San Juan National Forest — Project Detail

Proposal to supplement the Dolores Prescribed Fire Pine Ecosystem EA to include the ability to construct control lines using bladed equipment and masticators.

Analysis of proposed revision to Metallic Minerals Exploratory Core Sampling Project (Project ID 61638), pending complete proposal from Metallic Minerals.

Empire Electric Association has an existing, buried electrical line crossing the Dolores River that is at risk of washing out due to erosion. They propose to construct a replacement overhead line, which will require installation of 2 wood poles.

Clearnetworx proposes to install fiber optic communications line between Dolores and Mancos. Approximately 882 linear feet would be installed on National Forest System lands.

Issuance of a new private road special use permit for the purpose of accessing a private inholding. The road will be 7.95 miles long and will follow the previous alignment of the old Forest Road 245A.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) proposes to enclose the Leavensworth Ditch in corrugated metal pipe. CPW owns all water and ditch rights associated with the Leavensworth Ditch.

Issue permit for upgrade of approximately 4190 feet of existing overhead 7.2 kV electric distribution power line on NFS land in the Mayday area of La Plata Canyo, including line replacement and pole additions and replacements.

The project would authorize the installation of fiber telecommunications line to provide broadband internet access to the tribal and non-tribal members primarily within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

Rico Trails Alliance and the Town of Rico propose to construct a trail connecting the Town of Rico to the existing Rio Grande Southern Trail. The trail would traverse National Forest System Lands and private property. Easements have been secured.

Reconstruction of a fence surrounding a horse pasture

Approve Applications for Permits to Drill from IKAV for directional gas wells from existing well pads. Minimal expansion of existing well pads will be within the previous overall disturbance footprints.

Forest Service response to application submitted by Bonanza Boy LLC for issuance of road maintenance permit, public road easement, and a road easement for access to private property and snowplow authorization.

Landscape level analysis of fuels reduction and vegetation managememt opportunities in Jackson Mountain area

Canceled because project not currently in progress on district. Will revisit in the future. Authorize motorized trail access, via FLPMA Private Trail Permit, to an isolated private parcel.

Previous land owner who initiated project sold property and cancelled application for permitting.

Protection of a private water right located on USFS land. Water collection and distribution infrastructure installation to convey water more efficiently and effectively. Exclosure fence installation to protect water resources from livestock tramplin.

Reroute of 400 yards of Trail #514 due to post fire washout damage

The proposal is to construct a new watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) station to replace the current WID station at McPhee Boat Ramp.

Removal of hazardous vegetation to the operation of the powerline. Removal of vegetation would reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire on federal lands and adjacent at-risk communities.

Construction of an 8.4 mile pipeline system and the expansion of one existing gas well pad to facilitate re-completion of one existing gas well and horizontal drilling of seven new gas wells from the same pad.

Improve core values of the RMRI across the project landscape : 1. Communities, 2. Clean Water, and 3. Forests and Wildlife. Proposed actions include vegetation management, Rx burning, water developments for wildlife, and others.

Fuels reduction project including thinning and broadcast burning on public and private lands.

Response to Clearnetworx LLC application to install fiber optic cable on existing power poles in the Electra Lake area.

The project would involve road management activities on approximately 7.57 miles of Cottonwood Road (Forest Service Road 532), including road reconstruction and resurfacing, cattleguard replacement, replacement of a bridge, and widening.

Permit for survey and recordation, and limited testing (shovel tests, scrapes, probes) of historic and proto-historic archaeological sites according to current Forest Service and SHPO guidelines.

Veg management in the West Fork area off of NFSR 648 including tree harvesting and fuels management treatments.

Construction of a pipeline on FS, state, and private lands; construction of 1 new gas well pad and access road on FS land; and re-completion of 2 existing gas wells located on FS. The wells would be drilled with horizontal drilling techniques.

Closure of nine hazardous mine openings on the Dolores and Columbine Ranger Districts.

Improve core value of the RMRI across the project landscape related to recreation. Proposed Actions could include trails, allowable uses, parking, trailhead facilities, winter uses, dispersed camping, and ADA opportunities.

