Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 07/01/2015 to 09/30/2015 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests 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 Expected Implementation Decision Project Contact R8 - Southern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Chattooga River Boating Access - Recreation management EA In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 10/08/2014 Expected:07/2015 08/2015 James Knibbs 803-561-4078 jknibbs@fs.fed.us Description: The Forest Service is proposing to establish access points for boaters on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River within the boundaries of three National Forests (Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Sumter). Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42568 Location: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) AND072_ATT Permit Renewal UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina. COUNTY - Jackson, Macon, Oconee, Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Access points for boaters:Nantahala RD - Green Creek; Norton Mill and Bull Pen Bridge; Chattooga River RD - Burrells Ford Bridge; and, Andrew Pickens RD - Lick Log. Andrew Pickens Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than - Special use management CE In Progress: Scoping Start 04/15/2013 Expected:06/2015 07/2015 R8 - Southern Region Mike Crane 864-638-9568 mcrane@fs.fed.us Description: Renewal permit for all existing lines in Oconee County, 7,183 feet exisiting fiber optic and copper overhead lines with a 10 foot ROW (1.65 acres) and 215,646 feet of existing fiber optic and copper underground lines with a 5 foot ROW (24.75 acres). Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41929 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Oconee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Oconee County. Page 1 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) AP Fiscal Year 2015 Controlled Burning CE Expected Implementation Decision Andrew Pickens Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than Project Contact R8 - Southern Region Robert Little 01/2015 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Completed Actual: 01/23/2015 231-723-2211 - Vegetation management ralittle@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) - Fuels management Description: Controlled burning on approximately 4500 acres in six different geographic areas to decrease the threat of wildfire by burning accumulated fuels and to increase plant and wildlife habitat diversity. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45901 Location: George Micro Hydropower Project Planning Status UNIT - Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Oconee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Six different geographic areas across the Andrew Pickens Ranger District landscape (see project map). - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 12/16/2013 Expected:09/2015 10/2015 CE Victor Wyant 864-638-9568 vwyant@fs.fed.us Description: Donald and Bettina George currently have a special use permit for a grassed emergency spillway from Thrift Lake to Lick Log Creek. They propose to construct a micro hydropower plant structure in an alcove to the side of Lick Log Creek on NFS lands. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43181 Location: Howard Creek Restoration Project UNIT - Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Oconee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Below Thrift Lake and adjacent to Lick Log Creek. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Watershed management In Progress: Expected:07/2015 EA 07/2015 Thomas Scott 423-783-2419 thomasscott@fs.fed.us Description: Brook trout and stream restoration project. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45629 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Oconee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Howard Creek, Keowee and Toxaway River Watershed of the upper Savannah River. Page 2 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) Outfitting and Guiding Special Use Permit Planning Status Expected Implementation Decision Andrew Pickens Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than - Recreation management - Special use management EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 09/09/2010 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 07/2015 Expected:10/2015 12/2015 Project Contact R8 - Southern Region Jennifer Barnhart 864-638-4463 jenniferjbarnhart@fs.fed .us Description: The US Forest Service is proposing to grant outfitting and guiding special use permits to businesses on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest in South Carolina. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33706 Location: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests District) Broad River Riparian Wetland Restoration Project UNIT - Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Oconee. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Andrew Pickens Ranger District and Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor on the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. R8 - Southern Region Enoree Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Watershed management Completed Actual: 06/03/2015 06/2015 CE Jason Jennings 803-561-4060 jjennings@fs.fed.us Description: This a wetland restoration project. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45628 Location: Chester County Stream and Riparian Restoration/Enhancement Project EIS - Watershed management In Progress: FEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/05/2014 Expected:06/2015 06/2015 Christopher Evans 864-427-9858 chrisevans@fs.fed.us Description: This project would involve restoring and enhancing the hydrologic, riparian and aquatic funcitions within four watersheds - McCluney Branch, Little Turkey Creek, Clarks Creek and an unnamed tributary to Clarks Creek. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44310 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Enoree Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Chester, Fairfield, Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is along the Broad River. UNIT - Enoree Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Chester. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project area is adjacent to the Broad River just east of the Woods Ferry Recreation Area. Page 3 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests District) Georgia Aster and Shortleaf Pine Management Planning Status Expected Implementation Decision R8 - Southern Region Enoree Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one - Land management planning - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants EA In Progress: Comment Period Public Notice 06/19/2015 Expected:09/2015 Project Contact 10/2015 Jeff Magniez 803-637-5396 jmagniez@fs.fed.us Description: The Sumter National Forest is proposing activities to enhance existing Georgia aster populations, expand Georgia aster at new sites, and restore shortleaf pine communities on sites that are currently dominated by loblolly pine. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41944 Location: Lower Broad Analysis Area UNIT - Enoree Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Chester, Newberry, Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Chester, Newberry, and Union Counties, South Carolina. - Forest products EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 03/19/2015 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 07/2015 Expected:10/2015 10/2015 John Richardson 864-427-9858 jwrichardson@fs.fed.us Description: Silvicultural Treatments consisting of commercial thinning on 6,361 acres, regeneration harvest (clearcut with reserves) on 2,146 acres and regeneration harvest ( shelterwood with reserves) on 256 acres. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44865 Location: Manual and Mechanical Vegetation Treatments in the Indian Creek Project Area CE *NEW LISTING* Mark Garner - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:07/2015 08/2015 803-561-4068 - Vegetation management Scoping Start 05/13/2015 mgarner@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) - Fuels management Description: Approximately 313 acres of manual and mechanical understory vegetation treatments would occur in the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative project area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47035 Location: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Enoree Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Fairfield, Newberry. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The project is located in the Lower Broad watershed. UNIT - Enoree Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Newberry. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Located in compartment 126/stands 3 and 12; and compartment 146/stands 7, 15 and 17. Francis Marion Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than Page 4 of 8 R8 - Southern Region Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) Berkeley Electric Coop Permit Re-issuance Planning Status Expected Implementation Decision R8 - Southern Region Francis Marion Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 01/16/2015 Expected:06/2015 Project Contact 06/2015 CE Amy Fore 843-336-2203 afore@fs.fed.us Description: Re-issue permit to Berkeley Electric Coop for existing utilities on Francis Marion National Forest. This combines two permits formerly issued by Wambaw and Witherbee Ranger Districts. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46153 Location: Central Electric Power Coop McClellanville 115 Kv Line UNIT - Francis Marion Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Berkeley, Charleston. LEGAL Not Applicable. Utilities are located throughout the Francis Marion National Forest. - Special use management EIS In Progress: DEIS NOA in Federal Register 05/09/2014 Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 01/2016 Expected:06/2016 01/2017 Amy Fore 843-887-3257 afore@fs.fed.us Description: Construct a 115 KV powerline from Winyah Generating Station (Georgetown, SC) to McClellanville, SC. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=5499 Location: Francis Marion Forest Plan Revision UNIT - Francis Marion Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Berkeley, Charleston. LEGAL NE section of Francis Marion National Forest. Francis Marion National Forest. - Land management planning EIS In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 04/30/2014 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 07/2015 Expected:05/2016 06/2016 Mary Morrison 803-561-4058 fmplanrevision@fs.fed.u s Description: The forest plan revision is expected to take three years to complete with three major steps: an assessment, a draft forest plan, and then EIS/ROD. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/scnfs/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5393142 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Francis Marion Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Berkeley, Charleston. LEGAL Charleston and Berkeley County, South Carolina. Francis Marion National Forest. Page 5 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests one District) Swamp Chestnut Oak Orchard Mastication Planning Status Expected Implementation Decision R8 - Southern Region Francis Marion Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than - Fuels management In Progress: Scoping Start 03/26/2015 Expected:04/2015 Project Contact 07/2015 CE Travis Roberts 843/336-3248 troberts@fs.fed.us Description: Masticate understory vegetation and undesirable midstory (hardwoods and pines) to improve growing conditions for swamp chestnut crop trees. Preexisting slash, including tops, limbs, and logs would also be treated. Treatment area is 7.2acres Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46601 Location: UNIT - Francis Marion Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Berkeley. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Francis Marion National Forest, Francis Marion Ranger District, Berkeley County, SC. Wambaw Cycle Trail Expansion - Recreation management Project EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 02/13/2015 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 04/2015 Expected:07/2015 07/2015 Janna Dupre 843-336-2221 jmdupre@fs.fed.us Description: The Francis Marion National Forest is proposing activities to add improvements to the Wambaw Cycle Trail that include: Adding one mile of a 36" wide single track dirt bike trail, developing a north loop trailhead, and 1 mile trail connector. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46372 Location: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests District) Aiken Coop EDG402401 UNIT - Francis Marion Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Berkeley, Charleston. LEGAL Not Applicable. The project area is located on Hwy. 45, one-mile east of the intersection S.R. 98 (Halfway Creek) and in compartments 162 and 146, near FR 216C. Long Cane Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one - Special use management CE Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 06/2015 Expected:08/2015 09/2015 R8 - Southern Region Jason Selin 803-561-4052 jmselin@fs.fed.us Description: Renewal of permit for overhead and underground electric lines. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29354 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Long Cane Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Long Cane Ranger District. Page 6 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Project Name Project Purpose Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests District) Planning Status Expected Implementation Decision Project Contact R8 - Southern Region Long Cane Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Dell Frost Curltail Upper Little River 03/2016 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Developing Proposal Expected:01/2016 (CULR) Vegetation Management - Forest products 803-637-5396 Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 and Timber Sale Project. dfrost@fs.fed.us Description: Seed tree regeneration(1,900 acres),Thinning (4,719 acres), EA Clearcut(35 acres),Woodland establishment(383 acres), Herbicide release (2,283 acres). *NEW LISTING* Location: Little River LON017 UNIT - Long Cane Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Abbeville, McCormick. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Compartments 176-195,202-203 and 215-220. - Special use management CE Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:08/2015 09/2015 Jason Selin 803-561-4052 jmselin@fs.fed.us Description: This action is a renewal of a special use permit for electric powerlines above and below ground. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=27394 Location: UNIT - Long Cane Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Long Cane Ranger. Dell Frost 803-637-5396 dfrost@fs.fed.us Watson Hill LLC Vegetation Management and Timber Sale Project - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants - Forest products EA Description: Seed tree regeneration (1,365 acres),Thinning (6,732 acres),Loblolly pine removal(19 acres),Woodland establishment(268 acres), Herbicide release (1,365 acres) Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44366 Location: Wildlife Management Activities In Progress: Expected:06/2015 07/2015 UNIT - Long Cane Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Abbeville, Greenwood, McCormick. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Management Compartments 201 204-211,222,226-229,234-241,254 and 256. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Completed CE Actual: 04/14/2015 06/2015 Jeff Magniez 803-637-0248 jmagniez@fs.fed.us Description: Activities would improve conditions for wildlife species by managing early successional habitat, restoring wetlands, and enhancing savanna habitat. Establishment of gravel parking areas would protect natural resources and improve public access. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45880 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Long Cane Ranger District. STATE - South Carolina. COUNTY - Edgefield, McCormick, Saluda. LEGAL - Not Applicable. This project is located in compartments 270 (McCormick Co.), 298 (McCormick Co.), 307 (Edgefield Co.), and 355 (Saluda Co.). Page 7 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests 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. 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT Page 8 of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests