Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)
07/01/2015 to 09/30/2015
Cherokee 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
R8 - Southern Region
Cherokee National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
Vegetation Management in
Open Areas
EA
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
In Progress:
Notice of Initiation 11/21/2014
Est. Comment Period Public
Notice 05/2015
Project Contact
Expected:10/2015
11/2015
Mary Miller
423-476-9756
mcmiller@fs.fed.us
Description: manage permanent grassy & herbaceous openings using a combination of treatment methods; openings include
permanent openings benefiting wildlife species & utility corridors under special use permit by utility agencies
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45222
Location:
UNIT - Cherokee National Forest All Units. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson,
McMinn, Monroe, Polk, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Cherokee National Forest.
Cherokee National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
Stone Pile
EA
Mark Pistrang
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:01/2017
05/2018
423-476-9757
- Forest products
Notice of Initiation 10/24/2014
comments-southern- Vegetation management
Est. Comment Period Public
cherokee-ocoee(other than forest products)
Notice 04/2016
hiwassee@fs.fed.us
- Fuels management
- Road management
Description: The project is designed to improve or maintain wildlife habitat, species diversity of stands, and forest health
through vegetation management and other treatments.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45677
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
R8 - Southern Region
UNIT - Hiwassee Ranger District, Ocoee Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not
Applicable. Northwest of Turtletown.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
Project Contact
R8 - Southern Region
Cherokee National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
Janan Hay
- Recreation management
In Progress:
Expected:05/2016
10/2017
(423) 253-8400
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Comment Period Public Notice
comments-southern- Forest products
10/01/2014
cherokee- Vegetation management
tellico@fs.fed.us
(other than forest products)
- Fuels management
- Watershed management
- Road management
Description: Vegetation Management through various tools for forest health and wildlife habitat improvement. Also, watershed
and trail improvements with connected road management.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42332
ConaCat
EA
Location:
Emerald Ash Borer Research
UNIT - Hiwassee Ranger District, Ocoee Ranger District, Tellico Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee.
COUNTY - Monroe. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project area is 6 to 18 miles east of Etowah, TN and 1 to 7 miles
south of Tellico Plains, TN.
- Research and Development
Completed
CE
Actual: 04/07/2015
04/06/2015
04/2015
Robert Lewis
423-476-9700
rflewis@fs.fed.us
Description: proposing using biocontrol agents when ash trees become infected
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46495
Location:
North Zone Open Area
Management II
EA
Marcia Carter
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
On Hold
N/A
N/A
(423) 638-4109
- Vegetation management
mscarter@fs.fed.us
(other than forest products)
Description: Maintain open areas (fields, balds, overlooks, and linear wildlife openings) by controlling woody vegetation using
herbicides.
Location:
Cherokee National Forest
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District, Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Carter, Unicoi.
LEGAL - Not Applicable. Unicoi and Carter Counties.
UNIT - Nolichucky Ranger District, Unaka Ranger District, Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee.
COUNTY - Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington. Throughout north zone (Nolichucky,
Unaka, and Watauga Districts) of Cherokee National Forest.
Ocoee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
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R8 - Southern Region
Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
Project Contact
R8 - Southern Region
Ocoee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Janan Hay
05/2018
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:07/2016
423-253-8405
- Forest products
Scoping Start 12/09/2013
comments-southern- Vegetation management
Est. Comment Period Public
cherokee-ocoee(other than forest products)
Notice 11/2015
hiwassee@fs.fed.us
- Fuels management
- Road management
Description: The project is designed to improve or maintain wildlife habitat, species diversity of stands, and forest health
through vegetation management and other treatments.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43080
Dinkey
EA
Location:
Outfitting and Guiding Fishing
permits on the Hiwassee River
UNIT - Ocoee Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. East of Big
Frog Wilderness, west of State Highway 68, south of State Highway 64 and north of the Georgia state line.