Construction of a pond, drift fence, and corral on the Weminuche Allotment and construction of two ponds on the Middle Fork Allotment.

Issue a special use permit for year round motorized access on McManus Road to access private property.

The proposal is to authorize a route to access the Sellers-McClane ditch, by the ditch owner, for maintenance of their ditch right of way.

The project would authorize an access route to the Redburn Ditch

The proposed action would authorize the owners of the Robert Burns Load mining claim, Mineral Survey No. 9932, motorized access to their private property.

Issue a permit for year-round motorized access to access private property.

The Lost Valley of the San Juans (LVSJ) Property Owners Association has submitted an application for year-round motorized access on Four Mile Rd. (NFSR 645) from the closure gate to the LVSJ community (about 22,000 feet of road or just over 4 miles).

This proposal is to authorize an approximately 0.2 mile access route for use of Larry Russell in order to access his private inholding.

Permit installation of 335' of new underground powerline with above ground appurtenances along Bear Creek Road from an existing line to a private residence. Permit 20' wide, to occupy approximately 0.15 acres of FS land.

The Forest Service proposes to convey 20.89 acres of NFS lands to Atlantic Richfield under the mineral fraction category of the Small Tracts Act.

Amendment #2 to existing special use permit to authorize hazardous vegetation management and temporary decking locations outside of the existing ROW.

This project would authorize a change an existing trail easement to a motorized access easement and transfer ownership from David and Sharon Farny to Cindy Farny.

Installation of three infrasonic arrays on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass for monitoring avalanches for highway safety

Reroute 0.2 miles of pasture boundary fence on the Park/Valle Seco Allotment to improve existing pasture boundary and better control livestock movement and distribution between pastures.

Rebuild of an existing electric transmission line and clearing vegetation within the existing and proposed 100-foot ROW between the Bayfield and LPEA Ponderosa substations

Install a 2,788' long, 6" natural gas pipeline adjacent to an existing waterline in a prevously disturbed corridor. Amend existing permit as apprpriate.

This project would utilize targeted grazing, with 500-1,000 goats, to browse oak brush resprouts, reducing understory canopy of oak brush within the project area.

This project aims to promote and enhance wetlands and instream habitat by using riparian and wetland restoration strategies. These include the installation of mimicry beaver dams, post assisted log structures, and large wood.

Developement of springs at two locations to protect spring sources and assist in better livestock distribution.

Proposal to revise allotment management plans for 8 cattle allotments to improve or maintain conditions for healthy rangeland conditions of grasses, forbs and shrubs for cattle use, wildlife habitat, and watershed health.

The project will improve recreation access and associated bathroom and parking infrastructure.

Constructing new quad ski lift and four new ski runs. Rerouting of snowmobile access trail. Would require 2.5 acres of ground disturbance and 25.9 acres of tree removal.

Acquisition of patented mining claims, consisting of 30.754 acres, in the vicinity of Ice Lake, wholly within the San Miguel Colorado Roadless Area.

Reroutes and trail additions in the Chicken Creek trail system area, including less than 2 miles of new trail and less than 2 miles of trail decommissioning

Permit issuance to Visionary Communications for year-round road use on NFSR651 (Eighmile Mesa road) for access and maintenance of a communications site.

The proposed action would authorize motorized access to the Born-Bennett, LLC private property on an existing private road from the West Fork Trailhead. Motorized use of this private road would be when the West Fork Road is open to the public.

Re-Authorization of approximately 4000 feet of buried pipeline (6 feet wide) within the H.E. Freeman Ditch, which transports water from Snow Creek to permittee's adjacent private land. No new disturbance.

This is a historic NEPA document (issued in 2008) being entered for tracking purposes. The decision authorized a new sheep allotment, known as the "Gold Run Allotment"

This project would expand the Beaver Rim Pit in order to extract rock for use to upgrade the road system.

Alianza Minerals Limited (Alianza)has submitted a preliminary Plan of Operations to explore its Twin Canyon property in the Caviness Mountain area for locatable minerals through a limited exploratory drilling program.

The Forest Service proposes to exchange approximately 452 acres of SJNF lands in ten Federal parcels for approximately 880 acres of one non-Federal parcel of land adjacent to NFS land managed by the SJNF.

