Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland — Project Detail

Evaluating a proposal to exchange about 1,762 acres of USFS-managed lands with up to about 4,400 acres managed by the State of Wyoming. Part of a larger NRCS-led project that could include a new reservoir, partly on lands currently managed by USFS.

Treating forests affected by a mountain pine beetle epidemic to create optimum conditions for timber resiliency, growth, and health, reduce large fuels, address dwarf mistletoe infections, and provide commercial forest products.

Co-owners of the Dunkley-Dubeau Reservoir request a permit to access the reservoir for operation and maintenance. A new permit from private property south-east along NFSR 952.1 would authorize a road approximately 0.8 miles and 15 feet wide.

Authorization of two off-lease operational oil well sites and associated commercial road use. These sites became part of national grassland upon a prior land exchange.

Realignment or replacement of distribution power lines. Operator is PRECorp.

This project proposes to plant native tree seedlings in post-fire areas where trees are not reestablishing naturally.

Collection of cones/seed from conifer trees to maintain an adequate seed bank for reforestation. Methods include felling trees, tree climbing or use of lifts or other devices.

Salvage and sanitation of primarily lodgepole pine on 30 acres.

The Douglas Ranger District Office is reviewing the application for renewal and amendment of an existing crude oil buried pipeline right-of-way across public lands.

Surface use plans for two fluid mineral development sites per Applications for Permit to Drill. Operator is Anschutz.

Replacement of the Sunshine Express lift, development of a new snowmaking control pumphouse and associated infrastructure, and construction of the Thunderhead Hiking Trail Cutoff.

Integrated vegetation management, fuels reduction, hand crew work in roadless area portion.

The project is designed as a response to the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) epidemic. It has been proposed to increase the pace of restoration and resiliency of National Forest System lands and further the goals of the Routt National Forest Plan.

The University of Utah acquired the Storm Peak Laboratory and has requested re-issuance of their special use authorization.

Land-for-land exchange.

Restore Yampa Pipeline function by reconstructing spring box in a location approximately 100 feet downstream of existing spring box and reconnecting to the existing cistern

Reduce wildfire risk to the communities of Wilderness Ranch, Hitch Mountain, and Quaker Mountain and to the Elkhead Reservoir. To enhance efforts to protect watersheds and address threats to forest and rangeland health.

USDA Forest Service Chief Information Office Land Mobile Radio has proposed to replace the existing communications shelter Mt. Werner Facility #4 at the Mt. Werner Complex Communications Site.

Oil and natural gas exploration and development. Approximately 4 percent of project area is on Thunder Basin NG. The lead agency of the EIS is the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service is a cooperating agency.

Debenham Energy wishes to install three wind energy testing sites on the Pole Mountain unit of the Laramie District. Initial activities would consist of installing up to three Meteorlogical Towers and one LIDar unit.

Right-of-way to install a buried telecommunication conduit and connect to an existing telecommunication line to provide service to a nearby customer.

Special use authorization for existing 230-kV and 69-kV electrical powerlines, including Wyodak-Hot Springs and Tekla-Osage-Rapid City lines.

Commercial road use of existing non-system road connecting County Road 34 (Jenney Trail Road) with private land.

Installation of several water quality monitoring wells on 4 acres of upland rangeland. Part of remediation of natural gas leak from gas facilities located on adjacent private land to the north of the project area. Proponent is Tallgrass Energy LP.

Geophysical 3-D seismic survey. Proponent is Devon Energy.

Integrated vegetation management, migratory bird habitat improvement, hand crew work in roadless area.

Installation of buried electrical power lines along National Forest System Road 1258 and spur roads, which are not open to motorized public travel, to serve oil well pads in the Clareton Oil Field.

Planting of lodgepole pine seedlings across 100 acres of fire-killed lodgepole pine forest to create favorable conditions for recruitment and improve watershed conditions and wildlife habitat within the 2018 Silver Creek fire burn scar.

Take bedrock core samples from 19 separate locations (drill pads) to map area stratigraphy. Drills will take place on unpatented mineral claims.

Extend the seasonal wheeled-motorized vehicle closure dates or locations on several high alpine roads.

Reconnaissance survey and mapping in order to plan strategies for accessing mining claims in preparation for gold mining.

