Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests — Project Detail

The Gunnison Ranger District is proposing to continue to authorize domestic livestock grazing on the North Butte, Lost Canyon-Silver Springs, Meridian, Snodgrass (vacant allotment) and Spring Creek Allotments.

Install fiber optic line in the shoulder of the east side of NFSR 871.2A (aka as Jackass Flats Road).

Change in management within the Flat Top Unit of the Slate River Allotment and Fisher Basin Allotment.

Continue grazing on suitable rangelands in 30 allotments.

Laramie has requested to survey section corners for future oil and gas expressions of interest submittals.

Realign 300ft of NFSR 956 to allow access to 3 private properties. The road will maintain as a open, ML-2 road with a width of 12ft and the new section length ~300ft.

Public Land Order 7939 was approved by the Secretary of Interior on April 3, 2024.

Winter travel in the Crested Butte area with the "Gang of 9".

Include snowplowing in permit for year-round access on NFSR 871.2a to private property. This activity has previously been permitted on a seasonal basis.

Install fiber optic line in the shoulder of the east side of NFSR 871.2A (aka as Jackass Flats Road).

Reauthorize existing water development for an additional permit term.

Authorization for access to private land via Little Cone Ranch Rd NFSR 618.1E

Gothic area snowmobile closures (Elkton Hills, Coneys)

Implement more intensive grazing system for livestock and prescribed burn plan to increase openings and forage production for livestock and wildife

The Gunnison RD is proposing changing the travel management designation for a portion of Farris Creek Rd (NSFR 736) to a 50" or less motorized trail. The proposed change will effect 2.1 miles and is necessary for natural resource protection.

Non-Federal Party (MEMC)is proposing to convey approximately 625 acres of Non-Federal land in four parcels in Gunnison and Saguache Counties, CO in exchange for approximately 551 acres of Federal land in three parcels in Gunnison County,CO

The Paonia Ranger District is proposing to continue to authorize domestic livestock grazing on the Dry Fork allotment. Should the decision be to continue grazing on the Dry fork Allotment, an Allotment Management Plan (AMP) will be drafted.

The physical closure of 24 abandoned, inactive mine features such as open adits and shafts which pose the greatest physical hazard to the public. The closures include actions to restore, reclaim, abate, control, or prevent the adverse effects.

CSAS conducts field monitoring and observations of climatic and physical factors effecting snowpack and snowmelt in the Senator Beck Study Basin in the San Juan Mountains through a User Agreement with the GMUG. Amendment adds facilities.

The previous landowners, West Dallas Ranches Inc., had applied for and received approval for a DBE for the Switzerland Ditch. Unfortunately, the DBE was never officially executed. Have been operating as if it had been in place since 1989.

Issue a special use permit for access and maintenance through approximately 750 ft of National Forest System lands to a private inholding on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

SMPA has proposed 0.7 mile overhead construction of existing overhead powerline instead of buried, use of two construction yards including an 0.29 acre expansion of one existing and the reduction of one tower structure near avalanche area.

Construction of a diversion channel (Diversion 7) will be conducted during the snow-free months of 2024 and 2025, early July to late October. Most of the work proposed is on private patented claims. The portion on NFS lands is 390 feet.

Mt Hatten Project is a radio repeater installation project, the system operates in the VHF band, power output is rated at 8 watts and is supplied by two solar panels and storage batteries. Ground disturbance will be the placement of 4 concrete pads.

Reissue Mesa Point Com Site Lease

Plug and reclaim historic, unsecured coal exploration well associated with coal activity in the 1960s on the White River National Forest.

Trail and infrastructure project to provide a better and more diverse single-track user experience in the greater Crested Butte area by facilitating safe, responsible, and sustainable recreation infrastructure improvements.

Based on additional analysis of emissions and climate change effects, the BLM will decide whether to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove APDs. The Forest Service will issue a separate decision regarding SUPOs on NFS lands.

Replace two bridges over Muddy Creek on CR/NFSR 265 that do not meet current standards to enhance public safety.

The North Whitepine Spring Pipeline Association is requesting a re-issuance for a special use permit, including a new tank, for maintaining a water collection and transmission system for domestic water use for summer homes in Whitepine.

The current, temporary railroad car Boomerang Bridge does not meet engineering standards and is scheduled for replacement. Design completed 2023.

