Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests — Project Detail

The Black Mesa Ranger District proposes to construct a 10-Person Bunkhouse following National Fire Support Facility standards on the district compound in the same area where the old Hotshot barracks were located. Utilities should be present at this location, but may need repaired or new lines ran.

Proposed action involves conducting geotechnical testing to gather details on subsurface conditions needed to determine feasibility of constructing a bridge over Show Low Creek to connect Show Low Lake Rd to Penrod Rd.

The Benny Creek Campground was burned over in the Greer Fire and it destroyed a lot of campground infrastructure. The proposed action for this project includes renovations to that infrastructure as well as the addition of two new pavilions for group sites.

The Apache Zone Timber Staff is proposing the salvage of fire-killed and dying trees caused by the Greer Fire. The mortality from the Greer Fire in and around the Benny Creek Campground and Greer Lakes area is a hazard to recreators.

Install fiber optic line along utility and road corridors within existing rights-of-way. Most cable will be installed above ground on existing utility poles. Directional boring will be used to place conduit where underground installation is needed.

The Forest Service is reviewing a request from T-Mobile to add an antenna to an existing ATC lattice tower, as well as construct a 10' x 12' control pad with a 3' x3' x 6' equipment cabinet, a 3' x 3' x 5' battery cabinet, and ancillary improvements. Power and fiber will be tied in as well.

APS has requested to upgrade infrastructure for two 69kV lines on the Lakeside District and increase the existing easement used for maintenance from 40-ft wide to 60-ft wide. The 69kV line special use permit is also proposed to be reissued.

City of Show Low has proposed 21 - 27 miles of primarily multiuse non-motorized trails. The proposed action in this area will serve as a connector to the motorized Maverick Trail to east and the non-motorized Los Caballos Trail to the west.

This project is looking to plant up to 269 acres of trees in areas burned in the 2017 Slim Fire. 80 - 300 Ponderosa Pine seedlings per acre are proposed following broadcast burning and site prep, with Douglas-Fir also being planted in ravines.

Navajo County Supervisor's Office and the Community of Heber-Overgaard have requested to install Pickleball Courts at Tall Timbers Park, southeast of the existing ball field. Navajo County has a special use permit for the Tall Timbers Park.

To provide reliable and consistent water within the area, the Coyote Spring will be developed and a pipe rail fence would be constructed around the spring to protect it. A pipe would carry water to a drinker outside of the fenced area.

Adding gate and fence to increase security at Black Mesa District Office and restrict access at the facility where employee housing is located.

Layout, design, and construction of 6 to 8 additional trailer pads with water, sewer, and electric hookups at the existing Black Mesa Ranger Station administrative site.

Install a series of fish screens within the reservoir concrete spillway to be able to filter out nonnative fish moving downstream during spring spill events following snow melt.

A new motorized trail has been proposed as part of the Eastern AZ Trails Collaborative working group. The purpose is to avoid conflict with highway traffic and OHVs when crossing Highway 260 near Young Road.

USFS, AZSWSP, AZSFWC, ADA, ADBSS, Wildbunch permittee in cooperation are planning to do 3 pipeline extensions on Cienega Pipeline to increase water availability to wildlife, specifically Mule deer and Desert Bighorn Sheep, and separate from livestock

Navopache Electric Cooperative (NEC) would like to install a new underground conduit to replace the existing aging overhead electrical line. The underground conduit will be within the existing overhead infrastructure easement previously granted.

AZ Game and Fish proposes to convert approximately 2,200' of an existing earthen ditch used to irrigate the Sipe Wildlife Area from being open to air to a buried 18" pipeline.

Project to stabilize areas up the side of knolls damaged by unauthorized trails created by UTV/ATV users. Work may include blocking access to the side of knolls with wood split rail fence or placement of large boulders to deter future UTV/ATV use.

Project involves reconstruction and expansion of the existing parking area, as well as construction of a new boat ramp at Big Lake to accommodate boater access during low water years.