Buried electric power and produced-water lines, for oil and gas operations, and co-located temporary surface water line. Proponent is Devon Energy.

Authorization of a right-of-way and reclamation activities to remove a recently installed crude oil pipeline that was not in operation. The pipeline was initially misaligned onto a parcel of the national grassland.

Issuance of new special use authorizations for a new term to replace expired authorizations.

Commercial road use and maintenance and right-of-way authorization of existing system and non-system roads.

Right-of-way for commercial road use for mineral development of Laramide Fed oil well, operation, improvements, and maintenance of National Forest System Road 1052, 1052.A, and other connected system or non-system road.

Commercial road and water line uses and operation. Proponent is Continental Natural Resources.

Realignment of an oil and gas pipeline segment to accommodate coal mining operations on the western area of North Antelope Rochelle Mine. Proponent is WES Powder River Holdings LLC.

Provision for access to private land across national forest approximately 1,100 feet distance using existing routes.

Addition of 220 acres to special use area at NARM. Proponent is Peabody Powder River Mining, LLC.

On behalf of Tri-State, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) proposes to conduct routine vegetation management treatment within the 175-foot right-of-way of the Hayden-Gore Pass 230-kV transmission line.

Integrated vegetation management, migratory bird habitat improvement, hand crew work in roadless area.

The operator is proposing a placer mining operation on an unpatented mining claim owner by the operator. He will continue with short term placer mining activities and proposes to begin long term mining operations.

Re-align approximately 450 feet of the Boswell Road (an Albany County Road), from private lands to lands managed by the US Forest Service and State of Wyoming, to simplify management and reduce potential conflicts.

Steamboat Resort intends to implement a previously approved project. This analysis addresses adjustments the permittee has requested.

YVEA proposes to install, operate, and maintain buried utility lines and associated infrastructure within the Steamboat Ski Area permit boundary on the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District of the Routt National Forest.

Right-of-way with oil and gas and water pipelines and buried electric power line installation.

The First Creek wet meadow restoration project would occur on approximately 1.5 miles of ephemeral stream in the project area. Work would include Zeedyk structures, one-rock dams and revegetating a small area.

The Grassland proposes to amend prairie dog management direction in the Land and Resource Management Plan, including changes to management area boundaries and changes to grassland-wide, geographic area, and management area plan components.

Holistically review the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre mountain ranges to identify strategies to best mitigate the negative effects of the current beetle epidemic to the various resources found within each mountain ranges.

The purpose is to construct fish barriers, remove non-native brook trout, and allow the reintroduction of genetically pure Colorado River cutthroat trout.

The main goals of the project include creating healthy forest structure resilient to insects and disease, increase public safety, reduce fuel loading and wildland fire events around WUI, and recover economic value of degrading lodgepole pine.

Removal of slash piles created during the Muddy Slide fire suppression efforts, by using prescribed fire.

Designation of administrative site on Blacktail Peak and installation of government telecommunications radio improvements to administer National Forest System lands.

Installation of horse corrals, fence, signs, and meadow protection features at several highly used dispersed recreation sites.

Installation and operation of buried gas pipeline.

Project entry 61300 was canceled because a duplicate entry was made on the Schedule of Proposed Actions. Refer to project no. 63030 which is the same proposed action.

The project proposes to replace the approximately 60-year-old existing bridge with a new pedestrian hiking bridge to address deteriorating foundations and abutments and the narrowing of streambed.

Yampa Valley Electric Association proposed to install, operate, and maintain underground powerlines and electrical boxes within the Steamboat Ski Area permit boundary. The project will total approximately 4.83 acres.

Commercial road use on National Forest System Roads 910, 910A, 910B, 910C, 910CA, 910CB, 910D, and 910E. Proponent is Silver Creek Midstream LLC.

Recreation facility improvements at the East Iron Creek Reservoir site. Wildlife habitat improvement on areas surrounding the reservoir.

Renewal of permit for use and maintenance of a domistic water supply spring development and underground water transmission pipeline.

Realign two existing powerlines. Proponent is Powder River Energy Corp.

Vegetation management to improve forest conditions and reduce wildfire risk.

Vegetation management to improve forest conditions and reduce wildfire risk.

Installation of nest platform structures for golden eagle.