Issue new lease for existing site

Issue new lease for existing site

Issue new com site lease for existing location

Issue a five year special use permit authorizing the Colorado Army National Guard to conduct winter training activities out of the Mesa Top Trailhead on the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Forest Service proposes to authorize Rocky Mountain Natural Gas, LLC to install 9,355 linear feet of conductor wire with 4 test stations and 14 solid state decouplers on its existing natural gas pipeline on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Issue new lease for Uncompahgre Butte Com site to correct site description and incorporate new com site plan

Mesa Point & Big Meadow Reservoir weather sites lease reissuance

Proposal received to renew a five-year special use permit for the purpose of a bi-annual competitive recreation event within the Land's End - Flowing Park area of Grand Mesa National Forest.

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Deep Creek Trail (NFST 418) will be rerouted for approximately 1.3 miles to reduce resource issues related to drainage.

Convey 1.6 acres of NFS lands under P.L. 97-465 due to encroachment discovered during a new survey in 2019. Plat surveying occurred in 2021.

Convey 1.6 acres of NFS lands under P.L. 97-465 due to encroachment discovered during a new survey in 2019. Plat surveying occurred in 2021.

Re-establish the point of diversion and approximately 2,900 of a the 3,900 foot long ditch on the Grand Mesa National Forest that was destroyed during the 2016 West Salt Creek Landslide.

Deep Creek Trail (NFST 418) will be rerouted for approximately 1.3 miles to reduce resource issues related to drainage.

N/A

This project has been cancelled. The wind event changed the project area so drastically that specialists need additional time to update analysis and data management systems.

Removal of all hazard ( dead and dying) trees near roads, utility coridors, dispersed and developed recreation sites and any other areas where hazard trees could compromise safety to the public or damage infrastructure.

The USFS is considering incorporating the existing via ferrata in Telluride under the agency's trail management.

Issue a special use permit for a term of 5 years to perform road maintenance on NFSR 759 including the use of a 1.99 acre borrow site to generate up to 5000 cu. yd. of material, crush material, and stockpile material.

CBMR has formally requested site-specific review and analysis under NEPA procedures for elements of the Master Development Plan that was accepted by the Forest Service in 2013. See item 23 for more information.

Proposed landscape scale, adaptive project involving commercial and non-commercial vegetation treatments.

Ironton AML Physical Safety Closures Project would install closures at 22 inactive mines which pose the greatest physical hazards to the public or other resources.

Conduct deferred maintenance of approximately 157 miles of systems trails forestwide

Add a toilet at Lands End Observatory

The project will reconstruct damaged portions of the Palisade Wall and repair the roadbed and surface above the damaged wall section. Depending on available funding, additional work may include road maintenance for the Alpine Tunnel Road (NFSR 7839).

Fuels treatments (thinning, pruning, mastication, overstory removal, and piling and burning of material) over approximately 322 acres of National Forest System lands adjacent to the Quartz Creek Property Association near Pitkin, Colorado.

Rebuild embankments that exhibit significant leakage. Repair or replace non-functioning outlet works and spillway. Install toe drains. Install riprap on the dam. Clear woody vegetation growing on the dam.

Determine whether or not to consent to BLM's leasing land for geothermal recovery and use.

Proposing to designate and maintain an 8.42 mile system of groomed, cross-country ski trails on National Forest System Lands and plow a designated parking area on the Uncompahgre Plateau, near the junction of Dave Wood and Divide Roads.

Construct approximately 80 feet of trail on NFS lands to facilitate 2100 foot extension of Perimeter Trail around the City of Ouray.

Application to reissue a new 5-year term recreational event to conduct annual horse endurance ride on Grand Mesa National Forest.

Issue existing powerline to Tri-State between Telluride and Burro Bridge on San Juan National Forest

Deeply Digital proposes to install on behalf of Clearnetworx approximately 7087 feet of fiber optic line on USFS lands adjacent to HWY 63L, Ames and Ophir Roads pending approval from San Miguel County and CDOT.

Issuance of a special use permit for the operation and maintenance of an existing irrigation ditch from West Leroux Creek to the Forest Boundary just above (North) of the Patterson Reservoirs.

Phase 2. Restore historic wetlands, reconnect the floodplain to the stream, build fish habitat, provide wildlife habitat, create fire brakes, and bolster drought resiliency. To achieve the objectives, we will continue building instream structures.