Construct new site-built quarters building at the Springerville Yard/Administrative Site, remove existing crew quarters building, decommission electrical/water hookups for existing trailer pads, and installation of new entrance with electric gate.

The Black Mesa Ranger District would like to add a third loop with 12 spurs to Canyon Point Campground to provide an opportunity for the concessionaire to place pre-set campsites amenities (i.e. RVs, yurts, cabins, etc).

Roughly 18,720-ft of fencing (11,250-ft new and 7,470-ft existing) and relocation of 3 cattleguards is proposed to create a barrier excluding cattle from riparian habitat within Bee Canyon. 1 new water tank/drinker and 5,137 ft pipeline also proposed

The Town of Eager has requested to add a 20' x 20' x 8' building near Hwy 261 to enclose their existing chlorination system which is part of their water treatment facility. Their Special Use Permit will also be amended to include the new building.

Installation of fiber optic infrastructure within two 1.25 inch conduits to be placed within existing rights-of-way along transportation corridors to improve broadband network access. Trenching and directional boring will be used for conduit install

The Forest Service proposes to authorize Prescott College to conduct academic field courses year-round across forests in Arizona including adventure education, biology, human ecology, natural history, physical geography, & field ecology.

Perform needed repair work on the Hulsey Lake Dam ensure its proper function and stability. Site is proposed to be closed while construction activities are ongoing with a Forest Order for public safety.

The Back Country Horseman of the White Mountains requested permission from the Springerville District Office to install 2 new metal 15' x 15' pipe corrals in existing site 1 of Gabaldon Horse Campground

The Alpine RD is planning to thin around private property within the Upper Blue River corridor along Forest Roads 281 and County Road 2310 to reduce the likelihood of loss of property and allow fire crews defensible space to protect private property.

Restoration work proposed for this project in the moderate and high severity burned areas includes salvage logging as site prep for planting, tree planting of native species, and planting of riparian species as deemed feasible.

Relocate/reconstruct a corral outside of wet/riparian habitat and extend a water system from existing Cottonwood Spring to North Pasture for reliable year round wildlife water & pull livestock out of wet/riparian habitat along Riggs & Nutrioso creeks

AT&T is requesting to install their First Net communication (comm) system on the foundation of the NEC comm facility at the South Mtn communications site. It includes: equipment cabinets, platforms, generator w/fuel and other ancillary improvements.

Approximately 2,629 acres of great basin grassland is proposed be treated for woody species encroachment using mechanical treatment methods such as mastication. Woody canopy cover will be reduced to 10% or less to meet ASNF LMP desired conditions.

The Forest Service plans to purchase and install 2 refrigerated containers to store saplings at appropriate temperatures after purchase and delivery prior to planting as part of reforestation efforts.

Engineering crews are proposingto repair the road and stabalize the bank on the Sprucedale Road after high water events during the 2023 spring eroded the bank encroaching into the road.

Arizona Department of Public Safety is requesting to upgrade their South Mountain Communication Facility, by installing a new 120ft lattice tower, Shelter, Generator, Diesel fuel tank, and other equipment to run the upgraded facility.

Multiple maintenance activities and new improvements such as restrooms, signage, and camp site designations are being proposed to enable the popular site to meet the needs of the public.

2 non-motorized connector trails are proposed to create a connection between Woodland Lake Park and Mountain Meadow Complex, and allow for better access to the area. A shortcut near the Blue Ridge National Recreation Trail is also proposed.

Arizona Department of Public Safety has requested to build a new communication facility at the Mogollon Communications Site to assist with safety communications. This would consist of a 160ft tower, Shelter, and equipment to run and operate the site.

The City of Show Low has proposed to extend a sewer line from private land along 22nd Ave. going west and crossing over approximately 100 ft of Forest Service Land.

During a heavy snow storm a falling tree broke an electric pole. Navopache Electric is requestng access to replace the broken pole. Due to terrain and the location of the pole, access outside of the existing ROW is needed.