- Special use management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/26/2015
Expected:09/2015
10/2015
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Debbie Abel
423-476-9700
comments-southerncherokee-ocoeehiwassee@fs.fed.us
Description: The CNF will advertise,though a prospectus,to fill 2 vacant outfitter guide, fly-fishing permits.The permits will
initially be issued for a 2-yr probationary period and upon reaching a successful operation and permit compliance
will be extended 8 yrs
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47200
Location:
Polk County Communications
Tower
UNIT - Ocoee Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Hiwassee
River from Apalachia Powerhouse east to Hwy 411. Access to the river will include both the Apalachia and Towee
Creek Boat Launch sites accessed by NFSR 108 (Hiwassee River Road).
- Special use management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/20/2014
CE
Expected:12/2014
Actual: 11/17/2014
01/2015
Debbie Abel
423-476-9700
comments-southerncherokee-ocoeehiwassee@fs.fed.us
Description: Install 150' communications tower and associated 20'X 25' building. Proposal changed to: 180' self supporting
tower; 8'X18' building; install generator; install 500 gal in-ground propane tank; and install 8' fence around facility.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45667
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Ocoee Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Oswald Dome
Electronic Site.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Thunder Rock 100
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R8 - Southern Region
Ocoee Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Special use management
Completed
Actual: 05/11/2015
Project Contact
05/2015
CE
Matthew Henry
423-338-3300
comments-southerncherokee-ocoeehiwassee@fs.fed.us
Description: This is a 100 mi. foot race that would utilize National Forest System Roads and Trails, private and state lands, and
less than 1 mi of non-system roads and trails. The event would occur 2 days in May with less than 300
participants.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45893
Location:
Cherokee National Forest
TASS (Tellico Area Service
System) water lines
UNIT - Ocoee Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Polk. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Ocoee Ranger
District.
R8 - Southern Region
Tellico Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Special use management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/01/2015
Expected:07/2015
08/2015
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Debbie Abel
423-476-9723
comments-southerncherokeetellico@fs.fed.us
Description: Tellico Area Services System (TASS) has requested a permit for approximately 21,000 feet of existing water lines
buried along road right-of-ways in multiple locations.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46863
Location:
Upper Citico Creek Dam
Removal
UNIT - Tellico Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Monroe. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Tellico
Ranger District.
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 06/24/2015
CE
Expected:09/2015
10/2015
Allison Reddington
423-476-9742
comments-southerncherokeetellico@fs.fed.us
Description: Remove dam on Citico Creek just downstream of Doublecamp Creek to restore aquatic organism passage,
natural geomorphology and bedload transport regime.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46434
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Tellico Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Monroe. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Citico
Creek downstream of Doublecamp Creek confluence.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Hartford Waterline SUP
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R8 - Southern Region
Unaka Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Special use management
Completed
Actual: 05/08/2015
Project Contact
05/2015
CE
Matthew Gilbert
423-743-5925
mjgilbert@fs.fed.us
Description: approx. 2500 ft burial of waterline to service Grassy Fork Community of Cocke County. Placement in current
roadbed/ditchline. All areas are considered previously disturbed.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46606
Location:
Katy Branch
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Cocke. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Cocke
County, TN; Big Creek Road and Messer Branch Road in Hartford, TN.
- Forest products
CE
In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/03/2015
Expected:03/2015
04/2015
Jim Stelick
423-735-1500
jstelick@fs.fed.us
Description: forest health
Location:
Paint Creek Project
EA
Jim Stelick
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:04/2016
05/2016
423-735-1500
- Forest products
Scoping Start 03/11/2013
jstelick@fs.fed.us
- Vegetation management
Est. Comment Period Public
(other than forest products)
Notice 07/2015
- Road management
Description: Create early successional habitat, promote mast-producing species, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat
improvements, and maintain, decommission, and authorize roads.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41477
Location:
Wolf Creek Rx Burn
CE
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Washington. LEGAL - Not Applicable. near
Hwy 107.
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Greene. LEGAL - Not Applicable.
Approximately 10 (linear) miles south of Greeneville, TN.
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management
Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 08/2015
Expected:10/2015
11/2015
Greg Salansky
423-638-8731
gregsalansky@fs.fed.us
Description: provide fuel reduction, stimulate new vegetation growth, & increase soft mast and herbaceous plants for wildlife;
dormant and early growing season
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Cocke. LEGAL - Not Applicable. C232 and
239.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Wolf Laurel AT Relo Project
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R8 - Southern Region
Unaka Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Recreation management
Completed
Actual: 05/13/2015
06/2015
CE
*NEW LISTING*
Beaverdam Creek Project
EA
EA
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
On Hold
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
Description: Wildlife Habitat and Forest Health projects
R8 - Southern Region
N/A
N/A
Vern Maddux
423-735-1500
vmaddux@fs.fed.us
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Johnson. Shady Valley in Johnson Co.
Jeff Chynoweth
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
In Progress:
Expected:12/2015
01/2016
423-638-4109
- Forest products
Notice of Initiation 02/28/2014
jjchynoweth@fs.fed.us
- Vegetation management
Est. Comment Period Public
(other than forest products)
Notice 06/2015
- Fuels management
- Road management
Description: The project would provide early successional forest for wildlife, restore forest and wetland comm., release mastproducing trees, improve forest health, provide wildlife habitat components (nest boxes, etc), and manage NFS
system and non-system roads
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43713
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Unaka Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Unicoi. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Unicoi
County TN; AT just west of Big Bald.
Watauga Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Location:
Offset Project
Cheryl Summers
423-638-4109
csummers@fs.fed.us
Description: approx. 0.4 mile trail relo on the AT just west of Big Bald
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46743
Location:
Cherokee National Forest
Project Contact
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Sullivan. LEGAL - Not Applicable.
northeastern Sullivan County, TN.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R8 - Southern Region
Watauga Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
Peninsula Forest Health Project - Forest products
On Hold
N/A
Project Contact
N/A
CE
Jim Stelick
423-735-1500
jstelick@fs.fed.us
Description: Area 1 - 41 ac; Area 2 - 47 ac; Area 3 - 18 acres. Variable density thinning; damaged/diseased trees followed by
poplar, red maple, scarlet/black oak, white pine. Longer-lived species, such as oaks and hickory, favored.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37357
Location:
Peninsula Prescribed Burn
Project
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Sullivan. Sullivan County, Compartment
118.
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management
On Hold
N/A
N/A
CE
Jim Stelick
423-735-1500
jstelick@fs.fed.us
Description: Low intensity midstory control burn in three blocks: burn block 1 = 131 acres; block 2 - 270 acres; block 3 - 140
acres. Goal to move area towards open woodland conditions.
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38253
Location:
Rich Mountain
CE
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Sullivan. Compartment 118, Sullivan
County.
- Vegetation management
(other than forest products)
Completed
Actual: 03/19/2015
04/2015
Jim Stelick
423-735-1500
jstelick@fs.fed.us
Description: non-commercial thinning
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45197
Location:
Rogers Ridge Prescribed Burn
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Unicoi. LEGAL - Not Applicable. noncommercial thinning.
- Fuels management
On Hold
N/A
EA
N/A
Mitchell Ketron
423-743-4044
mitchellketron@fs.fed.u
s
Description: Fuel Reduction Prescribed Burn 958 acres
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30889
Location:
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Johnson. Rogers Ridge Burn Unit W-08 in
upper East Tennessee.
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Cherokee National Forest
Project Name
Cherokee National Forest
Sullivan Co Communication
Tower
Project Purpose
Planning Status
Decision
Expected
Implementation
R8 - Southern Region
Watauga Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
- Special use management
In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/25/2015
CE
Expected:04/2015
Project Contact
04/2015
Matthew Gilbert
423-743-5925
mjgilbert@fs.fed.us
Description: remove existing tower/guides and install free standing tower; some road widening and new gravel road;
Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46331
Location:
UNIT - Watauga Ranger District. STATE - Tennessee. COUNTY - Sullivan. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Sullivan
County.
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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.
07/01/2015 04:34 am MT
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Cherokee National Forest