Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 07/01/2015 to 09/30/2015 White Mountain 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 White Mountain National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) AMC Backcountry Facility Permit Renewal - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 07/01/2014 Expected:10/2015 Project Contact 10/2015 CE Marianne Leberman 603-536-6236 mleberman@fs.fed.us Description: Re-issue permits for the existing backcountry facilities (shelters and tentsites) currently operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club. No additional use or increases in capacity are proposed as part of this project. Location: Administrative Radio Repeater Improvement Project UNIT - White Mountain National Forest All Units. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos, Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Backcountry facilities operated by AMC. - Facility management Completed Actual: 05/18/2015 05/2015 EA Erica Roberts 603-536-6230 ericajroberts@fs.fed.us Description: Install 3 new radio repeaters and relocate and enhance 1 existing repeater to increase FS radio coverage on the WMNF where good coverage is lacking and allow for Forestwide communication; includes clearing trees for helicopter use and new sites. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43438 Location: Forest-wide Driveway Permit Reissuance UNIT - White Mountain National Forest All Units. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Carroll, Coos, Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carr Mountain, Mount Cabot, Mount Carrigain, and Wildcat Mountain. Will remove Milan repeater. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 02/13/2015 CE Expected:07/2015 07/2015 Dylan Alden 603-447-5448 dalden@fs.fed.us Description: Reissuance of approx. ten existing permits for driveways across National Forest system land to access private property because permits recently expired or will expire soon. Permits to be reissued for 20 years; approved activities will not change. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46068 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - White Mountain National Forest All Units. STATE - Maine, New Hampshire. COUNTY - Oxford, Carroll, Coos, Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Locations across the Forest. Page 1 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region White Mountain National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) Northern Pass Transmission Line Special Use Permit - Special use management EIS In Progress: NOI in Federal Register 02/11/2011 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 07/2015 Expected:03/2016 Project Contact 04/2016 Tiffany Benna 603-536-6241 tbenna@fs.fed.us Description: Proposed power transmission line that would cross the WMNF in an existing corridor in Stark, Easton, Lincoln, Woodstock. US Dep't of Energy is leading the NEPA analysis. WMNF decision is whether to issue a special use permit to cross the Forest. Web Link: http://www.northernpasseis.us/ Location: White Mountain National Forest Albany South Project EA R9 - Eastern Region Androscoggin Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Patricia Nasta - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:04/2016 08/2016 207-824-2813 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Notice of Initiation 07/15/2013 pnasta@fs.fed.us - Forest products Est. Comment Period Public - Watershed management Notice 08/2015 - Road management Description: An integrated resource management project that proposes vegetation management to improve wildlife habitat and forest health conditions, as well as recreation, watershed and transportation system improvements. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39614 Location: Androscoggin Ranger District Education and Wellness Trail UNIT - White Mountain National Forest All Units. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. For more information, see the project website at: www.northernpasseis.us. UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - Maine. COUNTY - Oxford. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Town of Stoneham, Oxford County, ME. - Recreation management In Progress: Scoping Start 03/28/2014 CE Expected:08/2015 08/2015 Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: Construct a loop hiking trail of ~1 mile from the Androscoggin Ranger Station, on the Fifth Hole Trail to beaver ponds, then parallel to the river back to the office. For employees and visitors, and for conservation education programs. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=41627 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Androscoggin Ranger Station, Gorham, NH. Page 2 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Barry Conservation Camp Improvements Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Androscoggin Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management - Facility management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 CE Expected:08/2015 Project Contact 08/2015 Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: Improve facilities, site, and recreation services at the Barry Conservation Camp. Includes construction of a covered archery range, 2 portable shotgun houses & a dining hall addition, as well as landscaping & water/septic system repair/replacement Location: UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. New Hampshire Fish and Game Berlin Fish Hatchery in Berlin, NH. Heather Mckenny Deer Ridge Integrated Resource - Recreation management Developing Proposal Expected:12/2016 04/2017 Project 603-536-6135 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Est. Notice of Initiation 08/2015 hmckenny@fs.fed.us - Forest products EA - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Watershed management - Minerals and Geology - Road management Description: An integrated resource project designed to move the South Pond South Habitat Mgt Unit (HMU) toward desired conditions through timber, wildlife habitat, recreation, fisheries and aquatic management, and road improvements. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46507 Location: Glen Ellis Falls Day Use Area Site Improvement Project EA Travis Pellerin - Recreation management Completed Actual: 05/15/2015 07/2015 603-466-2713 - Heritage resource tpellerin@fs.fed.us management - Watershed management - Facility management Description: This project proposes to repair many of the facilities--including the access road, parking, picnic sites, trails, signage and toilets--at this popular day use area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33106 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Kilkenny Unit. UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Glen Ellis Falls Day Use Area. Page 3 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Harvard Cabin System Upgrades Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Androscoggin Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Special use management - Facility management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/01/2014 Expected:07/2015 Project Contact 07/2015 CE Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: Allow Harvard Mountaineering Club to install a 30-foot tower at cabin operated under special use permit in order to hold solar panels used to enhance radio system and allow conversion from propane to LED lights. Location: Maple Syrup Tree Tapping Permit UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Harvard Cabin. - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:01/2016 01/2016 EA Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: 5-year special use permit to place several hundred taps in sugar maple trees on 75 acres and use of existing old skid roads for tapping effort. Location: Mt Washington Invasive Dandelion Removal UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Town of Randolph. - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Completed Actual: 06/11/2015 06/2015 CE Daniel Sperduto 603-536-6225 danieldsperduto@fs.fed .us Description: Manually remove invasive dandelions from three snowbeds located near the summit of Mount Washington. Each infested site is estimated at less than 0.1 acres in size. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46696 Location: Parker Sugar Bush Special Use Permit Renewal UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Three snowfields located on NFS lands near the summit of Mount Washington. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/09/2014 CE Expected:09/2015 09/2015 Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: Renew the expired 5 year special use permit that authorizes maple syrup tapping on 238 acres of NFS land. The permit expired in June, 2013. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42972 Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Town of Randolph, Coos County, New Hampshire: 238 acres of NFS land in Compartment 31, stands 4, 45, and 46. Page 4 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R9 - Eastern Region Androscoggin Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Thomas Moore Randolph Mountain Club 11/2015 - Special use management Developing Proposal Expected:10/2015 backcountry shelter special use - Facility management 603-466-2713 x226 Est. Scoping Start 08/2015 permit renewal tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: CE Renew for 10 years the permit authorizing the Randolph Mountain Club to utilize approximately 9 acres of NFS land for the purpose of occupying and maintaining four shelters and associated facilities: Gray Knob, Crag Camp, *NEW LISTING* Log Cabin, and the Perch. Location: White Mountain National Forest Amateur Radio Permit UNIT - Androscoggin Ranger District. STATE - Maine. COUNTY - Oxford. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Gray Knob, Crag Camp, Log Cabin, and the Perch shelters. - Special use management CE *NEW LISTING* Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:10/2015 12/2015 Tom Giles 603-528-8788 tjgiles@fs.fed.us Description: Five year special use permit to erect a mobile antennae and operate portable amateur radio equipment on various summits including Mount Martha, Mount Tom, Mount Osceola, Mount Flume and North Twin for about two days each, once per summer. Location: Bog Pond Snowmobile Trail Relocation R9 - Eastern Region Pemigewasset Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Summits including Mount Martha, Mount Tom, Mount Osceola, Mount Flume and North Twin. - Recreation management - Watershed management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/02/2014 CE Expected:07/2015 10/2015 Jennifer Burnett 603-536-6107 jburnett@fs.fed.us Description: Reconstruct approximately 0.25 miles of the Bog Pond Snowmobile Trail so that its crossing of Harvard Brook is relocated to a more sustainable location that better protects soil and water resources. Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bog Pond Trail in Lincoln, NH. Page 5 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Bowen Brook Integrated Resource Management EA Project Purpose Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R9 - Eastern Region Pemigewasset Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Desiree Johnston - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:05/2016 09/2016 603-447-5448 x128 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Scoping Start 12/04/2014 dajohnston@fs.fed.us - Forest products Est. Comment Period Public - Vegetation management Notice 09/2015 (other than forest products) - Watershed management - Road management Description: An integrated resource project designed to move the Wild Ammonoosuc North Habitat Mgt Unit (HMU) toward desired conditions through timber, wildlife habitat, recreation, fisheries and aquatic management, road improvements and decommissioning. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43974 Location: Corridor 11 Snowmobile Trail Reroute Twin Mountain Planning Status UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Towns of Bath, Easton and Landaff, Grafton County, NH. - Recreation management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/01/2015 Expected:09/2015 10/2015 CE Jennifer Burnett 603-536-1315 jburnett@fs.fed.us Description: Relocate the existing snowmobile trail off of private land onto Forest Service lands to address private land owner concerns and eliminate safety concerns associated with the current trail location. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46525 Location: Granite State Grind and Role Recreation Event Permit UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Bethlehem, NH, Grafton County. - Special use management Cancelled CE N/A N/A Tom Giles 603-536-6102 tjgiles@fs.fed.us Description: Authorize the use of Beaver Pond Parking Area in Kinsman Notch for the purpose of providing a rest stop as part of a bicycling fund raising event held annually. Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Beaver Pond Overlook Parking Lot, Woodstock, Grafton County, NH. Page 6 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Loon Pond Dam Reconstruction Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Pemigewasset Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Watershed management - Special use management Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:04/2016 Project Contact 05/2016 CE Heather Mckenny 603-536-6135 hmckenny@fs.fed.us Description: The Town of Lincoln has proposed to reconstruct the Loon Pond Dam in-kind in order to comply with corrective actions mandated by the state DES. The town has a right to use, rebuild, and maintain the dam for purposes specified in their deed. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43389 Location: Mill Brook Connector Snowmobile Trail Relocation UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The dam is on Loon Pond west of Loon Mountain Ski Area in the town of Lincoln, NH. - Recreation management In Progress: Scoping Start 10/01/2014 Expected:07/2015 08/2015 CE Jennifer Burnett 603-536-6107 jburnett@fs.fed.us Description: Relocate trail to a more stable location to provide access from Mill Brook Connector north through Agnew State Forest to Red Brook Rd. New location includes no new bridges, removal of one old bridge on Appleby Bk., & decomm. of unsustainable trails. Location: UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carroll and Jefferson, NH. James Abbe 603-536-6105 jabbe@fs.fed.us Pemigewasset Wilderness Thoreau Falls Bridge Removal Project - Recreation management - Special area management CE Description: Dismantle bridge using Wilderness-appropriate tools, break up and scatter wood component and break up and bury or scatter concrete abutments at least 100 feet from perennial water, pack out any hardware. Monitor crossing, harden banks if necessary. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46602 *NEW LISTING* Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:09/2015 10/2015 UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Livermore (unincorporated), Grafton County, New Hampshire. Page 7 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R9 - Eastern Region Pemigewasset Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Ryan Twomey Sugarloaf and Zealand 06/2016 - Facility management Developing Proposal Expected:10/2015 Campground Electrification and 307-332-2151 Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Water Upgrades rtwomey@fs.fed.us Description: CE Bring overhead power to Sugarloaf I, install plumbing from well to toilet buildings at Sugarloaf I and II, upgrade up to 10 sites at Zealand and 10 sites at Sugarloaf I, develop host sites to include septic holding capacity Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46533 Location: Supplement to the Green Peak Expansion and Trail Construction at Waterville Valley Ski Resort EA UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Coos. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Twin Mountain, Coos County, New Hampshire. - Recreation management - Special use management Completed Actual: 06/01/2015 06/2015 Susan Mathison 603-536-6245 smathison@fs.fed.us Description: Removal of the World Cup Triple fixed grip chair lift at the Waterville Valley resort and its relocation on Green Peak in the location approved in the original Green Peak EA for a detachable high-speed quad. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45814 Location: UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville, Valley, NH. Tom Giles 603-528-8788 tjgiles@fs.fed.us Time Warner Fiber Optic Cable along Route 302, Special Use Permit - Special use management CE Description: Issue a permit to Time Warner Cable for fiber optic cable to provide connectivity on the north side of Crawford Notch (Twin Mountain to Mount Washington Hotel). Cable will be attached to existing utility poles under special use authorization to PSNH Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45374 Location: Top Notch Triathlon *NEW LISTING* 06/2015 Developing Proposal Est. Scoping Start 07/2015 Expected:09/2015 08/2016 Thomas Moore 603-466-2713 x1226 tmmoore@fs.fed.us Description: This five year special use permit is to stage the bike portion of the Top Notch Triathlon using the Notchway and Scarface Trails. The Top Notch Triathlon is a one-day, annual event. Location: 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT Actual: 04/03/2015 UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Existing powerline corridor near Route 302 from Twin Mountain to the Mt. Washington Hotel. - Special use management CE Completed UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The bike portion of the Top Notch Triathlon would use the Notchway and Scarface Trails. Page 8 of 10 White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Tripoli Road Campsite Relocation and Roadside Hazard Tree Removal Project Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation R9 - Eastern Region Pemigewasset Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) - Recreation management - Watershed management - Facility management EA In Progress: Notice of Initiation 12/15/2010 Est. Comment Period Public Notice 12/2015 Expected:06/2016 Project Contact 07/2016 Heather Mckenny 603-536-6135 hmckenny@fs.fed.us Description: Relocation and redesign of all of the campsites along Tripoli Road to sites along adjacent spur roads to mitigate safety and resource concerns. Removal of hazard trees along Tripoli Road and spur roads to address safety concerns. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=31039 Location: Washburn Challenge Special Use Permit UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Tripoli Road, Mack Brook Road and Hix Mountain Spur Road between Exit 31 on I-93 and the town of Waterville Valley. - Special use management In Progress: Scoping Start 04/01/2015 Expected:07/2015 07/2015 CE Tom Giles 603-528-8788 tjgiles@fs.fed.us Description: Five year special use permit to stage a fund raising event for the Museum of Science out of the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail parking lot and trail, Jewell Trail, summit Mt Washington, descend to Hermit Lake and return. Location: White Mountain Triathlon Special Use Permit UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Carroll, Grafton County, NH. - Special use management Completed Actual: 06/03/2015 CE 06/2015 Tom Giles 603-528-8788 tjgiles@fs.fed.us Description: Five year special use permit to authorize the use of Skookumchuck Trailhead parking lot and approximately 2 miles of the Franconia Notch Parkway for the purpose of the running portion of a triathlon. Location: White Mountain National Forest 07/01/2015 04:35 am MT UNIT - Pemigewasset Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Grafton. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Franconia, Grafton County, NH. Saco Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) Page 9 of 10 R9 - Eastern Region White Mountain National Forest Project Name White Mountain National Forest Dandiview Birch Hill Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) CE Project Purpose Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact R9 - Eastern Region Saco Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District) John Neely - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress: Expected:06/2015 06/2015 603-536-6261 - Vegetation management Scoping Start 05/19/2015 jneely@fs.fed.us (other than forest products) - Fuels management Description: Thin and remove small trees and shrubs to create a 40-70 foot wide shaded fuelbreak on NFS lands within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) located adjacent to the Birch Hill, Suren and Dandiview subdivisions in North Conway, NH. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45950 Location: Neuts Brook Snowmobile Trail Relocation Project Planning Status UNIT - Saco Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Carroll. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Dandiview, Suren Road and Birch Hill neighborhoods in North Conway, NH. - Recreation management Cancelled CE N/A N/A Brian Johnston 603-447-5449 bmjohnston@fs.fed.us Description: Relocate the existing snowmobile trail to the edge of the Forest Service administrative site or off the site to a private land location to eliminate safety concerns associated with the current trail location that bisects the administrative site. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34515 Location: UNIT - Saco Ranger District. STATE - New Hampshire. COUNTY - Carroll. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The trails current location runs through Bartlett Experimental Forest's administrative site, and a new location is needed to connect the trail to the Town of Bartlett. 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 10 of 10 White Mountain National Forest