The proposed project includes construction of new 1.23 mile non-motorized single track on the Grand Mesa national Forest. This trail will connect the Flowing Park trail with the Drop Off trail, creating a loop ride for mountain bikes.

The proposal is to provide guided snowcat skiing and summer hiking/peak climbing in the Scarps Ridge/Lake Irwin area (about 10 miles west of Crested Butte).

Bowie Resources has submitted a lease-by-application for approximately 1,813 acres. The lease contains lands managed by the Paonia Ranger District of the GMUG NF, Uncompahgre Field Office of the BLM, as well as other split estate lands.

The Bureau of Reclamation is analyzing the effects of piping approximately 1.55 miles of the Pilot Rock Ditch in Delta County, Colorado. Forest will consider what easement adjustments are necessary for portion of Pilot Rock Ditch on NFS lands.

Approximately 0.71 miles of existing trails (8842.1A, 8843.1B, 8843) will be added to corporate data. Approximately 0.10 miles of trail will be constructed on portion of Three Lakes Campground Trail (NFSR 8843.1A). Two trail bridges will be added.

Special use authorization to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to use a helicopter to capture and collar up to 40 elk (20 adult female and 20 adult male) in Game Management Unit (GMU) 521, including the Raggeds Wilderness, for a research project.

Revise O&M Plan and do vegetation management activities between Ames Hydo and Burro Bridge within and adjacent to exiting right-of-way.

Ouray Ranger District proposes to physically close or upgrade six abandoned, inactive mine features such as open adits and shafts along the Engineer Pass Road.

The Town of Telluride has an authorization for water infrastructure (NOR517). The Town is requesting an amendment to the permit to add approximately 870 feet of pre-existing ten inch steel pipeline for drinking water.

GMUG plans to authorize Tri-State to operate 1.1 miles of existing fiber optic cable line installed on Tri-State's Nucla-Sunshine 115kV Transmission Poles for 30 years.

Coal exploration (COC-61945) and lease tracts(COC-61209 and COC-61357)authorized in 2000

Ouray and Norwood Ranger Districts: Re-issue expiring special use permit for the San Miguel Power Association power lines with no change in scope of the use.

Keystone Portfolio Management, LP requested a Forest Road Special Use Permit for access across NFS land on NFSR 871.2A (Jackass Flats Road) and NFSR 871.2B (Blowout Road. Access is requested year round; no winter road maintenance would be authorized.

Proposed treatment of approximately 2,900 acres of dead, dying or susceptible lodgepole pine stands which have been or could be infested by mountain pine beetles.

Continue the Kebler Wagon Trail west onto the Paonia Ranger District to a point near the Gunnison County Road 12 bridge over Anthracite Creek. Total length is approximately 7,233 lineal feet of trail construction.

The primary purpose of this project is to move the landscape toward a more natural state and thus improve wildlife habitat for multiple species by implementing mechanical vegetation, hand thinning and prescribed fire treatments.

The proposed action is to treat approximately 15,000 acres with prescribed fire to maintain and enhance productive vegetation for the benefit of Mule Deer, Elk and other wildlife species, while reducing the natural buildup of fuels.

Replace old Special Use Permit for operating and maintaining the Box Canyon sign with a new permit and operation/maintenance plan.

7/5/16 - Final Decision signed. To stay involved and informed of implementation activities, see the SBEADMR IMPLEMENTATION WEBSITE (currently under construction): www.fs.usda.gov/goto/SBEADMRimplementation

Upgrade facilities and remove unneeded or dilapidated structures from existing administrative site to accommodate Ouray Ranger District's organizational and operational needs as funding becomes available.

Eureka - McConnell Science center has proposed use requiring a temporary special use permit authorizing 50 service days to conduct youth winter snowshoe trips in the Mesa Lakes area of the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Conduct mountain bike shuttles to 3 designated locations (Mesa Top, Shirt Tail Point, Wild Rose)on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Supports trail opportunities on the Palisade Plunge Trail. Season is trail official opening to September 30.

Conduct mountain bike shuttles to 3 designated locations (Mesa Top, Shirt Tail Point, Wild Rose)on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Supports trail opportunities on the Palisade Plunge Trail. Season is trail official opening to September 30.

The first phase of the project is for rock scaling for unsafe portions of selected rock walls above Alpine Tunnel Road. The work includes rock scaling of the cliff face, disposal of rock debris and traffic control.