Modify permit LAK401912 to authorize APS to modify its less than 33kV distribution powerline to construct a new 0.65-acre microgrid, backup power facility which would ensure electric service to Forest Lakes Community and Young during power outages.

The Black River Landscape Restoration Project is a planning effort designed to restore forest resiliency and ecosystem function in the Project planning area on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts.

Allotment analysis to determine re-issuance of a term grazing permit, what grazing management strategy will be implemented in the allotment management plan (AMP), treatments for grassland restoration and maintenance, and placement of tanks and fence.

AMP analysis for future livestock mgmt.

Landscape-scale restoration on the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Tonto National Forests of ponderosa pine ecosystems, designed to maintain, improve, and restore ecosystem structure, pattern, function, and resiliency.

Install a less than 50ft tall communication tower (repeater) on Maness Peak adjacent to Forest System Roads 14A and 14G. The repeater would help ensure communication is feasible with isolated communities along the Blue River.

Fish barrier removal in support of native fish restoration activities in Bear Wallow Wilderness Area.

Alpine Domestic Water proposes to install a water storage tank, with a short access road, and pipeline to supply water to residents of southeastern Alpine, AZ. The Alpine RD would issue a Special Use Permit for construction on, and use of FS land.

Reroute approximately 4.5 miles of the Four Springs Trail to improve trail sustainability, mitigate erosion and resource damage issues, and improve non-motorized recreational opportunities.

These short term trail projects consist of approximately 9.5 miles of new or re-routed non-motorized trail segments. Building sustainable trail fosters positive relations with local community, trail users, and land stewards.

The project would amend an existing communication site lease to add an existing communication tower and allow for operation of the communication tower at an existing facility.

To authorize the use of USFS and EPA approved Herbicides within existing power line corridors to remove non-compatible vegetation to ensure reliable and safe power supply.

Analyze NF land at the Lakeside Ranger Station for sale under FS Facility Realignment & Enhancement Act (FSFREA, PL 109-54). This also involves analyzing the location of a new ranger station. There will be 2 decisions from this analysis.

To permit the running of an underground line from the nearest transformer to private property in T10N, R20E, Section 3. The underground power line will cross less than 10 feet of National Forest System land.

To issue a Right of Way permit for Forest System Roads 9853W and 9854F to allow a private property owner to maintain the road for access to his land.

The purpose of this action is to issue a Communication Use Lease to Navopache Electric Co-op for 30 years for the installation and maintenance of radio monitoring equipment and antenna for monitoring electrical power use located at Linden.

Issue the private landowner applicant a perpetual road access easement under FLPMA authority, on Forest Road 249A1. The purpose of this proposal is to respond to the applicant 2019 request to comply with Title V of FLPMA.

Reauthorization of livestock grazing for allotments on Clifton RD: Blackjack, Hickey, and Pleasant Valley. For EA/project documents see url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22466, the joint Apache-Sitgreaves and Gila NFs project.

Hazardous fuels reduction project to maintain and restore fire adapted ecosystems to their natural fire regimes condition classes, using vegetation treatments, mechanical and/or hand thinning and pretreatments, prescribed fire and managed wildfire.

Reissue existing Special Use Permit that provides authorization for a created wetland north of the Show Low airport, the wetland enhancement at South Marsh, and access roads to each area. Project area total 2.5 acres of land and .3 miles of road.

Extension of existing NEC powerline to Parson's property requiring one pole on Forest Service lands.

The project area covers about 68,000 acres and is located on the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts. The proposed action will include thinning trees, prescribed fire, and watershed, wildlife habitat, and transportation improvements.

The proposed route is the shortest feasible access point from a publicly maintained road (Porter Mountain Road). The easement will make use of the existing Forest Service road system, primarily FR206A and a portion of FR9710K.

Navopache Electric Cooperative has approached the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests with the need to replace a number of power poles and anchors.