Closed roads NFSR 441.1, 441.1B, and 441.1C in the Morgan Creek Fire burn area are at high risk for failure from flash floods. Treatments are needed to remove fill and culverts, reshape slopes, and establish drainages to reduce environmental impacts.

Installation of hand-built rock structures in approximately 1.5 miles of ephemeral and intermittent drainages to restore degraded wet meadows in sagebrush rangelands occurring within mapped general Greater sage-grouse habitat.

Per the State of Colorado Division of Water Resources order, the owners of the Carney and Continental irrigation ditches propose to install headgates and/or measuring devices at the point of diversion on the two ditches.

Perpetual reciprocal easement between Forest Service and private property owner of Verde Mine claims. Easement gives legal access to property to owner via NFSR 809.1B (Pipeline Road) and NFST 858 (Verde Mine Trail). NFSR 809.1B is closed to public.

The FAA has proposed to remove and replace the existing propane engine and fuel storage tank at the existing North Walton Peak Communications Site. The new engine and propane tank will be replaced in-kind and in the same location.

Reclamation (closure) of an abandoned mine that is hazardous to the public. The adit (opening) will be blocked and the surface will be recontoured and revegetated. To begin summer or fall of 2022 with completion before end of the year.

Hazard tree management for public health and safety primarily along roads, trails, and infrastructure.

Project proposes to construct approximately 0.66 miles of fence to exclude livestock from approximately 17 acres of land in and adjacent to Smith Creek and develop a known spring to provide for a reliable water source away from Smith Creek.

Union Telephone Company proposes to install 5,085 feet of buried conduit for telecommunications cables at the existing Muddy Pass Communications Site; alongside National Forest System Roads 307.1A, 307.1 and under Highway 40 to a vault directly north

Union Telephone Company has proposed to install, operate, and maintain new facilities at the South Walton Peak Communications Site including a 120-foot self-supporting lattice tower, an electronics and generator building, and a propane tank.

Description : Union Telephone Company has proposed to install, operate, and maintain new facilities at the Buffalo Pass Communications Site including an 80-foot self-supporting lattice tower, an electronics and generator building, and a propane tank.

Maintenance and reconstruction to bring NFSR 60 up to standards. The proposal also addresses adverse effects of increased dispersed camping, which may be exacerbated by the road improvement.

Special use authorization for water monitoring wells associated with a landfill.

Various vegetation management treatments would be used within a total project treatment area of approximately, but not exceeding, 250 acres of lodgepole pine and mixed conifer stands which have experienced high levels of mortality.

Special use authorizations for operation of oil and gas development facilities at sites known as Fulton 1, 2, and 3.

TNT Visual proposes to renew their recently expired Temporary Special Use Permit (HBE716) for commercial filming services on the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District of the Routt National Forest.

Eagle's Wing Ranch, LLC has proposed to remove and replace the existing headgate structure on the Chapman ditch at the point of diversion on Chedsey Creek per USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) design plans.

Treat up to 40 acres of timber as a result of the wind event in 2020 on National Forest System lands and disturb up to 5 acres for utility, snowmaking, and trail projects.

Issuance of a new special use authorization for existing powerline infrastructure for a new term to replace expired authorizations. Changes are administrative only; no physical changes will occur, other than minor required maintenance.

Fuels reduction around the communities and subdivisions within the Steamboat Lake area. Project would treat up to 3,000 acres.

Construction of a trail to connect the Pilot Hill Recreation Area with National Forest System Road 712 parking area.

Mineral material contract to the Converse County government authorizing the removal and free-use of 200,000 cu. yds. of scoria gravel from the Dull Center Gravel Pit for the mutual benefit of maintaining county and National Forest System roads.

Vegetation management to improve forest conditions and reduce wildfire risk.

Improvements to terrain, road, lift network. New restaurant. Additional snowmaking. New potable water and utilities. Project specific forest plan amendment.

Construction and reconstruction of improvements for recreation use, interpretive features, and access to recreation site.

Construct four new stock ponds, two new drilled wells, and one new spring development in the Cottonwood Draw and West Sheep Mountain Allotments.

The removal of beetle-killed lodgepole pine trees on 250 acres of forest using mechanized logging equipment and vehicles

Removal of downed or standing dead spruce and fir trees affected by a severe wind event which occurred on September 8, 2020.