Replace failing fences around 11 recreation sites across the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Replacement of 14 toilets at developed recreation facilities across the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Evaluate grazing activities on 23 grazing allotments on the Ouray & Gunnison Ranger Districts.

This EA will consider potential impacts to surface resources and issue a decision whether the GMUG NF consents with the BLM to issue a fringe lease as applied for by Ouray Silver Mine, Inc.

Address erosion occurring in intermittent or ephemeral drainages and meadow habitats by maintaining existing erosion control structures and building new small rock structures (hand built and using heavy equipment).

Septic system replacement for two adjacent recreation residences, Lot I and J, of the Cement Creek Summer Home Group.

Install a fish barrier in Fall Creek and chemically remove non-native species to increase habitat for Colorado River Cutthroat trout and prevent non-native fish infestation to Woods Lake.

Clear Networx LLC has applied to construct and operate approximately 401 feet of fiber optic cable on the Norwood Ranger District in the Ilium Valley directly adjacent to the Two Rivers Subdivision.

The outfitter and guide proposal received requests to conduct dog sled tours on the Land%u2019s End area utilizing the groomed snowmobile trails on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Service provides a guided dog sled tour opportunity.

The proposal requests to conduct snow trail grooming for 7.0 miles on the Park Creek Road in conjunction with other grooming operations on the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Application to authorize previously constructed spring development and pipeline to serve private property inholding.

1)Tree removal and grading for a concrete pad to seat a cooling system for new compressors at the Snowflake Control building, plus storage space. 2) A 1000 lb. propane tank would be buried near the Paradise Hut.

Thin approximately 2,705 acres of scattered ponderosa pine plantations on the Uncompahgre Plateau with the goals of reducing fuels and providing silviculture and wildlife benefits.

Approximately 3 miles of new fence will be constructed along the adjoining. BLM, Norwood and Grand Valle Ranger District FS Boundaries, to replace/relocate fences burned in the Bull Draw Fire in 2018. The objective is to improve grazing management.

GMUG proposes to use large equipment to remove and crush up to 20,000 tons of up to three foot diameter rock for the production of class 5 gravel within the bounds of the Beaver Park Gravel Pit on the Norwood Ranger District.

Cimarron Canal and Reservoir Co. has proposed rehabilitation on National Forest System (NFS) lands of the Fish Creek Reservoir #2 near Cimarron, Colorado.

Rehabilitation of Dam and associated structures and update special use authorization for Fish Creek Reservoir # 2 near Cimarron, Colorado.

Telluride Mountain Club (TMC) and TSG Ski & Golf, LLC (TSG) proposed to construct four new mountain bike trails in Telluride, Colorado to provide new single-track trail opportunities.

GMUG NF is proposing to demolish a non-historic, abandoned cabin with heavy construction equipment at the New Dominion Legacy Mine site in August 2021.

Installing structures that mimic beaver dams, which would move water into a river%u2019s floodplain through overbank flows and enhance the depth, extent, and duration of inundation on the landscape on Trail Creek, near Taylor Park.

Repair of existing dam and replace outlet works on Kendall Reservoir, aka Kenny Creek reservoir. No significant changes to the overall size of existing structure. Proposed borrow source located adjacent to but outside of reservoir basin.

Invasive species treatment

Clearcut harvest and regeneration of about 358 acres of aspen stands on the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Grazing decision on 11 allotments; Soap Mesa, Soap Creek, Cow Creek, Red Creek, Rainbow, Antelope/Beaver, Cunningham, Caslteton, Carbon, Baxter Gulch, Coal Creek.

20-year permit to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for research to understand the impact of decreased groundwater recharge on water levels and implications to for the release of metals to surface waters in the East River watershed.

Special use authorization to provide access to private property near Irwin, Colorado.

Proposal to enlarge existing reservoir.

Work would include removal of all infrastructure contained in the southeast portion of the campground. Removed roads and hardened areas would be rehabbed.

Proposal for a temporary special use permit to conduct a competitive trekking, biking, and paddle in the Big Creek area of Uncompahgre National Forest.

Excavation work necessary to re-establish access into the Leon Lake tunnel. Excavation will be approximately 20' deep x 30' wide x 50'long. Access is needed to inspect existing outlet pipe and valves located within the tunnel.