Issue a 30-year FLPMA permit for the use and maintenance of existing spring and pipe facilities on NFS land.

Physical closure of 2 abandoned inactive mine open adits which pose a physical hazard to the public. Will consist of steel grated adit closures with bat ladders for wildlife access. Access to both sites is by foot from existing road

Thin approximately 3300 acres to alter vegetation to maintain condition classes that support desirable fire behavior, and increase forest and ecosystem diversity and resilience to disturbance. Use prescribed fire on 13,000 acres for same purpose

Conduct an EIS on Fruitland coal bed methane (CBM) development, north of Southern Ute line, including the HD mountains,by the USFS & BLM.

Installation of a radio repeater on Mesa Cortado. Less than 1 acre of disturbance. Minimal amounts of brush and small tree clearing expected.

The proposed work includes closing the open mine shaft with polyurethane foam and then backfilling by hand with onsite material. Mining equipment and trash will be removed. All disturbed areas will be seeded. Access will be on foot with pack horses.

This EA evaluates the withdrawal, for a period of 100 years, of 953.06 acres of public lands and 309.56 acres of National Forest System lands for reserved used by Reclamation and the USFS in connection with McPhee Dam and Reservoir.

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

Xcel Energy proposes to rebuild the valve at the intersection of Hwy 160 and Jackson Mountain Road (NFSR 037)

54 signs with fire prevention information would be installed across the district.

The applicant is proposing to install a new water line that will cross USFS lands through an existing easement in order to bring city water to his home.

The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of water available at Mavreeso Campground by drilling a new water well.

This project would transfer the Carter Ditch Easement (DOL505402) from Cordy Englehart to Gloria Gardner and Alice Roundtree for agriculture irrigation or livestock water system use.

The Kremen Ditch (0.9 miles) provides irrigation water to private property in the Starvation Gulch drainage, within the Cherry Creek watershed. The proposed re-authorization does not change any operating conditions for the ditch and right of way.

American Tower proposes to remove the 120 foot tall tower and 228 square foot shelter, along with any underlying foundations and pads, from Caviness Communication Site Lot 6.

Create 2 barriers to non-native fish in Big Bend Crk. Construct by hand within 1/2 mile from the confluence with Hermosa Crk using spruce logs. Barriers to be approx 6 feet high. Will provide 1.5 miles additional habitat for San Juan Cutthroat Trout

Construct 4 ponds on the Snowball Allotment, 2 ponds on the Log Park Allotment, and a corral in the Kenney Flats area of the Park/Valle Seco Allotment. Two of the ponds in the Snowball Allotment are in the Turkey Creek Colorado Roadless Area.

This project would transfer the Cordalis Spring Special Use Permit from Connie Donaldson to Jimmy Donaldson and Deborah Klein. This project is solely administrative in nature and does not include any ground disturbance or other physical work.

Vegetation treatment to restore the area (about 34,000 acres) to more natural conditions. Treatments could include prescribed fire, tree thinning, small commercial wood sales, fuelwood gathering, mowing, and targeted grazing.

Jared and Karen Hansen are requesting road access to private inholding located on the House Creek Wildlife Easement. The road would be approximately 729 feet long and up to 30 feet wide.

Request for a new Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) Road Authorization to access a well site on private land.

The Forest Service proposes to purchase the surface rights to 3 patented mining claims, consisting of 27.723 acres, in the vicinity of Chicago Basin, wholly within the Weminuche Wilderness.

Issue a one-time permit for a wilderness trail running race to be run in Sept. 2016. The route will follow existing roads and trails, starting and ending in Silverton, CO.

Issue a one-time permit for 50k and 100k wilderness trail running races to be run on August 3, 2019. The route will follow existing roads and trails, starting and ending in Silverton, CO.

Develop a management plan to guide the long-term management of the Hermosa Creek Watershed, including the Special Management Area, new wilderness, and project level travel management.

Harry W. Bradley passed away and his water transmission line and spring box authorization is nontransferable; therefore a new authorization is requested for Bradley family Trust. The water line will need significant work to get it back up and running

Salvage of downed trees to prevent potential Spruce Bark Beetle outbreak as result of no action and recovery of loss value of downed timber.

Proposed ponderosa pine vegetation management actions including tree cutting, tree planting and activity fuel burning covering approximately 35,000 acres.

Analysis of proposed trails, reroutes and improvements to the Spring Creek, Ryman, Rio Grande Southern and Circle trails

The SJNF proposes to expand the existing approximately 0.44 acre parking lot at Barlow Creek through the addition of approximately 0.58 acres of parking area on the Mancos/Dolores Ranger District. Signage and interpretive panels would be installed.

The SJNF proposes to plant ponderosa or other native trees as young container seedlings within the 2018 Plateau fire moderate to high severity burn areas exhibiting high tree mortality.

The Long Park Allotment permittee has proposed to construct a small corral in the Ormiston Point pasture to assist in livestock management and distribution.

This project is near a highly populated area in Archuleta County. The proposal includes fuels reduction activities (thinning, mowing and mastication)as well as tree cutting and removal activities(improvement cutting, thinning, and salvage harvest).

Proposal to groom portions of the Junction Creek Road (NFSR #171) and Junction Creek Campground in the Durango area for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking, while maintaining existing motorized uses.

Fuels Treatment on Eight Mile Mesa

Issuance of a special use permit for the use, operation and maintenance of the Square Top Ditch (this ditch has been in place since 1889 and portions of the ditch are within the South San Juan Adjacent Colorado Roadless Area).

Install a radio repeater site in order to enhance the San Juan County Search & Rescue emergency communications network.

The lease agreement would apply to existing buried and overhead telephone and fiber optic lines throughout the San Juan National Forest.

Safety closure of the Junction Creek Coal Mine adit using a bat-friendly grate.

Reissuance of an existing water transmission ditch for a 30-year term

The proposed action would create a fish barrier between pure San Juan cutthroat trout and non-native trout species. The second part of the proposed action is to modify the diversion structure in Fall Creek at the Bruce Spruce Ditch Diversion.

The lease agreement would apply to existing buried and overhead telephone and fiber optic lines throughout the San Juan National Forest

Atlantic-Richfield Company has submitted an application to acquire three tracts of National Forest System lands under the Small Tract Act. Parcels are located in Dolores County, near the Town of Rico settling ponds and total 19.41 acres

Renewal of an existing domestic water line authorization

Analysis of the existing trail system accessed from the Chicken Creek Parking Lot; analysis of approximately 12 miles of new non-motorized single track trails; and analysis of designating 1.5 miles of existing trail as open to motorized use.

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.

Construction of a boundary fence between Divide Park and Trail Creek. Construction of one corral between Middle Fork and EF Piedra Allotments, and one corral on the Fourmile Allotment.

Issuance of a new 20-year special use permit to enable Reddert Ranch to access their private property via existing Forest System Roads and trails

Proposal to reauthorize term grazing permits and modify grazing management on all or portions of four allotments: Spring Creek, Turkey Creek, Jersey Jim and Gold Run

Term Grazing Permit renewal and allotment analysis.

Permit amendment to authorize approximately 1,372 feet of buried 7.2kV single phase distribution electric line next to the Goulding Creek Trailhead access road, in order to bring service to adjacent private property.

Update, improve and consolidate the communication facilities and infrastructure

Timber harvest on up to 2,600 acres in the Upper Rito Blanco and Buckles Lake area, including salvage of dead &dying trees, coppice with reserve, & improvement cuts. Fisheries, watershed improvement & travel mgmt. projects are also proposed.

Issuance of a special use permit for use and operation of Harmon Ditch No. 1

Replacement of an underground power line along the Fourmile Road

Issuance of a short-term special use permit to authorize the reconstruction of a portion of the F.S. Mockler Ditch on NFS lands.

Renew existing road use permit for a new 20 year term.

Proposal to renew existing permits for existing 25kv overhead and existing underground power transmission line locations for a 30-year period

Amendment to their private road use permit for the construction of a new driveway entrance.

Reclamation and clean-up of mine features, including: reclamation of tailings ponds, waste rock reclamation, portal protection, run-on controls (water drainage), rock quarry road maintenance, highwall mitigation, and trash removal.