Wyoming Fish & Game propose the following to Carlson Auxiliary Ditch: replace headgate/diversion structure, install spill points, replace/reposition culverts at road crossings, and install drop structures at the ditch's end to slow down gullying.

Removal of beetle-killed trees in order to reduce fuels and protect infrastructure.

Lease for Union Telephone site at Fox Park is expired, needs a re-issue to continue provision of cellular, internet, and emergency communication services. Generator & electrical buildings & propane tank to be placed inside original site footprint.

Change in trail designation for travel management and other purposes in the Thunder Basin National Grassland-Spring Creek Unit. Multiple activities in coordination with Bureau of Land Management, Buffalo Resource Area.

MPEI proposal to amend the Special Use Permit (HBE413) to authorize installation of fiber optic cable on the Lake Agnes (Yampa Ranger District) and Grouse Mountain (Parks Ranger District) powerlines.

Address deficiencies and improve recreation opportunities though installation of yurt, vault toilet, parking bridge, and snowmaking at Snowy Range Ski Area. Includes hazard tree removal and water impoundment securement.

Little Snake River Museum in Savery, WY was gifted the historic Divide Sheep Camp buildings and structures located in the Sierra Madre. The Museum will conduct the first phase of needed restoration and repair, to include the fence and cabin interior.

Antelope Coal LLC has requested an authorization to amend the existing Antelope Mine special use permit to allow expansion of the railroad spur area associated with expansion and increased capacity of the coal loadout facility.

Public Meeting Info Found on the Scoping Tab or at this link. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/113960_FSPLT3_5449093.pdf

Develop a plan for the management of Elk Park Road in order to address soil and water resource concerns, while considering issues related to recreational use of the road.

Update vegetation management activities along 278 miles of transmission lines located on NFS lands in Colorado, Nebraska, and Utah. These activities are intended to protect the transmission lines by managing for stable, low growth vegetation.

Up to 3000 acres of mechanical vegetation treatment on the Parks Ranger district of the MBRTB

Prescribed burn to regenerate aspen in conifer-encroached aspen stands, re-introduce fire into a fire adapted ecosystem, and reduce continuous fuels near forest inholdings and perimeter.

Allotment Management Planning for 7 sheep allotments in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on the Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Thunder Basin National Grassland

Encampment Minerals to drill three core samples for the purpose of minerals exploration. Cores will be 3.25 inches in diameter and range from 300 to 800 feet in length.

Encampment Minerals proposes to drill six core samples for minerals exploration purposes. Cores will be 3.25 inches diameter and anywhere from 250 - 550 feet in length. Drilling area is accessed by one open public road and two decommissioned roads.

YVEA proposal for a Special Use Permit to authorize installation of fiber optic cable on the Seedhouse powerline.

Winter training operations over snow with motorized equipment.

Build a winter use only parking area to supplement current roadside parking in the Green Rock area of Scenic Byway Wyoming Highway 130.

Possible redesignation of NFSR 970 from Level II road. Options being considered include motorized trail and non-motorized use. Purpose is to protect resources. A parking area is also being considered.

Communications Use Permit to provide wireless internet services on Farwell Mountain Communications Site.

Issuance of mineral material sale contract for use of material at Antelope Mine for an additional 5-year term to begin in 2021. The applicant and proponent is Navajo Transitional Energy Company, LLC. The existing sale contract period ends in 2020.

Authorization for an existing 1,970-foot 14.4kV distribution electrical overhead power line that provides service to several oil wells. The authorization would be for operation and maintenance of the power line and right-of-way.

Planting of riparian tree and shrub species along a drainage. Plantings will be fenced

Surface uses for oil and gas development, drilling 15 oil wells from 2 well pad sites. Project includes road access and utilities (temporary water, production fluid, and electricity). Proponent is Anschutz Oil Company LLC.

Per State of Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) order to install headgates and/or measuring devices, owner of Rattler ditch proposes to install diversion and headgate structures.

Installation of a fish passage barrier in Upper S Fork Slater Creek to prevent brook trout from moving into a Colorado Cutthroat Trout population that had been isolated by a natural fall, recent surveys have now found brook trout above the falls.

Zirkel Wireless, LLC has requested access to an unmarked Forest Service road on Hahns Peak at the junction of NFSR 490.1 & 417.1. Zirkel needs access to construct and maintain a communication site on private property.

