Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 10/01/2014 to 12/31/2014 Shawnee 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 R9 - Eastern Region Shawnee National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Ameren Powerline Reconstruction Project - Special use management EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 04/05/2013 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 11/2014 Project Contact Expected:02/2015 02/2015 Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: Ameren Power Generating Company needs a new permit to reconstruct seven-miles of an existing permitted electric transmission line system, to include lines, poles, and supporting structures. The line runs from Grand Tower to Makanda. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41796 Location: Hamburg Hill Trail of Tears Enhancements UNIT - Shawnee National Forest All Units. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - Township 10 South, Range 3 West Section 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, & 27. Their permitted right-of-way across Forest land is located between Grand Tower and Makanda. - Recreation management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/05/2013 Expected:11/2014 01/2015 CE Mary McCorvie 618-253-1045 mmccorvie@fs.fed.us Description: This project will provide Trailhead improvements and historic and environmental restoration for a trailhead at the top of Hamburg Hill on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41798 Location: Phragmites Eradication EA UNIT - Shawnee National Forest All Units. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Union. LEGAL - Section 32 and 33, Township 12 South, Range 2. Hamburg Hill is located in Union County just west of Jonesboro. - Vegetation management (other than forest products) In Progress: Notice of Initiation 07/07/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 11/2014 Expected:02/2015 04/2015 Chad Deaton 618-833-8576 cdeaton@fs.fed.us Description: We plan to eradicate two invasive species; common reed (Phragmites) and reed canarygrass, while populations are relatively small and the chance for success is high. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37233 Location: 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT UNIT - Shawnee National Forest All Units. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson, Johnson, Pope, Union. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Several sites across the Forest. Page 1 of 6 Shawnee National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R9 - Eastern Region Shawnee National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Southern Illinois Power CooperativePermit Amendment - Special use management CE Description: The proposal is to amend Southern Illinois Power Cooperative's existing special use permit, VIE201306. This amendment would allow for the continued operation and maintenance of a stub pole and four buried anchors. *NEW LISTING* Location: Shawnee National Forest Ameren Utility Expansion Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 11/2014 UNIT - Shawnee National Forest All Units. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Alexander, Pope. LEGAL - Section 2, NENE, Township 15 South, Range 2 West Section 29, NESW, Township 12 South, Range 7 East . Along power-lines in Alexander and Pope Counties. R9 - Eastern Region Hidden Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management On Hold CE N/A N/A Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: Ameren has an easement for a power corridor on Forest land just south of Lake of Egypt. It is about 1.2 miles long and 125 feet wide. The proposal is to widen the corridor by 12.5 feet on both sides. To widen, vegetation will need to be removed. Location: Cretaceous Hills Ecological Restoration EIS *NEW LISTING* Amanda Kunzmann - Forest products Developing Proposal Expected:09/2015 10/2015 618-658-2111 - Vegetation management Est. NOI in Federal Register akunzmann@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) 09/2014 - Fuels management Description: This project proposes about 3,000 acres of pine thinning, 15,000 acres of prescribed fire, treatment of invasive species, maintenance of barren habitats, development of vernal ponds and roadwork. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45129 Location: 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - Section 9 and 16, Township 11 South, Range 3 East, Goreville Quad. The proposed expansion is located at Goreville Quad #23, Section 9 and 16, Township 11 South, Range 3 East in Johnson County, Illinois. UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Massac, Pope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Southeastern Pope and eastern Massac Counties About 7 miles south- southwest of Golconda, Illinois. Page 2 of 6 Shawnee National Forest Project Name Shawnee National Forest Hardin County Main Street: Ozark Tour Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Hidden Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 10/2014 CE *NEW LISTING* Project Contact Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: The purpose of this project is to provide the public an opportunity to participate in the one-day bus tour of historical sites located across southeastern Illinois. The number of participants would not exceed 40. Location: UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline. LEGAL Not Applicable. Eastern side of the Shawnee. Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Indian Kitchen Lodge Outfitter/Guide Special-Use Permit - Recreation management CE Description: This project would authorize the issuance of an outfitter/guide special-use permit (SUP) to the proprietors of Indian Kitchen Lodge (IKL), near Eddyville, Illinois. They would be allowed a maximum of up to ten riders per day. *NEW LISTING* Location: JP Road Use Permit - Special use management EA 11/2014 Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:11/2014 11/2014 Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: Access to private lands using an existing non-system road that crosses forest lands. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45474 Location: Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration Expected:11/2014 UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Pope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Indian kitchens Lodge is located near Eddyville, Illinois. They are relatively close to the River-to-River Trailhead. CE *NEW LISTING* Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Pope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Pope County near Reevesville. - Forest products - Vegetation management (other than forest products) *NEW LISTING* In Progress: Notice of Initiation 08/24/2014 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 11/2014 Expected:01/2015 04/2015 Tom Neal (618) 658-2111 tneal@fs.fed.us Description: The proposal includes: 1)Commercial timber sale to thin 681 acres of pine; 2)Timber-stand improvement on 681 acres of smaller, shade-tolerant species; 3)About 1500 acres of prescribed fire 4)Small wetland creation; 5)Road maintenance Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45123 Location: 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Hardin. LEGAL - Not Applicable. About two miles south and east of Karbers Ridge, Illinois. Page 3 of 6 Shawnee National Forest Project Name Shawnee National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Hidden Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Ramsey Branch Hardwood Restoration EA Tom Neal - Forest products In Progress: Expected:02/2015 04/2015 (618) 658-2111 - Vegetation management Objection Period Legal Notice tneal@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) 05/19/2014 Description: The proposed actions encourage resilient forest conditions through silvicultural treatments including commercial thinning that will enhance the diversity of native vegetation on about 53 acres. Web Link: http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/shawnee/landmanagement/projects Location: The Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Pope. LEGAL - T12S, R6E, Sec 5. The Ramsey Branch project area is about 1 mile east of Eddyville, IL. - Recreation management - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 10/2014 CE *NEW LISTING* UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Johnson, Pope. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The event would be based off-Forest at Camp Ondessonk, a private campground. Participants would ride their mountain bikes onto Forest property. - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 11/2014 CE *NEW LISTING* Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 11/2014 Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: This proposal is to issue a temporary special-use permit authorizing the use of a right-of-way (ROW) route, across Forest land, to their private property.. Forest Service Rd 1736 will serve also as a proposed route for the timber haul. Location: 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Saline. LEGAL Not Applicable. Hardin County near RimRock. - Special use management CE *NEW LISTING* Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: Outfitting and guiding for kayak trips on Pounds Hollow lake and Lusk Creek. Guided hiking opportunities across the Forest and carriage rides on Forest roads closed to motor vehicles. Location: W. Timber Haul Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: The proposal is to allow the holder to host the Southern Illinois Fat Tire Festival Event, a weekend of noncompetitive mountain bike riding that would occur on October 24th-26th, 2014. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45306 Location: Treetop Cabins Outfitter Guide Permit Project Contact UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Hardin. LEGAL - SESW Section 10, Township 12 South, Range 8 East. Hardin County. Page 4 of 6 Shawnee National Forest Project Name Shawnee National Forest Wagon Creek Culvert Replacement Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Hidden Springs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Road management Completed Actual: 08/21/2014 Project Contact 09/2014 CE Justin Dewey 618-687-1731 jpdewey@fs.fed.us Description: Johnson County has received funding to replace a culvert under the Creal Springs Road with a bridge. The replacement work is expected to impact an area on the national forest over a width of 50%u2019 from centerline for a length of about 500 feet. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44864 Location: Shawnee National Forest B.S. Road Permit UNIT - Hidden Springs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Johnson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Wagon Creek in Johnson County. - Special use management CE *NEW LISTING* Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Expected:10/2014 11/2014 Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us Description: The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit MUR24, which would allow for the continued use of a, 2,006 foot by 20 foot or 0.92 acre, right-of-way across Forest land for ingress and egress to private property. Location: Cedar Lake Shoreline Stabilization R9 - Eastern Region Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) UNIT - Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - SW1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 2 West. Near Makanda. - Watershed management Completed CE Actual: 07/31/2014 09/2014 John DePuy 618-658-2111 jdepuy@fs.fed.us Description: This project will be a continuation of work done over the past several years to stabilize the eroding shorelines at Cedar Lake using the barge application method of stone riprap placement. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44683 Location: 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT UNIT - Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Cedar Lake. Page 5 of 6 Shawnee National Forest Project Name Shawnee National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Kinkaid Lake Gullies 2 - Watershed management Completed Actual: 09/05/2014 Project Contact 10/2014 CE John DePuy 618-658-2111 jdepuy@fs.fed.us Description: This project proposes four gullies for stabilization near Kinkaid Lake. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=44686 Location: M.M. Road Permit UNIT - Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Drainage that flow into Kinkaid lake in Jackson County. - Special use management CE *NEW LISTING* 11/2014 Robert Monroe 618-658-2111 robertmonroe@fs.fed.us UNIT - Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - SW1/4, Section 23, Township 10 South, Range 2 West. Near makanda. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Completed CE *NEW LISTING* Expected:10/2014 Description: The proposal is to renew an existing special-use permit , which allows use of a 2,000 foot by 20 foot or 0.91 acre, right-of-way across Forest land to access private property. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45308 Location: Oakwood Moist Soil Phase 2 and 3 Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 10/2014 Actual: 09/30/2014 10/2014 Rod McClanahan 618-658-1317 rmcclanahan@fs.fed.us Description: This project would create about 40 small forest openings over the next five years within the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. Moist soil wetland vegetation would be encouraged. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45200 Location: UNIT - Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District. STATE - Illinois. COUNTY - Jackson. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. 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. 10/01/2014 08:55 am MT Page 6 of 6 Shawnee National Forest