Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)
10/01/2015 to 12/31/2015
Gila 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
R3 - Southwestern Region
Gila National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
Forest-wide Wildflower
Planting for Pollinators and
Traditional Uses
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Project Contact
Anne Casey
N/A
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
On Hold
N/A
575-539-2481
- Vegetation management
acasey@fs.fed.us
(other than forest products)
Description: Gila NF proposes a series of plantings to address: 1) need to increase availability of traditional use plants for
utilization by the Tribes that partner w/ the Forest & 2) need to protect & expand upon the availability of habitat for
pollinators.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47378
Location:
UNIT - Gila National Forest All Units. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra. LEGAL
- Not Applicable. Forest-wide. One-acre plots will be selected in areas that fall outside designated wilderness, &
will occur only where there will be no negative impacts to federally listed species and cultural sites.
John Baumberger
(575) 388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
K265EI Community Access TV
of Silver City and KOOT FM
Repeater on Black Peak
- Special use management
CE
Description: James S. Bumpos wants to construct and use an antenna at Black Peak for a Community Acces TV channel and
an FM radio repeater on the Black Peak Communication Site.
Location:
On Hold
N/A
UNIT - Gila National Forest All Units. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - NE1/4NE1/4NW1/4
Section 23, T. 16 S., R. 13 W., NMPM. The repeater will be located at the Black Peak Communication Site.
Gila National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
N/A
Page
1 of 10
R3 - Southwestern Region
Gila National Forest
Project Name
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Gila National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
Arizona Interconnection Project - Special use management
(AIP) Access Roads
Amendment
EA
Location:
Upper Mimbres Landscape
Assessment
*UPDATED*
Gila National Forest
Corkscrew Erosion
Rehabilitation
Expected:05/2016
06/2016
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: El Paso Electric has applied to amend their right-of-way to include permanent access to their existing authorized
345 kV transmission line to facilitate necessary transmission line maintenance activities on BLM & Forest
Service lands
Web Link: http://www.blm.gov/nm/epeaccess
*UPDATED*
EA
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/04/2014
Est. Comment Period Public
Notice 01/2016
Project Contact
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District, Quemado Ranger District, Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico.
COUNTY - Catron, Luna, Sierra, Socorro. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Transmission line extends from Red Hill tiein point in western New Mexico (north of Gila National Forest) to east of Luna Substation near Deming, New
Mexico.
Melvin Burton
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:11/2015
02/2016
575-536-2250
- Forest products
Comment Period Public Notice
mburton@fs.fed.us
- Vegetation management
08/12/2015
(other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
Description: To improve watershed conditions, range improvement, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuels.
Web Link:
http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37200
Location:
UNIT - Wilderness Ranger District, Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron, Grant.
LEGAL - T-14S R-10, 11 & 12W T-15S R-10, 11 & 12 W T16S R-10, 11, & 12W. Covers non-wilderness
area on the Wilderness Ranger District and a portion of the Silver City Ranger District.
R3 - Southwestern Region
Black Range Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Watershed management
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2015
CE
Expected:02/2016
03/2016
Sean Brown
928-462-4300
seanbrown@fs.fed.us
Description: This project will use rock gabions to rehabilitate gullies near the intersection of NM 59 and Forest Road 4074L
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - T. 9 S., R. 9 W, Sec.
32. NM 59 and Forest Road 4074L.
Page
2 of 10
Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Black Range Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Elberus Mineral Pat. Access
Road
- Special use management
On Hold
N/A
Project Contact
N/A
CE
John Baumberger
(575) 388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Special use permit authorizing access to private land
Location:
Mackey Allotment
Juniper/Brush Treatment
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Sean Brown
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:11/2015
12/2015
575-894-6677
- Vegetation management
Scoping Start 06/30/2010
seanbrown@fs.fed.us
(other than forest products)
Description: The Black Range Ranger District proposes to cut/pull juniper seedlings encroaching in open grasslands and cut
mahogany to improve wildlife habitat for mule deer.
Location:
South Fork Allotment
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Sierra. LEGAL - T11S, R8W, S19 &
30. Blackhawk Gulch in the northern-central portion of the Black Range.
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Sierra. LEGAL - T17S, R9W, Sec 14,
15, 22, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35. Approximately 4 miles southwest of Hillsboro.
- Grazing management
EA
*UPDATED*
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/05/2015
Est. Comment Period Public
Notice 12/2015
Expected:06/2016
08/2016
Sean Brown
575-894-6677
seanbrown@fs.fed.us
Description: Re-authorization of livestock grazing within the South Fork Allotment on the Black Range Ranger District of the
Gila National Forest.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42801
Location:
Wanek Private Land Access
- Special use management
CE
*NEW LISTING*
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/20/2015
Expected:10/2015
11/2015
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Construction and issuance of a road easement to a private piece of property in exchange for a public easement
across private land along an existing road for public recreation access.
Location:
Gila National Forest
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Sierra. LEGAL - T.11S, r. 9W., section
32. 15 miles west of Winston New Mexico.
UNIT - Black Range Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Sierra. LEGAL - NE1/4SW1/4
SECTION 18 T.16 S., R. 8 W. South of Kingston, NM.
Glenwood Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Page
3 of 10
R3 - Southwestern Region
Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Glenwood Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Catron County Public Target
Range north of Alma. NM
- Special use management
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 11/2015
Expected:01/2016
02/2016
CE
*UPDATED*
UNIT - Glenwood Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - S1/2SE1/4 Section 16,
N1/2NE1/4 Section 21, T.10S., R.20W., NMPM. North of the Deep Creek Road, approx. 4 Miles North of Alma,
NM.
- Grazing management
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 12/2015
Expected:11/2016
11/2016
EA
*UPDATED*
CE
*NEW LISTING*
EA
*UPDATED*
UNIT - Glenwood Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Within portions of the
following T. 7 & 8 S and R. 20 & 21 W. The Glenwood RD proposes to treat an area around Pueblo Park, which
falls within the larger Escudilla Landscape Area on the Gila and A-S National Forests. The project area includes
approx. 19,000 ac.
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
On Hold
N/A
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
- Watershed management
Description: Re-channelize 200 feet of river off private land back to forest land.
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
UNIT - Glenwood Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron, Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable.
Southeast of Glenwood, New Mexico.
Vernon Lente
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Developing Proposal
Expected:04/2016
05/2016
575-539-2481
- Vegetation management
Est. Scoping Start 11/2015
vlente@fs.fed.us
(other than forest products)
Description: District proposes to treat an area around Pueblo Park, w/in Escudilla Landscape Area. Treatments may involve
mechanical thinning and burning. Objective is to improve herbaceous forage for wildlife, & habitat for raptors &
game birds.
Location:
San Francisco River rechannelization
Kendall Brown
575-539-2481
kbrown03@fs.fed.us
Description: Authorize livestock grazing on allotment with appropriate measures to meet resource objectives
Location:
Pueblo Park Wildlife Habitat
Improvement
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Re-issuance of an existing target range in the Glenwood, NM area
S1/2SE1/4 Section 16, N1/2NE1/4 Section 21, T.10 S., R.20 W., NMPM
Location:
Dry Creek, Sacaton, and Holt
Gulch Allotments
Project Contact
N/A
Vernon Lente
575-539-2481
vlente@fs.fed.us
UNIT - Glenwood Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Township 10 South,
Range 20 West, Secton 29. Alma, New Mexico.
Page
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Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Glenwood Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Silver Creek Material Area
Expansion
- Road management
On Hold
N/A
N/A
EA
Location:
EA
*NEW LISTING*
Spring Canyon / Hay Canyon
Pipeline
UNIT - Quemado Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Project area extends
over Townships 3S, 4S, 5S, & 6S and Ranges 19W, 20W, & 21W. Project encompasses community of Luna.
Extends south of Luna to the Dry Blue; north to the district boundary; west to the stateline; and east of Centerfire
Creek.
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Grazing management
- Watershed management
Cancelled
N/A
N/A
Lindsay Smythe
575-773-4678
lindsaysmythe@fs.fed.u
s
Description: Install pipeline from overflow water system from the Spring Canyon Subdivision to provide water for wildlife and
livestock in the Middle and West pastures of Agua Fria Allotment.
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
R3 - Southwestern Region
Emily Irwin
- Recreation management
Developing Proposal
Expected:10/2016
11/2016
505-842-3281
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Est. Scoping Start 01/2016
eirwin@fs.fed.us
- Forest products
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management
Description: Ecological restoration treatments to minimize impacts of high severity fire across the landscape & community
protection; vegetation & forest health mngt; improve watershed conditions; protect & conserve wildlife habitat.
Location:
*UPDATED*
UNIT - Glenwood Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - T11s, R18w, sec 5.
Bursum Road (state Hwy 159), Approximately 4-5 miles east of the town of Mogollon.
Quemado Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Luna Planning Area
CE
Tracy Weber
575-388-8382
tracyweber@fs.fed.us
Description: Expand the existing material removal area to approx. 20 acres. Material is used for maintenance of improvements,
roads, etc. along the Bursum Road (State Highway 159) in Catron Co. Area may be used for slash burning.
*UPDATED*
Gila National Forest
Project Contact
UNIT - Quemado Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Township 1 South,
Range 17 West, sections 2, 3, & 11. Project is located 6 miles west of the village of Quemado, NM within Catron
County.
Page
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Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Quemado Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Zirkle & Darnell Special Use
Road Access
- Special use management
Completed
Actual: 09/15/2015
11/2015
CE
Emily Irwin
505-842-3281
eirwin@fs.fed.us
Description: The Zirkles would like to acquire NFSR #4184M as their private land access road to their private property.
Evaluate access needs across existing road 4184M or 4011L; private property through Zirkle; or road construction
to access Darnell property.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35304
*UPDATED*
Location:
Gila National Forest
Project Contact
UNIT - Quemado Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - S1/2 NW1/4, S1/2 NE1/4
Section 3, T. 3 S., R.. 16 W., NMPM. Private lLand Access to the 40 acre parcel located where Lyles Camp Spring
is located at. The road is currently numbered NFSR #4184M.
R3 - Southwestern Region
Reserve Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Catron County (Reserve)
Airport
- Special use management
On Hold
N/A
N/A
CE
John Baumberger
(575) 388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Construction of the following at the existing permitted airport: nine airplane hangers, taxiway, aprons, beacon, wind
cone, lighting aids, higher fencing, drainage culverts, a well and water system, electrical service, septic tank, and
restrooms.
Location:
Catron County Public Target
Range - Largo Canyon
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - SE 1/4 Section 13, T.7
S., R. 19 W., and NW 1/4, SW 1/4 Section 18, T. 7 S., R. 20 W., NMPM. Catron County ( Reserve) Airport along
NMSH #12 (adjacent to the junction of NMSH #12 and US Highway 180).
- Special use management
On Hold
N/A
CE
N/A
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Re-issuance of an existing target range in the Reserve, NM area.
SW1/4 NE1/4, NW1/4 SE1/4 Section 32, T.6 S., R.18 W., NMPM.
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - SW1/4 NE1/4, NW1/4
SE1/4 Section 32, T. 6 S., R.18 W., NMPM. Adjacent to Largo Canyon and 1/2 mile northwest of the Tularosa
River, approximately 2 miles northeast of Reserve, NM.
Page
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Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
CE
*UPDATED*
Expected
Implementation
Dark Canyon and Long Canyon
Allotment EA
R3 - Southwestern Region
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Portions of T5S R17W
Sec 29-32; T5S R18W Sec 35&36; T6S R18W Sec 2-4,9-11,15-17,19-21,29-31; T6S R19W Sec 25&36. Unit
Reserve Ranger District. State - New Mexico. County - Catron. Approximately 1 mile Northeast of Reserve and
adjacent to the community of Cruzville along NMSH 12.
- Grazing management
EA
In Progress:
Comment Period Public Notice
03/25/2015
Expected:02/2016
03/2016
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Not Applicable.
Approximatley 20 miles east - north east of Reserve, NM and approximatley 11 miles east of Aragon, NM.
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
On Hold
N/A
CE
N/A
Laura Vallejos
575-533-6231
lvallejos@fs.fed.us
Description: Non-commercial thinning to improve growth of ponderosa pine seedlings/saplings.
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
Aaron Baldridge
575-533-6231
abaldridge@fs.fed.us
Description: Grazing allotment managment plan for the Dark Canyon and Long Canyon Allotments.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45375
Location:
*UPDATED*
Project Contact
Laura Vallejos
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
On Hold
N/A
N/A
575-533-6231
- Forest products
lvallejos@fs.fed.us
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
- Fuels management
Description: Thinning of Pinyon-Juniper, Oak, Ponderosa Pine, and disposal of thinning slash through pile/burn and
lop/scatter/burn.
