Payette National Forest — Project Detail

The Stibnite Gold Project proposes mine operations on federal, state, and private lands located in Valley County, Idaho.

The Payette National Forest is proposing to construct an impermanent fish barrier in the East Fork Weiser River beginning in August of 2025 to limit interactions between Bull Trout and Brook Trout.

Replace two trail bridges National Forest System Trails 089 and 094 to facilitate safe and consistent stream crossings for all users.

Beaver presence and activity is increasing in the Cottonwood Creek Drainage. To provide for safe travel and ongoing access as well as to not impact the beaver population, there is a need to re-route Cottonwood Creek Trail #041.

Replace six road stream crossing structures and one bridge along Thunder Mountain Road (NFSR 50375).

Review application for the installation of new fiber optic line to provide reliable communication services to rural private landowners.

Replace a damaged trail bridge on Pete Creek Trail to restore the stream crossing.

Parking lot improve and expansion at Little Ski Hill to accommodate guests.

Repair, rebuild, and improve 21 ponds/reservoirs on the Lick Creek C&H Allotment to provide clean, reliable water for livestock and improve livestock distribution.

The Council Ranger District proposes cutting hazard trees within and adjacent to the Big Flat developed recreation site and salvaging trees within the perimeter of the Lava Fire on the Payette National Forest.

Construct a new operations building, remove three existing buildings, construct RV pads, and pave the entrance road.

Issuance of a special use permit for an existing water diversion on Pony Creek.

Floods in 2023 scoured and shifted the Spring Creek channel causing instability to the Spring Creek Campground trail bridges. The proposed action proposes to armor three bridge abutments.

Install a pipe in an existing pond that will be used to fill a water tank and build a let down fence to around the pond to exclude livestock.

The PNF is proposing to upgrade water system infrastructure at the Big Creek Work Center including irrigation systems, water tanks, and stream flow measuring flumes. These upgrades will improve irrigation and provide potable water.

The permittee of the Round Valley C&H allotment has proposed to construct a reliable loading and unloading facility that they can use for their permitted livestock.

Maintenance or re-construction of 25 existing range improvement projects in the West Pine/Brownlee C&H Allotment to provide a clean and reliable water source and to aid in livestock distribution.

Idaho Power has requested a special use permit for antenna array to monitor bull trout as part of the Crooked River Fish Isolation Project.

Maintenance or re-construction of fourteen existing spring developments within the Council Mountain and Indian Mountain C&H allotments.

A berm on the Copper Cliffs Tailing Dam has experienced a slope failure. USFS will perform a geotechnical study with exploratory drilling to test the chemical composition of the materials in the sediment to determine future stabilization efforts.

To protect bull trout in the Crooked River, three barriers are proposed in the river to separate bull trout from non-native brook trout.

Hercules Silver proposes to drill up to 4 mineral exploration holes at each of 17 sites along existing and temporary roads.

Maintenance or re-construction of three existing range improvement projects in the Limestone C&H Allotment to provide a clean and reliable water source and to aid in livestock distribution.

Pasture fence extension to ensure pasture rotation is met and livestock are excluded from Bear Creek during bull trout spawning.

Advance Metals proposes to complete drilling exploration core holes at 10 sites along open roads and on several existing closed routes.

Decommissioning of approximately 1 mile of the unauthorized road (#503701010 and #503701012) that extends beyond the private land near the Lucky Ben Mine

Short single lane access road of about 12 feet in length from FH-21 (Warren Wagon Road) across NFS land to Private property.

Replace a culvert at Profile Creek on Profile Gap Road NFSR # 340 with a 90' bridge for aquatic organism passage through an agreement with Valley County.

Project aims to move vegetation and soil/water/riparian/aquatic resources towards desired conditions in the forest plan, as well as provide forest timber products.

A berm on the Copper Cliffs Tailing Dam has experienced a slope failure. USFS will perform a geotechnical study with exploratory drilling to test the chemical composition of the materials in the sediment to determine future stabilization efforts.

To protect bull trout in the Crooked River, three barriers are proposed in the river to separate bull trout from non-native brook trout.

The project proposes to repair, rebuild and improve two spring developments within the Indian Mountain C&H Allotment within the Four Corners Fire area.

Addresses the construction, maintenance, and operation of an upper elevation winter recreation parking area along the Goose Lake Road (FDR #257).

The State of Idaho, Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics is requesting to replace a decaying shed at the Big Creek Airstrip.

Brundage Mountain Resort is requesting to replace the Centennial Lift with a high-speed quad to improve guest safety and skier circulation at the resort.

The proposed action for this project is the maintenance or re-construction of eleven existing spring developments and seven existing ponds within the Council Mountain and Indian Mountain Cattle & Horse Allotments on the Council Ranger District.

Removal of a 3-foot round culvert on FS 50577 on an unnamed tributary of the East Branch of the Weiser River and replacement with a 12-foot wide open-bottomed, concrete box structure to provide aquatic organism passage and fish habitat connectivity.

Replace restroom facilities at Kiwanis and Justrite-Paradise campgrounds.

We propose this project to review the designated use of sections of National Forest System trails 177, 183, 184, 187, 188, and 362 within and immediately adjacent to the Rapid River Wild River corridor and to update the forest's MVUM accordingly.

Issuance of a permit for a water system that delivers water from lower Zena Creek to Zena Creek Ranch after a change in ownership.

Conduct post-fire rehabilitation actions in the Indian Mountain C&H Allotment. Including repairing spring developments, fence, and seeding.

Issuance of a permit for a trespass water system and use of an existing road for access to the water system to conduct maintenance when needed.

Construction of 2,000 ft of exclosure fence to protect a portion of the West Branch of the Weiser River.

Remove water tank, valve box & associated piping that was abandoned when campground water supply was replaced by wells in 1995.

Request for road access across Forest Service lands to access the southern portion of the Futura Corporation private property (also known as Hettinger Ranch).

The New Meadows District on the Payette National Forest proposes to replace 13 road-stream crossings that have been identified in the Lost Creek and Upper West Fork Weiser River subwatersheds.

Bury a 250 foot section of waterline to support a special use permit.

We propose this project to enhance recreation opportunities in the Boulder Creek watershed and in the vicinity of Lost Valley Reservoir with an emphasis on improving current trails and trailhead parking and developing new trail opportunities.

Permit construction of a previously authorized 550-ft road and continued use and maintenance of an existing route up Arlise Gulch and authorize reasonable access to a private property.

The proposal includes a request for a permit for a water system and access to the water system by a two-track road. The proposal also includes maintenance as needed to the water system and access road.

Project is proposed to enhance wildlife habitat and forest stand structure and resiliency in portions of the Lower Little Salmon River, Middle Little Salmon River, Upper Little Salmon River, and Beaver Creek-Weiser River watersheds.

The Hearolds have requested access to their private property via FS Roads #51744/#502228020 (Option 1) or #50222 (Option 2). Option 1, which they prefer, would require access through private property which they have already been granted easement.

Permit replacement of an existing propane tank servicing a fish detection system (PIT array) with a 1,000-gallon tank in an existing hardened area to ensure fuel supply through winter months.

Replace the existing foundation on the lookout in order to preserve the building.

Designate approximately 5.6 miles of currently unauthorized routes in the Bear Basin area as non-motorized NFS trails and rehabilitate between 3 and 8 miles of unauthorized routes to improve the recreation experience and watershed conditions.

Trail repair, hazard reduction, dispersed use management, and historic site interpretation & protection.

Taylor Outfitting requests issuance of a new special use authorization for outfitter and guided day fishing trips during the general fishing season as identified by IDFG Regulations. This permit would replace the original permit terminated: 12/31/18.

Respond to a 10-yr plan to mine 37,000 CY of ultrapotassic rock from 5 acres of unpatented mining claims on NFS lands and determine need for any reasonable changes or additions to meet requirements of 36 CFR 228A, prior to approval.

Reroute approximately 650 feet of Pollock Mountain Trail #179.

Improve the health of forest stands to increase insect & disease resiliency; reduce tree densities & fuel loadings to result in less intense fire behavior & facilitate effective wildland fire response; enhance NIDGS & white-headed woodpecker habitat.

Construct approximately 0.7 miles of single-track, non-motorized trail across NFS lands, connecting the Fall Cr Loop trail (#107) to a trail on Idaho endowment lands.

This is the fifth project within the forest's Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. The project includes vegetation, watershed, transportation, and recreation management activities.

Respond to Payette Lakes Ski Club application to permit additional on-mountain lighting on the Race Run, Outback, and base areas to improve night-skiing opportunities.

This project will address both restoration and public & private access needs to determine the minimum road system, improve watershed condition, provide ATV and motorcycle trail opportunities, and provide dispersed camping and parking opportunities.

A previously identified forest resilience project was entirely within the Woodhead Fire perimeter which burned in 2020. Salvage of fire damaged trees is being proposed combined with the original proposed project to treat insects and disease.

Revise the Payette 1995 summer and winter Travel Management Plan as amended. Establish a Forest system of designated routes, meet travel and access needs for recreational activities while protecting Forest resources. Multiple decisions will be issued

The Woodhead Fire burned 96,614 acres. Proposed rehabilitation activities include repair and replacement of 13.2 miles of burned fence, reconstruction of six spring developments, and tree planting on up to 3,350 acres of severely burned forest lands.

Amend an existing outfitted hunting permit to two new authorize campsites.

Post Mesa Fire erosion of Warm Springs Creek has compromised a section of Trail #203. Rerouting the trail up the hillside would provide for safety of trail users, a sustainable trail tread, limit trail-caused erosion, and achieve USFS trail standards

The Proposed Action would implement a range of restoration activities, including route decommissioning/rehabilitation, route designation and improvements, stream crossing improvement, educational improvements, and a Forest Plan Amendment.

The purpose of the project is to dispose of slash landings created from the Moon River, Cold Bear, Restornation, and 4th Rock timber sales. These piles left on the landscape pose an increased fire and insect outbreak risk.

This project aims to establish native tree species in regeneration units in what was formerly the Lost Creek-Boulder Creek project area in the 4th Rock, Cold Bear, and Restornation timber sales.

Fiber optic cable would replace approximately 12 miles (6.6 miles on NFS lands) of copper line from Burgdorf to Secesh Meadows in a designated utility corridor and road right of way.

Community protection for Edwardsburg/Big Creek area using commercial and noncommercial treatments and Rx fire to reduce hazardous fuels. Treatments are on USFS lands along public roads and adjacent to private property, outside of wilderness.

To improve or maintain wildlife habitat and move forest stands toward desired conditions described in the forest plan through prescribed fire and thinning.

Issuance of a new special use permit to Cuprum Benevolent Preservation Society for use of 120 feet of metal corrugated pipe that diverts water from Indian Creek to the concrete water diversion for irrigation, domestic, and fire protection use.

Improve Willow Basket Creek Trail #142 & Bear Pete Trail #142 to reduce impacts to hydrologic resources by constructing a total of appx. 1.1 mile of new, more stable, trail & obliterating 0.5 miles of existing, saturated & oversteep, trail.

Short- and long-term management strategies and priorities for maintaining and restoring habitats associated with terrestrial wildlife species.

Remove existing septic, replace with a new tank and drain field adjacent to existing system within the boundaries of the administrative site.

Installation of barriers to motorized travel off designated roads and trails, decompaction, recontouring, and revegetation of impacted areas.

This is a ten year project to install up to 100 beaver dam analogs on the Payette National Forest which mimic the hydrologic effects of natural beaver dam activity. Projects areas will be identified to meet the criteria set out in this analysis.

Permitting of new and/or replacement communication towers and support facilities within existing, permitted Brundage Communication Site.

The 14,370-acre Project area has experienced high insect activity and is at risk of subsequent tree mortality. Up to 3,000 acres of treatments will move vegetation toward desired conditions by increasing forest resiliency and promoting large trees.

The McCall Ranger District proposes to manage forest structure and species composition to recover from insect and disease disturbances and improve forest landscape resiliency by implementing a suite of vegetation management treatments on <3000 acres.

The Forest Service proposes to use a combination of non-commercial thinning and prescribed fire to manage a 12,660 acre project area within the Adams, Stacy, Fourth of July Creek, and Monroe Creek drainages.

Permitting of a diversion from Talc Creek & 990 feet of underground gravity-piping to a private inholding within the Frank Church RONR Wilderness area for domestic use under an existing state water right at Monumental Ranch.

A Plan of Operations is being considered to conduct exploratory drilling for locatable minerals from four drill pads, including six 1500-ft core holes and the use/repair of 3.1 miles of existing routes as temporary road for motorized vehicle access.

Authorization to install, use & maintain a diversion from Fritser Creek & 1,300 /- feet of gravity-fed piping to convey water under an existing State water right for domestic use, irrigation & stockwatering on private lands.

This is the forth project within the Payette National Forest's Weiser River - Little Salmon Headwaters Project area and part of the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. The Project area is approx. 67,000 acres on the Council RD.

The Forest Service is considering a permit modification for PLSC to replace the existing T-Bar lift and area lighting at Little Ski Hill. The new equipment would be quieter, safer, more efficient, and will be installed in the same footprints.

Treat stands around the private property at Brundage Mountain Resort to reduce the potential for uncharacteristic wildfire and modify fuel conditions so that in the event of a wildfire, effective suppression actions are more likely to be successful.

Move forest vegetation, fuels / fire conditions toward historical range of variability to reduce wildland fire risk, improve wildlife habitat / watershed conditions, meet Forest Plan direction, by mechanical thinning / harvest and prescribed burning.

The US Forest Service is proposing to issue a 20 year Special Use Permit (SUP) to Sisters River Ranches Company (Company) for an existing private water system, including spring box, settling box, and approximately 1500 feet of gravity-fed piping.

The Payette NF is conducting an analysis to address forest health and resilience on less than 3000 acres in Adams County, ID. Proposed treatments include commercial thinning and prescribe fire to manage for drought, insect, and fire disturbance.

The Forests propose to issue a Recreation Event Special Use Authorization to McCall Ultra Sled Dog Challenge LLC, to conduct a multi-day sled dog racing event on groomed snowmobile routes across 5 Districts on the Payette and Boise National Forests.

Plan of Operations (POO) proposal to allow for collection of subsurface geological information on the Golden Hand #1 and #2 mining claims. The mining claims are located in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

This is a sediment stabilization project at the Dewey Mine to include installing check dams in a gully, excavating a drainage route to direct runoff from the mine around a breached settling pond, and improving drainage, road access, and mine closure.

The Forest proposes issuing a temporary Special Use Permit to Eastern Oregon University for an outdoor orientation program for 24 students and 6 instructors. This would include camping at Big Bar Rec Area, hiking, rock climbing, and paddle boarding.

The Council Ranger District proposes to decommission approximately 3.7 miles of unauthorized routes in the Crooked River drainage. This work would be done in conjunction with implementing BMPs on Maintenance Level 1 closed roads causing erosion.

The proposed action for this project is the maintenance or re-construction of four existing spring developments. All the projects are located on the Council Ranger District in the Steves Creek C&H Allotment.

This project is approximately 50,000 acres and is in the Weiser-Little Salmon Headwaters Collaborative Forest Restoration Project area. Opportunities for forest and watershed restoration will be assessed.

The Forest Service is responding to a request for the issuance of a new special use permit to Doug Smith for private road access via Forest Service roads 50523 and 501056000.

The Forest Service is responding to a request for the issuance of a new special use permit to Eagle Telephone System, Inc. (ETS) for the construction of a new communication facility, access road, and underground powerline.

The Forest Service is considering a permit reissuance for Payette Powder Guides to continue to offer winter backcountry ski and showshoe trips and operate their Lick Creek Summit yurts plus summer/fall mountain bike trips on existing roads/trails.

This project will address resource impacts by mitigating unauthorized motorized use occurring adjacent to FS 260, including user created routes and dispersed camping issues at three sites.

This project is a phased replacement in kind of site furniture at existing recreation sites. Work will focus on replacement of fire pits, pedestal grills, interpretive kiosks, fee tubes, and vault toilets with new and improved versions.

Issue a new authorization to replace an existing authorization for private road access across National Forest Service System land to private property owned by Stan Quimby. No upgrades or changes to the road are proposed.

An old water system dam at the Krassel Work Center administrative site would be removed to restore fish passage and natural flows. The 3 ft high dam on Indian Creek provided culinary and irrigation water to the admin site and is no longer needed.

This is a new bulk sampling project on the Kamp 1-3 Lode Claims. Three areas would be excavated for sampling, processed off site, and then the site would be reclaimed. Existing and temporary roads would be used. Project duration is about 3 months.

Treat 24,000 acres within the project area with noncommercial thinning and prescribed fire to move vegetation toward conditions that more closely represent historic distribution, structure, and function, thereby improving wildlife forage and habitat.

Amend an existing Special Use Permit to Midvale Telephone Exchange to add an additional 2,291 feet of copper telephone line that will be buried along the Centerline of Burgdorf Hot Springs Road, FS Road #50480 to an existing Recreation Residence.

The Forest Service is considering issuing a new special use authorization for a 20 year term to replace the expiring special use authorization for the Lapaglia domestic water system.

The Mesa fire burned 16,560 acres of USFS managed lands. High burn severity was observed primarily within the Cottonwood Creek drainage. Salvage harvest is proposed on 236 acres, including 20 acres of harvest proposed within the outer half of RCAs.

Issue a new authorization to replace an existing authorization for private road access across National Forest System land to private property owned by David and Debra Tate. The existing road is native surface and no changes to the road are proposed.

The Forest Service is responding to a request from Hitt Mountain Cattle and Horse Association to replace their expiring permit which authorizes a grazing facility with a new permit for a new 10 year term. No requested changes to the facility.

Issue a new authorization to replace an existing authorization for a water system to Thomas and Claudia Holmes. It covers a spring collection box (buried 40 gallon galvanized tank) and 4000' long waterline of 1 & 1/2 inch PVC pipe, buried 4' deep.

The Forest Service is responding to a request for the issuance of a new special use permit to Seid Ranches LLC for use of the Seid Cow Camp grazing facility located at the end of Forest Service road 095on the Weiser District of the Payette NF.

The purpose of this project is to repair, rebuild and improve five spring developments and two ponds on the Heath Dukes C&H Allotment. It will provide clean, reliable water for livestock which will improve livestock distribution and riparian habitat.

The purpose of this project is to repair, rebuild and improve eleven ponds on the Lick Creek C&H Allotment. This project will provide clean, reliable water for livestock which will improve livestock distribution and riparian habitat.

The project will repair, rebuild and improve two spring developments on the North Hornet C & H Allotment. This project will provide clean, reliable water for livestock which will improve livestock distribution, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat.

The Forest Service is responding to a request for an amendment to the Idaho Power Company(IPC) permits to replace and abandon underground power line from Big Bar, in Hells Canyon on the Snake River, to Silver King Mine near Cuprum Idaho.

This project considers the impacts of a short term plan of operations for 62 proposed geophysical investigation sites (e.g. drilling pads) for exploration and geotechnical holes in the Stibnite mine area to inform the development of the Stibnite Mine

Three segments of approximately 9,360 linear feet of the North Fork Lick Creek Trail #082 would be reconstructed and/or re-aligned to meet trail management objectives for non-motorized uses. The work is needed to address windfall and erosion issues.

The Forest Service is considering issuing a new special use authorization for a 20 year term to replace the expiring special use authorization for the Phillips-Larrea domestic water system, including buried pipe, tanks and valve box.

This is a locatable minerals project to conduct exploration for gold on a mining claim by further excavating an existing pit. The total disturbed area is about 1/2 acre and is accessed by an existing temporary road. Processing is done off site.

The project area is approximately 50,000 acres. Vegetation treatments include mechanical, hand, and prescribed burning. Watershed improvements include existing road improvement and road decommissioning. Recreational improvements are also included.

McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) is requesting reauthorization of their priority use permit for a 10-year term. MOSS has requested that this permit be re-issued with no significant changes for educational and institutional purposes.

To reissue a Communication Use Lease for a Communication Site on Lynes Point, a 9%u2019 X 10%u2019 shelter, and microwave repeater on a 25 foot tower; located on National Forest System land on the Council Ranger District. Road access and maintenance.

This project will consist of improvements to six spring developments and four livestock watering reservoirs in poor condition. Approximately 1.5 miles of drift fence will also be constructed.

The 0.3 mile drift fence suffered significant damage during the Teepee Springs Fire in 2015.The fence is part the Jacks Creek C&H Allotment. The permittees will replace the fence in kind.

A special use authorization was initially issued in 2001 and again in 2009 for the operation and maintenance of a day use warming hut on West Mountain in Adams County, Idaho. The proposed action is to issue a new authorization for a 10 year term.

This special use authorization includes a concrete headbox installed in a small unnamed tributary of the Weiser River, a fence, a 300 gallon holding tank, and approximately 600 feet plastic pipe. It provides water to 3 summer homes on private land.

To reauthorize a special use permit for an underground distribution line that was installed in 1985. This line provides power to the USDA Forest Service Brownlee Guard Station and nearby private property. The permit would be authorized for 20 years.

The purpose of this project is to decommission and eliminate access to an unauthorized ATV route located on a ridge between Sturgill and Dennett Creeks.

Cambridge Telephone Company has requested a renewal of four Special Use Authorizations. All four are to maintain existing buried telephone lines along with associated pedestals, posts, and warning signs. The 4 permits will be re-issued as 1 permit.

The purpose of this analysis will determine whether grazing cattle is an acceptable use on this allotment and if so authorize cattle grazing on the allotment.

The Big Creek Road Plan of Operation Project would authorize the use of roads to conduct exploration and development of locatable mineral claims by the minerals operator.

This is a new bulk sampling project at the existing Brundage Placer claim, where related minerals work has been ongoing for several years. Two areas would be excavated for sampling, processed off-site, and then the site would be reclaimed

Wildlife habitat improvement activities including timber harvest and prescribed burning,

The Payette Lakes Ski Club has proposed to modify their assigned site used for Nordic skiing to allow a temporary warming structure. Seasonal use of the structure will require modifying the existing parking lot approximately 40ft x 20ft.

This project would reauthorize a special use permit for a 10-year term to Pony Creek Outfitters, to offer guided big game hunts in the McCall and Krassel Ranger Districts. The permittee has 3 assigned sites and would be authorized for 155 service day

Re-issue permits for continued client service on nine Outfitter and Guide Permits on the Krassel Ranger District. There are no changes proposed in the authorized facilities, or increases in the scope or intensity of the authorized services.

This project would authorize a 5 year special use permit for the 4 Summit Challenge bicycle race (2017-2021). The annual, 1-day event would include a partial day road closure on the South Fork Salmon River Road (Forest Service Road 674/474)for safety

This project would authorize motorized trail access across an approximately 12-20 feet section of flat, grassy NFS land approximately 72 inches wide to provide access to Ram House, a private property. A special use authorization would be issued.

The project would issue a new special use authorization for the use and maintenance of an existing water system (storage tanks and pipeline) for private domestic use at a single residence.

The Forest Service wants to issue a special use permit for ten years to Salmon River Helicopters for the installation and maintenance of a radio repeater to facilitate their helicopter communications in remote areas.

The Four Mile Prescribed Fire would apply fire to approximately 9500 acres of National Forest lands over the next 10-15 years for the purpose of improving elk habitat while retaining habitat and cover for small mammals and cavity nesting birds.

This project would implement storm damage risk reduction road restoration treatments on approximately 4.5 miles of FS Road 51883 and restore the road ford crossing at Sugar Creek for the protection of endangered fish habitat in the adjacent stream.

The Forest Service proposes to authorize Brundage Mountain Resort a special use authorization for a term of 10 years. This includes a seasonal yurt, addition/modifications of snowcat routes, and allocation of 860 service days to the resort.