NEC has proposed to amend existing permit, adding new trunk line extending from transfer station on FR488H to Buckskin Road in Heber, AZ. New line would occupy less than 1/4 mile total distance crossing forest, parallel to FR488H in a 20' corridor.

Reissue a permit to Forest Lakes Owner's Association, Forest Lakes Fire Dept., and Tri-Star / Novo Power to operate a Green Waste Transfer Site adjacent to the community of Forest Lakes on FR99A. The proposed action is to reissue for a 10 year term.

Reduce overnight camping at Scott Reservoir Campground for resource protection due to wet winter conditions.

Through mastication, broadcast burning and planting, the project would bring the landscape to an early seral ponderosa pine habitat.

Bronco Creek Exploration, Inc. has proposed an exploration-drilling project in the historic Morenci mining district to conduct diamond core drilling at 8 sites selected within Forest Service managed lands.

Re-authorize livestock grazing for allotments on Gila NF-Glenwood RD and on A-S NF-Clifton RD. The Clifton RD allotment decisions can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57226

Reauthorization of grazing for allotments on Clifton RD: Alma Mesa, Lop Ear, Copperas, Keller Canyon, Black Jack, Hickey,and PV. For EA/proj docs see url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22466, the joint ASNFs-GNF project.

Phase II will continue adding new fiber optic line on existing Navopache power lines between Eagar and Greer, AZ. Access for the project would be along existing forest and county roads and the power line right-of-way.

Permit for DPS Communications Tower, renews lease for 30 year term.

Arizona Game and Fish Department proposes to install an aerator system in Luna Lake to improve water quality during summer months.

Reissue a Special Use Permit for 20 years for the maintenance of the buried water/sewer lines ranging from 1-8 inches, r-o-w width 20 feet. These lines are part of the Show Low City Municipal Water System and will serve present and future landowners

Reissue a Special Use Authorization for up to 20 years for a sewer collection system which includes: Lift Station, 6-18" pressure lines, 8-15" gravity sewer mains, a small outbuilding to house standby equipment, and an access road.

This project to rebuild 11 existing water catchments for wildlife water that are operated in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This project is located on the Sitgreaves Zone of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Proposal to install fiber optic line from Payson to Show Low.

FS must decide whether to allow APS to include using herbicides as a method to manage vegetation on existing APS transmission ROW within five National Forests in Arizona.

The USFS is proposing authorization of a fiber broadband solution to underserved schools as well as public libraries in Apache County. Crews will attach the communication line to the existing overhead 69-kilovolt (kV) line.

To renew a permit issued to Arizona Game and Fish Department to allow the department to maintain an existing elk exclosure in Fairchild Draw. The fence protects approximately 16 acres of wet meadow east of FR115. Proposed term of permit is 20 years.

This is a grouped NEPA analysis of special use permits that are set to expire, with no changes to the authorized facilities or increases in the scope of authorized activities. Additional details can be found in scoping documents on project page.

Six established and existing right of way permits have expired and need to be re-issued

The proposed project involves re-authorizing two Special Use Permits (ALP616, and ALP617) for the South Mountain Communications Site for an additional 30 years.

Fuels reduction around the Heber-Overgaard community and Ricochet/Williams Ranch. Mastication and removal of small trees less than 12" and piling and burning.

Permit reissue to operate and maintain and existing water tank and transmission line.

Reissue permit for an isolated cabin used as a summer residence for recreation purposes.

Planting of Ponderosa pine in burnt-over areas of appropriate potential natural vegetation type, within the footprint of the Rodeo-Chediski fire. The proposed planting areas total 3500 acres. Planting will occur in areas of varying burn severity.

Provide an easement to allow access to private property historically known as Ryan Ranch that would extend 942 linear feet from Forest Service Road 99A and along previously numbered Road 99M to the property. A gate may be placed at FS Road 99A

Create a trail system which connects the County Park with existing trails. The system would include new trails to get existing trails off of forest roads 50 and 51.