Location:
Leggett Timber Stand
Improvement
Decision
Reserve Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Cruzville Thinning
*UPDATED*
Planning Status
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Portions of Township 7
South Range 20 West Sections 11, 13, and 14. Unit - Reserve Ranger District. State - New Mexico. County Catron. Along US Highway 180, 0.8 mile north of the intersection of US Highway 190 and NM State Highway 12.
Page
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Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
Project Contact
R3 - Southwestern Region
Reserve Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
John Baumberger
WNMTC Installation and Use of - Special use management
03/2016
Developing Proposal
Expected:02/2016
a Fibre Optic Telephone Line
575-388-8238
Est. Scoping Start 12/2015
between Apache Creek and the
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Deaf Ranch
Description: Western New Mexico Telephone Company is applying to install and use a fibre optic telephone line between the
CE
Telephone Company's Office west of Apache Creek, NM and the Deaf Ranch, north of Apache Creek, NM. A
portion of this line crosses NFS land.
*UPDATED*
Location:
Gila National Forest
UNIT - Reserve Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Catron. LEGAL - Sections 5, 28, 29, & 32,
T. 5 S., R. 17 W., NMPM. Along the existing WNMTC Sp. Use Permit alignment, between Apache Creek, NM and
the Deaf Ranch.
R3 - Southwestern Region
Silver City Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Burro Mountains AML 2015
- Minerals and Geology
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Expected:02/2016
04/2016
Antonio Ybarra
575-388-8460
aybarra@fs.fed.us
Description: The purpose of the project is to reduce potential hazards to the public associated with open mines while protecting
and preserving the intrinsic value of mining related features such as wildlife habitat and historic artifacts (25-30
possible sites)
Location:
Elias Road Association Private Land Access
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2015
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable.
Throughout the Burro Mountains.
- Special use management
On Hold
N/A
CE
N/A
John Baumberger
(575) 388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
Description: Providing an access road across NFS land to private land.
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - T.17 S., R. 13 W.,
Section 27. Access to private property at the end of Elias Road.
Page
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Gila National Forest
Project Name
Gila National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R3 - Southwestern Region
Silver City Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Fort Bayard Cameron Creek RX
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
CE
*UPDATED*
In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/03/2015
Expected:11/2015
Project Contact
03/2016
Antonio Ybarra
575-388-8460
aybarra@fs.fed.us
Description: The project would consist of Prescribed burning 3,315 acres within the Fort Bayard Game Preserve. The purpose
of the burn is to improve wildlife habitat by reducing woody encroachment and stimulating grass and browse
production.
Location:
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Township 17s Range
13w sections 1,3,10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and portions of 15, 23 and 24. Project is located eight miles northeast of Silver
City within the Fort Bayard Game Management Area.
PNM Electric Transmission
Powerline - Burro Mt. to
Lordsburg
- Special use management
CE
Description: Reissuance of a permit for an existing, approximately 8 -mile powerline.
On Hold
N/A
N/A
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
*UPDATED*
Location:
PNM Gila Valley Powerlines
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - S1, T22S R17W, S35,
T21S R17W, S12-15, 21, 22, 28-31 T21S R16W. Southern end of the Burro Mountains, northwest of Highway
90,.
- Special use management
On Hold
N/A
N/A
CE
*UPDATED*
Description: Reissuance of a permit for existing power lines in various locations in the Gila Valley
Location:
White Signal / Ferguson
Mountain Range NEPA
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - various townships.
various locations in the Gila Valley area.
- Grazing management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/07/2015
Expected:11/2015
EA
*UPDATED*
12/2015
Michael Head
505-388-8422
mhead@fs.fed.us
Description: Authorize grazing on White Signal / Ferguson Mountain Range Allotments
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44259
Location:
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
John Baumberger
575-388-8238
jbaumberger@fs.fed.us
UNIT - Silver City Ranger District. STATE - New Mexico. COUNTY - Grant. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Burro
Mountains.
Page
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Gila 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.
10/01/2015 04:23 am MT
Page
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Gila National Forest