domestic Water and Waste Water Consumers Association Tank - Special use management CE Description: Installation and use of one 40,000 gal (18 ft dia, 20 ft tall) welded steel storage tank, including 490 ft of 3 in inlet and 6in outlet underground piping, re-enforced concrete foundation, and 15 ft access on either side of water line trench *NEW LISTING* Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2014 Expected:09/2014 12/2014 UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.25N,R.8E, Section 2. State Highway 111, just north of the community of Ancones, NM. Page 4 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region El Rito Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) El Rito Canyon Landscape Restoration Project - Fuels management - Watershed management EA In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 08/01/2013 Est. Objection Period Legal Notice 09/2014 Expected:12/2014 Project Contact 02/2015 Sandra Imler-Jacquez 575-581-4554 sandraimlerjacquez@fs. fed.us Description: Reduce fire hazard in the lower El Rito Canyon, improve watershed conditions within the El Rito Creek watershed, improve timber stands, and overall ecosytem habitat improvement. Provide protection to the community of El Rito, NM from wildlfires Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36969 Location: El Rito Regional Water Association Well UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. El Rito Canyon. - Special area management - Special use management On Hold N/A N/A CE Marshall Alford 575-581-4554 malford@fs.fed.us Description: Drilling of a water supply well, waterline, and pumphouse Location: Gerald Chacon Private Road Special Use Permit UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.25N., R.7E., Section 19. El Rito Ranger District. - Special use management On Hold N/A N/A CE Marshall Alford 575-581-4554 malford@fs.fed.us Description: The El Rito Ranger District received an application from Gerald Chacon to obtain a permit for a private road. Location: Ojito Prevatt Private Road Special Use Permit UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.25N., R.9 E., Section. proposed road is located north of US Highwy 285 and east of Forest Road 97. - Special use management On Hold CE N/A N/A Marshall Alford 575-581-4554 malford@fs.fed.us Description: Private road special use permit for an existing road Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T.24N., R.7E., section 14. Southeast of El Rito, NM. Page 5 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region El Rito Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Sandra Imler-Jacquez - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants On Hold N/A N/A 575-581-4554 - Vegetation management sandraimlerjacquez@fs. (other than forest products) fed.us - Watershed management Description: Proposing to use prescribed burning, mechanical treatments, and herbicide as methods of treatment in sagebrush habitat. Sagebrush Habitat Improvement Project EA Location: Carson National Forest Planning Status UNIT - El Rito Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple Allotments on the El Rito Ranger District. R3 - Southwestern Region Jicarilla Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Laguna Seca, Valencia, and Vaqueros Grazing Allotments - Grazing management EA In Progress: Objection Period Legal Notice 06/26/2014 Expected:09/2014 10/2014 Sean Kelly 505-632-2956 sdkelly@fs.fed.us Description: Grazing management and re-authorization of term grazing permits. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43413 Location: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Habitat Stamp Program 2015 Proposed Maintenance. CE *NEW LISTING* Cynthia Campbell - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Expected:08/2014 01/2015 In Progress: 505-632-2956 - Vegetation management Scoping Start 05/21/2014 cicampbell@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) - Fuels management Description: Conduct maintenance and replacement activities on seven established water sources,decommission four established water sources, burn the area in and around an aspen clone, and conduct maintenance on seven previously burned units. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44420 Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T. 27N, R 4W T. 29N, R 4W T. 29N, R 5W T. 28N, R 4W T. 30N, R 5W T. 30N, R 4W. Jicarilla Ranger District: Laguna Seca, Valencia and Vaqueros Grazing Allotments. UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Jicarilla Ranger District-District Wide. Page 6 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region Jicarilla Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Jon Miller 505-632-2956x77240 jjmiller@fs.fed.us WPX Energy Production, LLC Water Pipeline and Buried Electrical System - Minerals and Geology CE Description: The Forest Service is proposing to authorize WPX Energy Production, LLC (WPX) to construct, operate, and maintain a salt water disposal pipeline and buried electrical transmission system. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41311 Location: Williams Four Corners, LLC (WFC) Special Use Authorization, Oil and Gas Pipeline CE 2014 Red River Ski Area Summer Operations Expected:12/2014 04/2015 UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Township 31 North, Range 4 and 5 West, NMPM. Laguna Seca Mesa, Cabresto Canyon. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/08/2013 Expected:12/2014 01/2015 Jon Miller 505-632-2956x77240 jjmiller@fs.fed.us Description: The Forest Service is proposing to approve an application for a special use authorization, submitted by WFC. The special use authorization would allow WFC to operate and maintain an existing natural gas pipeline and associated infrastructure system. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41925 Location: Carson National Forest In Progress: Scoping Start 02/22/2013 UNIT - Jicarilla Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Township (T) 27 N, Range (R) 4 W; T28N, R4W; T29N, R4W; T29N, R5W; T30N, R4W; T30N, R5W; T31N, R4W; T31N, R5W; and T32N, R5W. Jicarilla Ranger District. R3 - Southwestern Region Questa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/22/2014 CE Expected:07/2014 07/2014 Kevin Lehto 575-586-0520 commentssouthwesterncarson@fs.fed.us Description: Renovate and enlarge the ski school building and construct a ropes course and zip-line near the ski school. This project would provide new summer recreational opportunities for visitors. Activities would occur within the existing SUP boundary. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43412 Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 29N, R. 14E, Section 35. Approximately 0.1 miles south of the Town of Red River. Page 7 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Questa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Lama Communication Site Authorization - Special use management On Hold N/A Project Contact N/A CE Kevin Lehto 575-586-0520 commentssouthwestern-carsonquesta@fs.fed.us Description: Issue authorizations for existing facilities including re-issuing expired authorizations and analyzing and potentially authorizing improvements installed without prior authorization. Site is designated for these uses in the Carson Forest Plan. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40359 Location: New Mexico Gas Company Authorization UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T28N, R12E, Section 14. Lama Communications Site. - Special use management On Hold N/A N/A CE Kevin Lehto 575-586-0520 commentssouthwesterncarson@fs.fed.us Description: Issue to a new owner a special use authorization for existing gas distribution improvements, and analyze the installation of additional pipeline through the National Forest in the Red River area and minor improvements to existing infrastructure. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40354 Location: Red River Fish Habitat Improvement Project UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple locations across the Questa Ranger District. - Recreation management - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Scoping Start 09/20/2013 CE Expected:07/2014 08/2014 George Long 575-586-0520 commentssouthwestern-carsonquesta@fs.fed.us Description: Restore national conditions and increase the quality and quantity of habitat in two sections of the Red River. Increase access to the Red River and opportunities for recreational fishing. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42981 Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 29N, R. 13E, Section 32 and T. 28N, R. 12E. The project focuses on two sections of the Red River: at and upstream of Eagle Rock Lake, and uupstream and downstream of the Red River State Fish Hatchery. Page 8 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Questa Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) San Cristobal Treatment Center - Special use management Guiding Authorization On Hold N/A Project Contact N/A CE Kevin Lehto 575-586-0520 commentssouthwestern-carsonquesta@fs.fed.us Description: Issue a prioirty use permit to an existing guiding business currently operating under a temporary use permit. The service consists of day and overnight backpacking, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing trips. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40411 Location: Upper Bitter Creek Project EA Timothy Fruits 12/2014 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:11/2014 575-758-6312 - Forest products Notice of Initiation 10/27/2010 Actual: 06/28/2012 tfruits@fs.fed.us - Vegetation management Est. Comment Period Public (other than forest products) Notice 07/2014 - Fuels management - Watershed management Description: Project will address forest and watershed health issues, improvements to wildlife habitat, provide traditional use forest products, maintain heathy vegetation characteristics that allow resistance to wildfire, insect and disease outbreaks. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33860 Location: Valle Vidal Forest Plan Amendment UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest (entire district). UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - R.15E./T.30N. Sec.31,32,33 and R.15E./T.29N.- Sec.3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,20. Headwaters of 3 watersheds, all tributaries of the Red River WS, including Bitter Creek, Cabresto Creek, Mallette Creek, has some common boundary with VV Unit and RCLA. - Land management planning On Hold EA N/A N/A Audrey Kuykendall 575-758-6200 akuykendall@fs.fed.us Description: Amendment to the Forest Plan to include the Valle Vidal Unit. The EA is estimated to be out for comment in early 2012. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/planning Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Questa Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Colfax, Taos. LEGAL - T 29,30 N, R 15,16,17 E, NMPM. Valle Vidal Unit, Carson National Forest between Costilla and Cimarron, New Mexico. Page 9 of 11 Carson National Forest Project Name Carson National Forest Project Purpose Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region Sandra Imler-Jacquez - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:09/2014 11/2014 575-581-4554 - Vegetation management Scoping Start 04/18/2013 sandraimlerjacquez@fs. (other than forest products) fed.us - Fuels management Description: Thin trees and shrubs to improve wildlife habitat, and use prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels on approx. 600 acres. This is a joint project with the Rio Grande National Forest which will issue a decision for the remaining 3,100 acre Location: Santos Grazing Allotment Decision Tres Piedras Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Big Horn Mountain / Stateline CE Planning Status UNIT - Tres Piedras Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - T. 32N, R. 7E, Sections 20-23, 28. The 600 acre New Mexico section is within the northeast portion of the district, north of Forest Road 75. - Grazing management On Hold EA N/A N/A Wayne Yonemoto 505-758-8678 wyonemoto@fs.fed.us Description: Permit adjustment of season of use. *Project placed on hold due to comments received during comment period.* Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40136 Location: Tio Gordito Project EA Sandra Imler-Jacquez - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:02/2015 04/2015 575-581-4554 - Forest products Notice of Initiation 11/26/2013 sandraimlerjacquez@fs. - Vegetation management Est. Comment Period Public fed.us (other than forest products) Notice 10/2014 - Fuels management Description: Improve resiliancy and restore desired conditions in ponderosa pine forests using mechanical treatments and prescribed burning. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38406 Location: 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT UNIT - Tres Piedras Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Taos. LEGAL - T. 25N, R. 10 E., Sections 2, 3, 4, 9, 10; T. 26N, R 10 E, Sections 19, 20, 26, 27, 29-31, 33-35. Tres Piedras Ranger District, Carson National Forest. UNIT - Tres Piedras Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Rio Arriba. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Red Mesa, Dry Lakes, and Tres Piedras areas. Page 10 of 11 Carson 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. 07/01/2014 02:43 am MT Page 11 of 11 Carson National Forest