Reduce overnight camping at Scott Reservoir Campground from March 1 - November 1 to April 1 - October 15 for resource protection due to wet winter conditions.

Within the project area, the Lakeside Ranger District proposes to authorize the installation of new riser poles carrying upgraded circuits to provide power to several areas.

Plant native tree species in areas that were burned with high severity in the 2011 Wallow fire. Approximately 28,935 acres are planned to be included within this project.

ADOT 10 yr. extension of the Crabtree Mineral Material pit and storage, and access road SUP. The SUP authorizes the continued use of 1 ac., expanding into the other existing permitted acres, and use of 1,500 ft. access road.

Special Use Permit 10 yr. extension for ADOT Four Bar Mesa Mineral Materials Source and access road. The SUP authorizes ADOT the continued use of eight acres of National Forest Lands, including an 80 ft. access road.

Rebuilding approximately 3 mi. of an existing fence in the Maple Charlie Moore Pasture of the Alma Mesa Allotment.

Reissue Special Use Permit for 20 years for the maintenance of buried 8 inch sewer line, r-o-w width 20 feet. These lines will service Lake of the Woods Resort and the Forest Service Admin Site and residence at the Lakeside Ranger District.

Reissue a Special Use Permit for 20 years for a green waste processing site to provide for collection and processing to accept and ship out green waste from private lands in the Pinetop-Lakeside area.

This project proposes prescribed fire on approximately 112,386 acres on the Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

The project involves authorizing a 30 year Road Easement for private use by the Holoubek family. There has been a temporary special permit issued annually for this access road to their land since 1985.

Proposed cell tower located on Mogollon Rim for coverage, safety, and point of sale system for Visitor Information Center and Woods Canyon Lake

Reauthorization of Special Use Permits for existing communication leases on Greens Peak communication site. Term will be for 30 years.

Exchange of private parcels in the A-S, Coronado, Prescott, & Tonto NFs for Federal lands in Pinetop-Lakeside (T9N, R22E). Would provide land for children's camps currently under spec. use permit & result in consolid. of isolated parcels on Forests.

Reissue 11 Communication Use Leases for up to 30 years to the facilities owners on Porter Mountain Communication Site. This will allow for continued communication services to be provided to the public.

Fuels reduction around the Heber-Overgaard community and Ricochet/Williams Ranch. Mastication and removal of small trees less than 12" and piling and burning.

This project would mechanically and manually cut select trees across approximately ~3,000 acres and prescribed burn to address issues of beetle infestation and spread and restore the area.

Reissue existing Communication Site Leases for up to 30 years to 11 facility owners on Porter Mountain Communication Site. This will allow for continued communication services to be provided to the public.

RC Reforestation and site prep for artificial ponderosa pine regeneration and alligator juniper control. Site preparation to include mastication and burning of alligator juniper to reduce competition and aid in planting effort.

Around Woods Canyon & Willow Springs Lakes: reconstruct wider roads (i.e. NFSR 105), & parking areas; construct new overflow parking lots; expand boat ramp lanes; install a fishing pier; construct an accessible path; & add picnic sites.

Issuance of a permit to Navajo County to authorize the installation of handicap accessible and updated playground equipment that will better provide for the recreational needs of children using the playground.

Replacement of existing mobile trailer unit with a new trailer unit.

ASNFs, Springerville and Alpine Ranger Districts, propose to conduct a series of vegetation plantings designed to enhance habitat for a variety of wildlife species over multiple years.

A planning process that examines outfitter and guide activities and special use authorizations for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Installation of a micro-grid system and maintenance of utility lines.

Replace a current cell tower due to failing structural components with a new functioning cell tower in the same location.

Expansion of the Heber Substation permit are from 0.3 to 0.85 acres in order to accommodate new updated equipment and increase security at the site.

Replace the existing power poles located on the 24.9kV distribution line along Burton Road.

Replacement of a non-functioning cell tower with a new functional cell tower in the same location.