CPW would construct a 625-foot access road to the dam%u2019s outlet, repairs/upgrades of the outlet pipe, and installation of a new gate stem and controller along with a reinforced grade beam with instrumentation for monitoring.

The purpose of the project is: 1.) Geotechnical investigation to collect site data and 2.) site restoration and stabilization activities to improve water management.

As part of a native cutthroat trout restoration project, the Paonia Ranger District and CPW are proposing to construct a permanent fish barrier across the Clear Fork of Muddy Creek.

Proposal to authorize the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/Dr. Kenneth Williams to temporarily locate an X Bank Polarimetric Weather Radar at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Conduct mountain bike shuttles to 3 designated locations (Mesa Top, Shirt Tail Point, Wild Rose) on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Service supports trail opportunities on the Palisade Plunge Trail. Season is trail official opening to September 30.

Black Hills Energy purchased Source Gas. Re-issue permits to BHE for the Redvale to Olathe 10 inch gas line; Montrose Expansion Project Distribution Line.

Conduct mountain bike shuttles to 3 designated locations (Mesa Top, Shirt Tail Point, Wild Rose)on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Supports trail opportunities on the Palisade Plunge Trail. Season is trail official opening to September 30.

Proposal for a temporary special use permit to authorize a 6-day backpack on the Grand Mesa National Forest in August 2021. Temporary backpack camps occupied by maximum 20 persons are proposed along the Kannah Creek and Coal Creek Trails.

Conduct mountain bike shuttles to 3 designated locations (Mesa Top, Shirt Tail Point, Wild Rose)on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Supports trail opportunities on the Palisade Plunge Trail. Season is trail official opening to September 30.

Replacement and minor relocation of an electrical transformer for the Peach Tree Lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Authorize a permit for a wedding ceremony in "Deb's Meadow." On hundred twenty-two guests will sit in the meadow to observe the wedding ceremony.

Authorize a wedding ceremony on July 10, 2021 in the field at East Fork. One hundred twenty-five guests will sit in the field to observe the wedding ceremony.

SMPA has applied for a special use permit to rebuild, operate and maintain the ~16 mile transmission line along Hwy 550 between the Ouray North and the Burro Bridge Substations on the GMUG and San Juan National Forests.

Project addresses forest health and hazardous fuel concerns in the West Bench/Anderson Reservoir area. This project was developed to continue a multi-phased silvicultural plan to enhance forest health on ~2800 acres within wildland urban interface.

Propose issuance of construction permit to the City of Grand Junction to conduct necessary reconstruction work on the Carson Lake (aka Hogchute Res) Dam and spillway. Engineering drawings and specs are being prepared to meet State requirements.

Project to physically close 26 abandoned, inactive mine features (adits and shafts) which pose the greatest physical hazard to the public.

In coordination with DRMS, the FS proposes to close several hazardous mine tailings and adits in Governor Basin to improve public safety.

The Gunnison Ranger District is proposing to authorize Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) to enhance two trails within the permitted ski area boundary: Hotdogger Expansion and Lower Avery Re-route.

This project considers the issuance of a special use authorization to Ouray County to conduct emergency stabilization of the Idarado Houses.

Proposal to drill five exploratory holes on unpatented mining claims under the General Mining Act of 1872.

Restore a single travelway for all sections of the Bear Creek Trail while providing for visitor safety and resource sustainability. This includes re-establishing the tread, reducing erosion, and rehabilitating impacted areas.

Due to failed bridge inspections, install three new wooden bridges with slightly larger spans over the top of the existing wooden bridges on Imogene Pass Road (NFSR 869). The fourth bridge on NFSR 869 will be replaced with an armored rocky ford.

The GMUG received an application for a special use permit to allow SMPA to sub-lease a portion of their existing internal fiber optic network to commercial entities.

Restore a single travelway for the Wetterhorn Trail while providing for visitor safety and resource sustainability. This includes re-establishing the tread, reducing erosion, rehabilitating impacted areas, and relocating a segment due to rockfall.

The US Forest service proposes to issue a special use permit for an existing private road to access private property that is located within the Grand mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest.

Maintenance of approximately 260 miles of system trails forest-wide. This project would resolve numerous safety hazards and erosion problems along sections of trails.

Replacement of 20 toilets in developed recreation sites.

Replace old or dilapidated visitor information signing within developed recreation sites.

This project will replace existing water system including treatment building, pump controls, water lines, hydrants and other fixtures to eliminate problems with existing systems.