Treat understory fuels to reduce hazardous fuels, improve forest health, and improve wildlife habitat on approximately 80 acres.

Re-Authorization of approximately 4000 feet of existing buried pipeline (6 feet wide ROW) within the H.E. Freeman Ditch. Permit holder has 1.25 cfs absolute water right from Squaw Creek.

Installation of new buried fiber optic communication lines and associated appurtenances on NFS land at the Coyote Creek Rd, along the sough side of Hwy 84 to Trophy Lake Place, and two fiber installations along Hwy 84 near Lower Blanco Road.

Grant a temporary permit for occupancy and access to the Divinity Well area, for the purposes of conducting a short-term well pumping test. Well water levels, discharge amounts, and water quality will be measured.

Grant a Special Use Permit for about 4400 feet of Forest access from Highway 550 to north end of Electra Lake, including temporary reconstruction of an old roadbed for the purposes of reconstructing and monitoring Stagecoach Dam. 3-year term.

Installation of 5 Wyssen Towers on NFS lands for better/safer avalanche control and to reduce Highway 145 closure times.

The Dolores Ranger District is considering two new temporary permits for guided recreation activities

Relocation and construction of allotment boundary fence between the V-Rock and West Harris Allotments, and reconstruction of a corral between the Coyote Creek and West Harris Allotments on the Pagosa Ranger District.

The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to reissue special use outfitter guide permits to Backcountry Outfitters, Majestic Outfitters, and Saddle-Up Outfitters.

Proposed pine vegetation management actions to move forest from 'mature closed' to 'mature open' and establish patches of young forest. Includes salvage of dead trees from recent beetle outbreak.

Harvest of conifer trees on 3100 acres, including beetle-killed salvage, as well as affected green trees, to reduce tree competition and promote healthy forests. The project may also include nearby trail maintenance and fisheries improvements.

Proposal for an approximate 4.5 mile motorized trail was withdrawn by project proponent due to natural resource concerns. NEPA analysis has been cancelled.

Relocation of a snowmobile trailhead to provide improved access to an existing groomed snowmobile trail

Re-Authorization of long time use for 312 feet of Forest Service owned pipeline and well along with 312 feet of electric line and well house for supplying domestic water to permittee's house. No new disturbance.

Small tracts act land adjustment to resolve encroachment issues that resulted from conflicting surveys

Operation and maintenance of approximately 7.3 miles of existing buried fiber optic telephone line along Highway 145 from Taylor Creek to Rico

Special use authorization of motorized access (with appropriate maintenance stipulations) to a private land owner for the use of the first 0.7 miles of the Price Lakes Road

Treatment of 4,000 ac - 6,000 ac of mature aspen-dominated forest using even-aged treatments. Connected actions include slash treatment; temporary road construction & obliteration; and reconstruction of existing system roads.

Double A Ranch LLC has requested a private road use permit for the use and maintenance of an existing non-system road as a private access driveway: approximately 1,590 feet in length and 30 feet in width, containing approximately 1.1 acres.

Proposal to renew and existing permit for another 30-years and include 434-feet of buried 4-inch perforated drain pipe used to aid in draining water in area just north of Hwy 160 and within and adjacent to Northwest Pipeline's gas line corridor.

Installation of fiber optic line along the Blanco Basin Road on the Pagosa Ranger District

Expand an existing shut-in gas well pad by 1.6 acres and drill an exploratory horizontal well to determine possibility of future development.

Construct a semi-permanent 16'x24' range cabin and portable 24'x24' corral to assist in effective livestock management on the Elkhorn Grazing Allotment. Also construct a spring exclosure to protect a nearby spring from trampling.

Fiber Optic line installation along Jack's Pasture and McManus Roads

Proposal to renew a special use permit for overhead and under ground power line distribution locations over the next 30-year period. Proposal includes consolidating eight Empire Electric Association's authorizations into a single Master Permit.

Expand and upgrade an existing livestock corral off of Lower Hermosa road south of Sawmill Spring near the second cattleguard. Construct wing fences to guide livestock movements in the area.

Install 2 O'Bellx avalanche modules to provide more effective avalanche mitigation on two adjacent slide paths above US 160 on Wolf Creek Pass