Relocate roughly 10 miles of trail on Pole Mountain to address the current resource damaging alignments.

Replacement of Chute Lift at Snowy Range Ski and Recreation Area to replace aging parts and make the exit more accessible. Upgrade from a double to triple lift. Repurpose existing motor room into a usable structure.

Carbon Power & Light (CP&L) to install below-ground powerline alongside North Brush Creek Road (National Forest System Road 100) to serve private landowners with property located adjacent to North Brush Creek Road.

Issuance of a ten year outfitter and guide permit to Adventure Cycling Association to authorize multiple cycling tours to operate annually on National Forest System Lands across the Rocky Mountain Region.

Amend communication use lease to authorize the replacement of the communications tower.

Union Telephone to expand current communications facility on Barrett Ridge. Includes removing old cell tower and installing new larger one, adding an additional equipment building, and expanding lease area from 50 ft x 50 ft to 100 ft x 100 ft.

Renewal of a mineral material contract for scoria mining.

Drilling one oil well; road construction and reconstruction to access well pad; installation of pipeline and electric utility, and reclamation. Proponent is HD Adams.

Crude oil gathering pipeline, right-of-way, construction, operation, maintenance, associated access, and reclamation. Proponent is Saddle Butte Powder Flats Midstream, LLC.

Take rock core samples from 5 locations near Lake Owen to be used for mapping local geologic stratigraphy. Drill pads are all located on unpatented mining claims and accessed via open National Forest System roads. No new roads will be built.

Installation of a surface water pipeline in a right-of-way and amendment of an existing authorization. Proponent is Peabody Powder River Mining, LLC.

Vegetation management for timber stand improvement and wildlife habitat management among ponderosa pine and juniper stands in riparian and upland sites, including prescribed fire and mechanical treatments of fuels.

Replace the temporary bridge on NFSR 792 with a permanent crossing structure. The project area is located approximately 2 miles south of Gould, CO. The project meets road management objectives, accommodates high flows, and allows aquatic passage.

This project proposes powerline maintenance,including the removal of 5 poles off of NFS lands and installation of 4 new poles on NFS lands. All work will be conducted over 12 inches or more of compacted snow.

Special use permit authorizing an existing water diversion facility and 125 feet of water pipeline/access to the facility.

Cross Mtn Ranch road access to Duncklye-Dubuea Reservoir. Permitted road access is along NFSR 952.1 from private property to reservoir.

Mineral exploration and sampling conducted through boring four (4) geologic cores for analysis. Cores will be removed and remaining holes plugged with concrete.

Requesting an Amendment to Brush Creek Ranch's current Outfitter Guide permit that would add shuttle services for accessing the ranch's newly-acquired Green Mountain retreat.

Re-issue a mineral material contract to Dan Hart Patrol Service, LLC for federal mineral material, sand and gravel, at the Urban Groves Pit.

Pond development on 3 grazing allotments to improve livestock distribution.

WG&F to drill 6 to 10 bore holes 4" diam. and 10' to 25' deep using truck-mounted drill. Location is alongside Carlson Auxiliary Ditch, also dependent on access granted by Forest Service. Holes to be drilled within a 35-ft radius of ditchline.

Analysis of the motorized road and trail system on the west side of the Snowy Range. Analysis includes addition and removal of roads from the current road system and addition of ORV trails.

5 year temporary permit to operate a snowmobile guide service on the Laramie and Brush Creek/Hayden Districts of the Medicine Bow NF.

This project consists of the installation of a physical rock barrier to restrict access to a dispersed campsite at the intersection of NFSRs-106 and 715. The rock barrier will be installed for resource protection.

Albany Lodge is applying for continued use as a winter snowmobiling guiding and retrieval service, as well as expanding their business to summer operations including Jeep, motorcycle and ATV guiding.

Renewal of existing 5-year term authorization to mine and remove federal mineral material within the Antelope Mine permit boundary, which ensures supply of material for road maintenance and infrastructure support for mining of federal coal lease.

Avid 4 Adventure currently has a guiding permit for 75 service days for rock climbing at Vedauwoo. They would like to add 150 days of guided backpacking trips on Sheep Mountain and Platte River Wilderness trailheads Pike Pole and Pelton Creek.

Prescribed fire would be used to treat National Forest System lands to improve vegetation conditions for big-game winter range.