Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 10/01/2015 to 12/31/2015 Prescott 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) AZ Public Service-Salt River Project ROW Vegetation Management with Herbicides EA Tracy Kremer 03/2015 - Vegetation management Developing Proposal Expected:02/2015 505-842-3445 (other than forest products) Est. Notice of Initiation 12/2014 tkremer@fs.fed.us - Special use management Description: FS must decide if to allow APS and SRP to include using herbicides as a method to manage vegetation on existing APS and SRP transmission ROW within five National Forests in Arizona. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45771 Location: CAMP TATIYEE LAND EXCHANGE - 0100 #5004 UNIT - Kaibab National Forest All Units, Prescott National Forest All Units, Coconino National Forest All Units, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests All Units, Tonto National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Arizona Public Service Company and Salt River Project Rights of Way across the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests. See map on website. - Land acquisition EIS In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 03/25/2010 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2015 Expected:12/2015 12/2015 Randall Chavez 928-368-2106 rchavez02@fs.fed.us Description: Exchange of private parcels in the A-S, Coronado, Prescott, & Tonto NFs for Federal lands in Pinetop-Lakeside (T9N, R22E). Would provide land for children's camps currently under spec. use permit & result in consolid. of isolated parcels on Forests. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=5004 Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District, Lakeside Ranger District, Mesa Ranger District, Sierra Vista Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T9N, R22E, sec.16, G&SRBM. Along State Highway SR260 within existing Pinetop-Lakeside town limits. Prescott National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT Page 1 of 10 R3 - Southwestern Region Prescott National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region Prescott National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Thomas Palmer 928-687-1301 tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Forestwide PNF Big Chino Guide Outiftter/Guide Special Use Permit - Special use management CE Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to reissue an existing priority special use permit for outfitting and guiding (Hunting) for a period of 10 years.Guided hunting activities can occur year round, but are primarily in the fall hunt seasons. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45202 Location: In Progress: Scoping Start 09/05/2014 Expected:09/2015 01/2016 UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed activities are for the entire Prescott Forest including eight wilderness areas. Thomas Palmer 928-687-1301 tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Forestwide PNF Starr Guide Service Outfitter/Guide Special Use Permit - Special use management CE Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to reissue an existing priority special use permit for outfitting and guiding (Hunting) for a period of 10 years. Guided hunting activities can occur year round, majority of the use occurs during fall hunts. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45205 Location: In Progress: Scoping Start 09/05/2014 Expected:09/2015 01/2016 UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed activities are for the entire Prescott Forest including eight wilderness areas. Thomas Palmer 928-687-1301 tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Forestwide PNF Vaquero Outfitters Outfitter/Guide Special Use Permit - Special use management CE Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to reissue an existing priority special use permit for outfitting and guiding (Hunting) for a period of 10 years.Guided hunting activities can occur year round, majority of the use occurs during the fall hunts. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45204 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT On Hold N/A N/A UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed activities are for the entire Prescott Forest including eight wilderness areas. Page 2 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region Prescott National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Susan Johnson Prescott College Academic - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:08/2015 08/2015 Outfitter and Guide Priority Use - Special use management 928-443-8075 Scoping Start 02/02/2015 (2015-2025) sajohnson@fs.fed.us Description: CE The Forest Service proposes to authorize Prescott College to conduct academic courses including new student orientation, adventure education, biology, human ecology, natural history, physical geography, field ecology, *NEW LISTING* environmental conservation Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47407 Location: UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Activities take place in a variety of locations throughout the forest. Prescott National Forest Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan - Land management planning EIS Description: The Prescott National Forest is revising its land and resource management plan. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/landmanagement/planning Location: Prescott National Forest Completed Actual: 05/05/2015 09/2015 UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Entire Prescott National Forest. R3 - Southwestern Region Bradshaw Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) BRD River Bend Placer 2014 - Minerals and Geology EA Gabrielle Kenton 928-443-8221 gkenton@fs.fed.us In Progress: Scoping Start 10/07/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 09/2015 Expected:12/2015 01/2016 Kevin Weldon 928-443-8083 kkweldon@fs.fed.us Description: This project would include gold mining operations on approximately 48 acres (10 acres in the Red Hill #2 placer mining claim (PMC) and 38 acres in the Riverbend PMC), with an additional 4 acres for processing facilities, settling ponds, and roads. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45609 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T12N,R3W,Sec11,14,15. The proposed mining project is just south of and adjacent to the existing Gold Basin mine, south of Wilhoit along the Hassayampa River. Page 3 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R3 - Southwestern Region Bradshaw Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Sheila Sandusky 928-567-1120 ssandusky@fs.fed.us Communication Site Use Reissues on Towers Mtn. and Mt. Frances - Special use management CE Description: The Bradshaw Ranger District proposes to reissue 30-year Special Use Permits for 15 existing communicaiton sites on Towers Mtn. and Mt. Frances. Location: Eastside Ore Reserve - Gold Basin Supplement In Progress: Scoping Start 07/11/2014 Expected:02/2015 03/2015 UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T10N, R1W, Section 4 and T13N, R3W, Section 23. Towers Mtn and Mt. Frances, Bradshaw Ranger District. - Minerals and Geology EA In Progress: Scoping Start 11/03/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 02/2016 Expected:09/2016 10/2016 Kevin Weldon 928-443-8083 kkweldon@fs.fed.us Description: This project would include placer gold mining operations on approximately 6 acres of land. Mining activities include mining out two deposits (Pit # 3 and # 4), developing an access road off FR 9262E, and a stockpile site. This is a 15-year project. Location: Foot Hills Ranch Equestrian O&G SUP UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 12 N, R 3 W, Section 11. This project is located east of the Gold Basin Mine south of Wilhoit along the Hassayampa River. - Recreation management - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 02/20/2015 Expected:08/2015 08/2015 CE *NEW LISTING* Susan Johnson 928-443-8075 sajohnson@fs.fed.us Description: Permit year-round guided horseback rides for trips on Forest Service system roads and trails. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47092 Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Permittee will operate out of 11680 Finley Rd, Mayer, AZ, 86333. Susan Johnson Foot Hills Ranch Equestrian 08/2015 - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:08/2015 Outfitter and Guide Priority Use - Special use management 928-443-8075 Scoping Start 04/16/2015 sajohnson@fs.fed.us CE Description: The Forest Service proposes to issue a Priority Use Permit for up to 10 years to Foot Hills Ranch LLC, to conduct *NEW LISTING* trail rides year-round. Trail rides would consist of 2-10 clients per trip in the Grapevine, Big Bug Creek and Mayer Area. Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T12N, R1E, Sect(s) 7, 8, 17, 19, 20, 29, & 30. Permittee will operate out of 11680 Finley Rd, Mayer, AZ. Page 4 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Bradshaw Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) ISP pole installation at the Highland Center - Special use management Cancelled N/A Project Contact N/A CE Sheila Sandusky 928-567-1120 ssandusky@fs.fed.us Description: The pole will be placed at the base of a juniper tree, and conduit will be trenched 3-4 inches deep for approximately 650ft from the Center to the juniper. Project area/disturbance = 0.03 acres. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45130 Location: Newtown Avenue Trailhead UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T13N R1W Sec8. The Highlands Center for Natural History. - Recreation management Completed Actual: 05/11/2015 06/2015 CE Jason Williams 928-777-2220 jwilliams@fs.fed.us Description: The Bradshaw Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, is proposing to create a multi-use trailhead for the Charcoal Gulch Trail #9419. The trailhead will accommodate OHV and horse trailers as well as cars, and will have an informational kiosk. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46223 Location: Prescott National Forest UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - R1W; T13N; Sect 1. Off Highway 69 to the west of the town of Dewey-Humboldt, AZ, at the end of Newtown Avenue. The trailhead will be at the head of Charcoal Gulch Trail #9419. CenturyLink Fiber Optic Line and Pole Replacement - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 08/10/2015 CE *NEW LISTING* Expected:08/2015 08/2015 Kenneth Simeral 928-443-8010; 4438215 ksimeral@fs.fed.us Description: CenturyLink plans to replace the aerial fiber optic line and a number of degraded poles along a portion on utility easement between Paulden and Drake. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47558 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT R3 - Southwestern Region Chino Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T18N, R2W, Secs. 13 & 24; T18N, R1W, Secs. 5, 6, & 7; T19N, R1W, Sec. 32. Between Paulden and Drake. Page 5 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Chino Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Chino Small Grazing Allotments - Grazing management In Progress: Expected:09/2015 Project Contact 09/2015 EA Chris Thiel 928-474-7900 cathiel@fs.fed.us Description: The Chino Valley District Ranger is proposing to continue the authorization of livestock grazing on the Hitt Wash, Jordan, Old Camp, Quartz Wash, and Yolo South Allotments; collectively referred to as the %u201CChino Small Allotments%u201D. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46027 Location: Chino Valley Watershed Restoration UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The allotments are all located in the Chino Valley Ranger District in various locations around Williamson Valley. - Watershed management EA In Progress: Scoping Start 12/18/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 06/2016 Expected:12/2016 01/2017 Noel Fletcher 928-443-8020 nfletcher@fs.fed.us Description: Watershed restoration through vegetation management and possibly road closures Location: Quartz Wash, Hitt Wash, Old Camp/Jordan, Yolo South Grazing Allotments Management Plan Revision EA - Grazing management EA Expected:08/2015 10/2015 Chris Thiel 928-474-7900 cathiel@fs.fed.us UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chino Valley Ranger District. - Special use management In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 12/02/2014 Expected:09/2015 10/2015 Noel Fletcher 928-443-8020 nfletcher@fs.fed.us Description: The Prescott National Forest is proposing to issue three special use permits to Northern Arizona University and Prescott College (WCCER partnership) to use the Walnut Creek Administrative Site a 285 acres of NFS lands. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42814 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT Developing Proposal Est. Notice of Initiation 11/2014 Description: Analyze future options for grazing on four small range allotments on the Chino Valley Ranger District. The proposal may include new range improvements. Location: Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research and Southwest Experimental Garden Array UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chino Valley Ranger District. UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 18 N, R 5 W, Sect 25. Walnut Creek Administrative Site plus 285 additional acres of surrounding NFS lands. Page 6 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Yavapai Ranch Reciprocal Easements Project Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Chino Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Land ownership management EA In Progress: 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 03/28/2014 Expected:10/2015 Project Contact 12/2015 Richard Della Porta 928-443-8013 rdellaporta@fs.fed.us Description: Exchange reciprocal easements on approximately 18 mile of road. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29905 Location: Prescott National Forest UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Northwestern corner of Prescott National Forest in the. Verde Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) R3 - Southwestern Region Thomas Palmer AAM Priority River Rafting - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:12/2015 01/2016 Outfitter and Guide Special Use - Special use management 928-567-1114 Scoping Start 12/21/2012 Permit tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to issue to the outfitter/guide known as AAM a 5-year priority special use CE permit for a river rafting outfitter guide operation on the Verde River and Verde Wild and Scenic River Segments. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40886 Location: Agua Fria Grasslands Improvement Project EA Noel Fletcher - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:11/2015 11/2015 928-443-8020 - Vegetation management Comment Period Public Notice nfletcher@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) 08/22/2014 - Watershed management Description: The Verde District of the Prescott National Forest (PNF) is proposing to improve wildlife habitat and watershed conditions on the Agua Fria Grasslands portion of the forest. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41299 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Boat launching will occur at White Bridge and Beasley Flats River access sites on the Prescott; take outs at GAP Creek, Childs and Hoseshoe reservoir on the Prescott, Coc, and Tonto. UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T11N - 13N; R 2E - 5E. The project area comprises approximately 100,000 acres on the Prescott National Forest south of Camp Verde and east of I-17. Page 7 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Verde Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Arnold Mesa Wildlife Water Development - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Special use management Completed Actual: 08/03/2015 Project Contact 09/2015 CE Albert Sillas 928-567-1124 asillas@fs.fed.us Description: The Forest Service proposes to authorize the Arizona Game and Fish Department to reconstruct and maintain an existing water catchment. Copper Falls Trail and OHV Reroutes Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46781 Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - NE¼ of the SE¼ of Section 11, Township 12 North, Range 4 East of the Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian. On Arnold Mesa about 8 miles southwest of Camp Verde, AZ. - Recreation management Completed Actual: 08/13/2015 08/2015 CE Jason Williams 928-777-2220 jwilliams12@fs.fed.us Description: Construct new trails and reroute existing trails on the Verde District Ranger. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46976 Location: Gila Chub Habitat Improvement Project UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Trails throughout the Verde Front Area, see project maps. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants On Hold N/A N/A EA Albert Sillas 928-567-1124 asillas@fs.fed.us Description: Improve pool habitat by sediment removal, instream structures, exclosure fences, and removal of juniper tree encroachment in three sites. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30425 Location: Mingus Mtn. Wildlife Water Developments UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 11 N, R 4 E, sections 4, 16, 20. Near Sycamore Historic Site/Dugas area. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 01/28/2015 CE *NEW LISTING* 08/2015 Noel Fletcher 928-443-8020 nfletcher@fs.fed.us Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to issue a 20-year permit to the Arizona Dept of Game and Fish to reconstruct and maintain seven existing wildlife water catchments. Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT Expected:08/2015 UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Seven various locations on Mingus Mtn., Verde Ranger District. Page 8 of 10 Prescott National Forest Project Name Prescott National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R3 - Southwestern Region Verde Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Reissuance of a Water Development Special Use Permit to Frank and Wanita Melluzzo CE - Special use management N/A N/A Sheila Sandusky 928-567-1120 ssandusky@fs.fed.us Description: The Prescott National Forest is proposing to reissue a 10-year special use permit for 2 water pipelines, 1 springbox, 600 gallon water tank, and cattle exclosure fence. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39048 Location: Rim Country Bowhunters Special Use Permit On Hold Project Contact UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T14N, R3E, Sect17. Off Cherry road in Cherry, AZ. - Recreation management - Special use management On Hold N/A N/A CE Sheila Sandusky 928-567-1120 ssandusky@fs.fed.us Description: The Forest Service, Prescott National Forest, is proposing to issue a 10-yr special use permit to the Rim Country Bowhunters Association for their existing site located off Cherry Rd in Camp Verde, AZ. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39106 Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T14N, R4E, Section 16. Located off Cherry Creek Rd & Hwy 260. Thomas Palmer Sedona Adventure Outfitter - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:12/2015 01/2016 Guide Priority River Boating 928-567-1114 - Special use management Scoping Start 12/21/2012 Outfitter and Guide Special Use tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Permit Description: The PNF proposes to issue to Sedona Adventure Outfitter and Guides Inc. a 5-year priority special use permit for CE a river boating outfitter guide operation on the Verde River and Verde Wild and Scenic River segments. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40889 Location: West Mingus Avenue Project UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Boat launching will occur at Skidmore, Big Notti, Black Canyon, White Bridge, Clear Creek and Beasley Flats River access sites on the PNF. Take outs at Gap Creek, Childs, and Horseshoe resvr. - Recreation management On Hold EA N/A N/A Thomas Palmer 928-567-1114 tpalmer01@fs.fed.us Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to develop a trailhead and system of trails, in coordination with the City of Cottonwood, along FR493 (West Mingus Avenue) in the Cottonwood and Clarkdale Area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40891 Location: 10/01/2015 04:23 am MT UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The proposed project occurs southwest of Cottonwood, AZ along FR493 (West Mingus Avenue). Page 9 of 10 Prescott 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 10 of 10 Prescott National Forest