Restoration of vegetation, wildlife habitat, and watersheds within the Upper Rocky Arroyo Project Area.

Develop an allotment management plan (AMP) that accounts for current environmental conditions, identifies a management strategy in balance with overall livestock grazing allotment capacity which progresses towards achieving desired conditions.

Revising Forests Land and Resource Management Plan for 2.1 million acre ASNFs

Construct fence exclosures on the PS and Grandfather Allotments along the West Fork of the Black River to protect occupied habitat for the New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse from impacts associated with livestock grazing.

Stabilize head cut in Pulcifer Creek to protect spring development from high water events and subsequent erosion and remove the sediment from the reservoir, repair the damage to the dam to protect downstream resources. Possibly haul material off site

Environmental Assessment for Escudilla Trailhead and 12th Street Trailhead.

This project has been cancelled due to need to focus on other projects.

A road easement to provide legal access to 20 acre parcel in NW corner of Section 23, owned by Langkilde family. This analysis will also cover utilities to the parcel co-located in the road easement.

A proposal to exchange 1028 acres Federal Land (Apache-Sitgreaves NFs & Coconino NF) for 1558 acres of non federal lands (Apache-Sitgreaves, Prescott and Coconino NF).

Removal of obsolete and failing fish barrier on Lee Valley Creek approximately 100m above Lee Valley Reservoir. Channel will be stabilized and restored post removal of the old barrier.

Hand-staple pheromone tags to trees burned in Wallow Fire in MSO habitat (1,200 ac) and 3 campgrounds (426 ac) to prevent bark beetle attacks. Funnel trap monitoring (24 acres) next to forest roads. Repeat in future years until outbreak subsides

This project proposes to replace the failing culverts on FSR 26 with a design to promote stream flow and aquatic organism passage.

Re-authorize the expiring permit for the store and marina

Develop new mineral materials pit to provide materials for road maintenance in Greenlee County and to authorize Greenlee County to utilize pit.

A town of Pinetop-Lakeside proposal for the phased purchase of 543 acres of federal lands administered by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Recent decision of Alternative 2 of the EA.

Reissue a permit to authorize the continued use of 0.1 acre Forest System lands to connect sewer and water utility lines from the Alpine school to the Alpine Sanitary District and Alpine water system.

This supplement adds the use of Rotenone and Sodium Permangonate to the existing project.

Analyze and develop an 80 acre shooting range including access road. A Special Use Permit will be issued to Arizona Game & Fish Department. AZGFD will partner with White Mountain Shooters Association for the long term operation & maintenance.

Seven sites across the Alpine RD would be protected to allow recovery of riparian vegetation. Historic springboxes would be protected or modified. Project would enhance WL habitat on about 45 acres. To be implememented by the NWTF.

Reissue Hannagan Meadow Lodge permit. Lodge provides overnight facilities, meals, outdoor gear rentals, fall color tours on system roads.

Mechanical site prep treatments to promote Aspen regeneration on 136 acres around the communication towers on South Mountain, southwest of Alpinze, AZ. Project includes personal fuelwood removal on the 136 acre site.

Treatment of vegetation that occurs in and adjacent to utility powerline corridor and identification for access routes to conduct maintenance activities.

Fuel reduction through salvage of Wallow Fire burned areas. The proposed action includes mechanical treatment of slash.

Analysis of 39,000 acres on NF lands east of City of Show Low and north of Pinetop-Lakeside for vegetative thinning and fuel reduction. Project borders 20-25 miles of private lands. This includes the Woolhouse Wildlife Habitat Area.

Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.

Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.

Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized on the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.

Analysis to determine if livestock grazing should be authorized for the allotment, and if so, what grazing management will be implemented in the allotment management plan.

The Forest Service was a cooperating agency, assisting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in that Agency's geothermal leasing analysis and decision. The BLM issued a record of decision on 12/17/2008.

The project is designed in response to the Wallow Wildfire of 2011 and consists of the salvage burned timber, pile burning and reforestation.