Sawtooth National Forest — Project Detail

Fuels reduction and vegetation management activities to decrease hazardous fuel loading and improve forest resiliency. Recreation management activities to improve trail accessibility and decrease resource damage from user created routes.

.75 mile of Basalt Road (FR 095) is immediately adjacent to Basalt Creek and subject to damage from seasonal flooding. This project will relocate the road outside of the riparian area, install culverts for drainage and decommission the prior route.

Trail maintenance of the first mile of the Fox Creek Trail #7149 and construction of a new bridge to cross the creek.

The project involves replacing the stairs at the Sunbeam Dam Recreation Site located along the Salmon River at the confluence of the Yankee Fork.

The proposed project would authorize hand, mechanical, and prescribed burn treatments across the Raft River Mountain Range aimed at improving vegetation conditions and wildlife habitat.

Replace three existing culverts that are fish passage barriers: Placer Creek, Corral Creek and Wilson Creek. The project will provide access to 16 miles of high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for Redband trout and Wood River sculpin.

Four projects in the South Fork Boise Area to protect roads and recreational access following flooding.

The SNRA is proposing to replace a culvert on Stanley Creek located on FS Road 653. The current culvert does not allow for fish passage and is impeding movement upstream to critical habitat for bull trout, steelhead, and Chinook Salmon.

Proposal from Magic Mountain Ski Resort to install lighting on ski runs, extend magic carpet, and removal of three outbuildings.

Recreation improvements including select tree removal, trail regrading, extension of existing snowmaking and installation of safety fence footings and winch cat pick points.

Pilot Gold (USA), a subsidiary of Liberty Gold, is proposing to amend their plan of operation to drill holes at 252 additional sites for the purposes of exploring for gold mineralization at the former Black Pine Mine.

Revise portions of 1987 Sawtooth Forest travel map by designating a system of roads and trails on portions of the Sawtooth National Forest that currently allow cross-country motorized travel. Cross-country motorized travel would be prohibited.

Proposal from the City of Stanley to install 200 feet of sewer line across the National Forest to connect to employee housing on city property.

Ski lift replacement of the Seattle Ridge and Christmas chairlifts at the Sun Valley Ski Resort. Project also includes upgrades to a ski patrol facility on Seattle Ridge.

Remove the old road leading to Basset Gulch to reconnect and enhance floodplain and wetland habitat. Bank enhancement and stabilization using wood revetments will protect FS road 227 and private property and enhance complex in-channel habitat.

Proposal to construct .2 miles of trail reroute, decommission .3 miles of trail, install one trail bridge, and decommission three trail bridges.

The Sawtooth NRA is developing a unit-wide, land-based outfitter and guide management plan as a means to streamline the processing of outfitter and guide proposals and provide consistent administration of outfitter and guide permits.

Proposal to authorize Pilot Gold USA to conduct mineral exploration of the heap leach at the Black Pine Mine. The proposed drilling would consist of twenty-one 6-inch diameter borings of the heap material using a track-mounted sonic drill rig.

Proposal involves adding seasonal closures from Oct. 1-31 on motorized routes in Badger Mt. area and the McMullen area. Additionally, proposal would improve existing seasonal closures in the Thoroughbred area.

The Minidoka Ranger District proposes to authorize the replacement of BYI Idaho/Teton Inc. existing tower and building on Thompson Ridge Electronics Site.

Proposal to increase designated parking at the Norton Lake, Greenhorn, and Pioneer Cabin Trailheads and install barrier rock to prevent resource damage at Alden and Oregon Gulch. Sawmill & Federal CGs will be assessed for redesigns.

Sun Valley Company proposes the removal of the Challenger and Greyhawk chairlifts, installation of the Challeger chairlift replacement, installation of Lift A/Flying Squirrel chairlift replacement and installation of snowmaking infrastructure.

Develop a 2-mile fully accessible, multi-purpose, non-motorized, public trail from the Redfish entry station to Redfish Lake within the popular Redfish Lake Recreation Complex.

This project is a proposal to install wildlife guzzlers in the Tunnel Hill area of the Cassia Division.

Proposal is to conduct controlled harvest activities to reduce high intensity infestation of dwarf mistletoe and reduce competition in high density Douglas-fir stands.

SREC proposes to establish an outpost facility on a 2.13 acre parcel within a 36 acre parcel of land permitted to the Idaho Transportation Department. The proposed facility consists of a 70' X 80' metal building, and a 30,000 gallon propane tank.

programmatic EA for management actions requiring NEPA analysis post fire.

Project designed to reduce risk of wildfire to improvements and infrastructure, to improve forest health, and increase the ability of forest and sagebrush meadow ecosystems to resist and recover from disturbance like wildfire and insect outbreaks.

Amendment of existing SU permit to authorize MTE to install/maintain telecommunications line/infrastructure extending from existing fiber optic lines adjacent to ID Hwy 75, in Fisher Ck, Cabin Ck (Valley View Tr), Valley Rd, Pettit Lk & Smiley Ck.

To allow removal of standing and down dead trees in the Cave Canyon Fire area to provide public fuelwood. The proposed areas for public fuelwood removal are located outside of the current allowable personal use fuelwood gathering areas.

This project encompasses treatment of selected aspen and Douglas-fir stands on approximately 3,373 acres of the Sublett Division.

The Sawtooth NRA would issue a permit to Idaho Office of Species Conservation to modernize a pair of passive integrated transponder tag detection systems by removing the array equipment at one site and consolidating it at a second existing location.

The Sawtooth National Forest (Forest Service) has received a proposal from Pilot Gold (USA)(Pilot) to expand mineral exploration drilling operations within their project area at the former Black Pine mine site.

Analysis of domestic sheep grazing on six allotments on the Fairfield Ranger District.

KRD is proposing to perform heavy maintenance on Forbidden Fruit Trail #159, extend the trail .75 miles, re-plank the trail structures along Old Adam's Gulch Trail #146, and improve the Adam's Gulch Trailhead.

Use a mix of silvicultural methods and prescribed fire to restore and maintain Ponderosa pine communities. Reduce fuel loading and potential for uncharacteristic fire behavior. Provide for sustainable recreation opportunities in the Grandjean area.

The Forest Service is proposing treatments on Bald Mtn. Ski Area to remove dead and infected trees, thin stands to promote forest health and plant trees in areas where there are insufficient natural seed sources.

Proposal to construct a small trailhead facility at the north terminus of the Warm Springs Creek Trail on the Robinson Bar Ranch Road, as well as several short trail relocations in Warm Springs Meadow and along Warm Springs Creek.

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall have requested authorization from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to construct a weir fish trap to replace the existing, inadequate weir that was build in 1995, along with a 20 year special use permit.

The Sawtooth National Forest, Minidoka Ranger District (MRD), is proposing multiple range water developments and fencing projects to improve aspen stands and improve riparian conditions.

The City of Sun Valley is seeking authorization to extend the Trail Creek Pathway. Approximately 500 feet of 10-foot wide asphalt path will be on NFS lands. Construction will include a portion of retaining wall and a bike parking area.

The Sawtooth National Forest, Minidoka Ranger District is proposing a 12,927 acre prescribed fire project to restore mountain brush communities, aspen stands and mixed conifer communities.

Relocate or rebuild Forest Road 227 at the large Bowns Washout in order to reconnect the road between Big Smoky and Featherville.

CenturyLink has an installation request for a residential customer approximately 7.5 miles west of the city limits of Ketchum, Idaho. If the installation occurs, other individuals along Warm Springs Rd would have the option to upgrade to fiber optic.

The Forest Service is proposing to re-issue a 10-year outfitter and guide special use permit to Smoky Mountain Outfitters for up to 200 temporary service days for deer, elk, goat, and grouse hunting, fishing, backpacking, and summer trail rides.

Authorized continued livestock grazing on the Meadow Creek Allotment.

Analyze and disclose the effects of treating invasive and noxious weeds forest-wide on the Boise & Sawtooth National Forests.

The Eagle Creek Irrigation Company has applied for a new 30-year special use permit for the diversion and ditch, including the relocation of the point of diversion.

The proposed project will relocate a stream crossing to a more sustainable location and replace the existing bridge, then realign 1,200' of road out of the floodplain and riparian zone into an upland alignment.

Proposal to conduct vegetation management activities to address insect infestations and resulting fuel build-up in the Elk Mountain and Dry Creek Area.

The purpose of this project is to restore aspen ecosystems in key wildlife habitats on the Minidoka Ranger District. Implementation of proposed treatments would progress towards meeting the Sawtooth National Forest Plan goals and IDFG habitat goals.

The proposed action is to reroute Forest Road 60002 to remain on the east side of Johnson Creek, eliminating the 2 stream crossings.

The Sawtooth National Forest, Minidoka Ranger District, is proposing approximately 18,488 acres of hand thinning and 13,816 acres of mechanical treatment of juniper to maintain and improve sage-grouse habitat in the Goose Creek area of the Cassia Div

To provide a system of roads and trails for public access in the Upper Wood River Valley drainage. To manage unacceptable resource impacts due to use and location of roads and trails. To rehabilitate non-system routes that are impacting resources.

Evaluate the revision of access restrictions to the winter backcountry areas of the northern portions of the Fairfield Ranger District.

Return Cabin Creek to its historic channel to provide fish passage and natural channel functions, including constructing a new crossing structure at FS Road 205 and adapting existing recreation facilities in the vicinity.

Proposal to amend Sun Valley Company's 2007 Master Development Plan. Proposed projects include: replacement & realignment of the Cold Springs lift, tree thinning, expansion of snow making equipment & associated water pipeline, & slope re-contouring.

Develop Interagency (FS & BLM) Wilderness Management Plan for 2 new Wilderness Areas. Complete Forest Plan Amendment creating a new Management Area (MA) for new Wilderness areas; add direction in the MA, and changes in MPC for the lands affected.

The primary objective of this project is to improve riparian and water quality conditions in Valley Creek by closing and rehabilitating NFS RD 70304 from the junction with the Non-system road (MM. 1.0) to its terminus (MM. 2.1).

The Forest Service proposes to obliterate, recontour, and naturalize approximately 3.5 mi of certain motorized vehicle routes and abandoned ditches. Noxious weed control will occur throughout and after the project and native species will be reseeded.

Removing water troughs from the Riparian Conservation Areas (RCA's) at Harry Neil Spring and Cabin Springs, fencing the spring sources from livestock and placing troughs away from RCA's.

Reissue an existing Special Use Permit (SUP) for heli-skiing and snowboarding for a term period of 10 years. The SUP covers only currently approved activities.

Disposal of a one acre isolated parcel acquired in December of 1947 for the use of a sheep corral and gathering area under the Administrative Site Act of March 2, 1925. This isolated one acre parcel is no longer needed.

Construct approximately 2.3 miles of fence along the ridge between the Free Gold and Bridge Creek drainages to improve livestock management.

This project will remove some one way trails from the designated system in the Cassia, Albion and Sublett Divisions and replace them with trails in these same divisions that create loops and connections.

Expand the Lynn springs quarry approximately 3.4 acres as described in the operating plan. It is expected the processing yard will expand by an additional 0.5 acres.

Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game is proposing the replacement of the weir at the Redfish Collection Facility and construction of a dormitory/fish 'work-up' building, and toilet.

Proposal to conduct vegetation management activities to address insect infestations and resulting fuel build-up in the Salt Creek/Bowns Creek and Fleck Summit area

Soldier Mountain Ski Area proposes to construct a storage and maintenance shop and a mountain bike terrain park at its base facilities. The ski area also proposes to construct up to 8.78 miles of mountain bike trails within the ski area boundary.

Develop a multi-purpose, non-motorized public trail between Stanley, Idaho and Redfish Recreation Complex.

The District plans to replace the existing vault toilet at the Greenhorn Gulch Trailhead with a new SST and ADA-compliant vault toilet, and install two new vault toilets in Warm Springs Creek and Corral Creek drainages to serve the public.

The proposed action of the Sawtooth National Forest is to install a Remote Access Weather Station (RAWS) on Cotton Ridge. The RAWS will have an approximate foot print of 15 feet by 15 feet.

Evaluate the effects of authorizing 2 access routes to reach private property with wheeled, motorized vehicles have that been used for 20 years. The ROWs will be 528' x 10' and 3,931' x 10'. Period of use is May 1 - November 30 annually.

Construct approximately 2.5 miles of wire fence to aid in livestock control and distribution. This fence is proposed because the natural boundary burned in the 2012 Cave Canyon Fire and is no longer controlling livestock.

Restore approximately 2 acres of wetlands in the immediate vicinity of the 2.2 acre acquired Howdyville Log Mill parcel near Valley Creek.

Proposal to issue a special use permit authorizing 0.1 miles of existing non-system road and 15 feet of new road construction to access privately owned Silver King Mine. In addition, 0.1 miles of existing road will be restored. Permit term - 20-yrs.

The USFS proposes 1,156 acres of hand treatment of juniper and 806 acres of juniper mastication to improve habitat conditions for Greater sage-grouse and mule deer in the Raft River division.

Proposal to return about 1,500 ft of Pole Creek to its historic natural channel rather than have it remain confined within the walls of an eroding gully as it is currently & has been for decades. The change would address a chronic resource impact.

Relocate 3200 feet of the Deer Creek road out of the floodplain; Remove 3 bridges crossing Deer Creek; Install one bridge crossing North Fork Creek; Restore 1/2 mile of Deer Creek Road in the floodplain.

Proposal to issue a Recreation Event Special-Use Permit to Mountain Sports International for a 4-stage mountain bike race to be held June 25-26, 2016.

Plan of Operations for placer mining on an unpatented mining claim within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Custer County, Idaho

This project is an effort to re-establish sagebrush and bitterbrush in portions of the Black Pine Division that have burned in recent wildfires and have not recovered. Planting would be completed by crews using augers or a tractor using a planter.

Reauthorization of livestock grazing on the Point Springs, Eight Mile, Moberg, Black Pine, Kelsaw and Mineral Gulch allotments.

The proposed projects are intended to restore riparian vegetation and channel integrity of the main Deer Creek channel; re-establish and repair recreation improvements destroyed by the Beaver Fire; and restore access onto the drainage trail system.

Treat vegetation using prescribed fire and mechanical treatments in order to reduce fuel loads and to create a more desirable fire regime.

Primary need is to serve recreating snowmobile users in cooperation with the Cassia County Snowmobile Grooming Committee and the Mt. Harrison Snowmobile Club.

Proponent would be issued a 20 year special use permit for continued use of an existing livestock loading and unloading area off Forest System Road #70682 and access across National Forest System land for 200 feet.

Installation of Pepro Radio shelters on Mount Harrison and Heglar Peak. Installation of a 40' antenna on Mount Harrison.

Supplement the 2008 "Travel Plan Map Revision - Elimination of Motorized Cross-Country Travel and Motorized Route Designation Environmental Assessment" for the Minidoka Ranger District.

The Minidoka Ranger District is proposing to make changes at the recreation residence located on lot 9 of the Deadline Ridge Tract. The owner of the cabin would like to install a septic system and add a deck to the exterior of the cabin.

The proposal is to add an underground propane tank to provide fuel for generated electricity during power outages and to add on to the existing communications building. This will allow for more room to house new and additional equipment.

Proposal to conduct fuel reduction activities post mountain pine beetle outbreak, on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area along Forest Road #210 and in the Redfish Complex.

The Sawtooth National Forest and Twin Falls District BLM are proposing to issue a recreation event special-use permit to Mountain Sports International (MSI) for the Sun Valley Super Enduro/Cross-Country mountain bike race proposed for June 2015.

To reissue a special use permit to Idaho Fish and Game for an existing administrative cabin and corral for a term of 20 years.

Idaho Department of Transportation,Division of Aeronautics would be authorized a special use permit for continued use of an existing well and 0.1 mile of associated water and power lines; and a new permit for 0.1 mile of an existing road access.

Proposal to issue the City of Stanley a 20 year special use permit authorizing continued care of an existing cemetery with no authorized expansion, and access across National Forest System land for 0.25 miles.

The Soldier Mountain Ski Area proposes to construct a shop (snow cat storage), a new rental shop, up to 12 small cabins for overnight accommodation, and a small lift at the base facilities.

This project would improve a road crossing to enable passage for fish and other aquatic organisms in Edwards Creek.

The activity will occur on the Sawtooth National Forest in the Lake Creek drainage, approximately three miles north of Ketchum, in the Big Wood River watershed.

The proposal would issue special use permit(s) to re-authorize the continued use of an irrigation diversion from Pole Creek, as well as related roads, ditches, and small irrigated parcels on National Forest System lands.

Project proposes to reroute and decommission a portion of Pole Creek Road (FSR# 70197), rehabilitate and close approximately 0.25 miles of Twin Creek Loop Road (FSR# 70412), and replace two culverts with fish friendly culverts on Twin Creeks.

To authorize improvements at the Recreation Residences on Deadline Ridge Tract #3 and Thompson Flats Summer Homes Tract #5.

Proposals to issue Recreation Event Special-Use Permits to Mountain Sports International (MSI) for the Sun Valley Super Enduro, and the Sun Valley Marketing Alliance for the 2014 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Marathon National Championships on Bald Mtn.

In 2003, Custer Telephone was authorized to install a fiber optic cable line along Hwy 75 downriver from Lower Stanley. The proposed action is to issue a new 30-year special use permit authorizing continued use of the existing fiber optic cable.

Cut and remove dead and dying trees as a result of the Kelley Fire on 30 acres along the 071 road, from Gardner Gulch to Kelley Creek Corrals. Trees will be greater than 8 inches dbh, but no larger than 20 inches dbh.

The proposed action is to issue a special use permit for six ten cubic yard dumpsters during normal periods of operation and allow an increase of eight dumpsters during high use periods in the summer. No hazardous waste disposal would be allowed.

The proposed action of the Sawtooth National Forest is to reconstruct group sites A and B, add additional campsites within Thompson Flats Campground and remove 5 restrooms and replace them with three new ones.

Authorize continued livestock grazing on the Limekiln Sheep Allotment, Shaw Mountain Sheep Allotment, and the Kelly Mtn.-Greenhorn Cattle Allotment.

Proposal to authorize continued sheep grazing in the Lick Creek, Bluff Creek, Big Peak and Liberal Allotments.

Proposed expansion and operation of the Raymond Mine located at the head of Emma Creek.

Develop a 60 mile non-motorized trail system in the Galena Lodge area; 36 miles would be new trail construction; the remaining 24 miles would utilize existing routes. The trail system would provide a mix of difficulties.

The special use permits for two long-utilized ITD material storage sites along Hwy 75 in the Big Wood River Valley are outdated and/or expired. Proposal is to issue new 20-year permits authorizing continued use of the Horse Cr & Russian John sites.

In 2003, Syringa Networks was authorized to install a fiber optic cable line along Hwy 75 in the Wood River Valley. The proposed action is to issue a new 30-year special use permit authorizing continued use of the existing fiber optic cable.

To issue two 20-year special use permits authorizing USGS and IDWR to operate seven existing stream gauge stations for measuring water levels and discharge rates (cubic feet per second).

Thinning treatments (250 acres max) proposed for the Sun Valley Ski Resort in order to reduce insect and disease infestations and improve forest health. This should also reduce fuel loading from dead and dying trees.

Proposal to replace all or part of last 2.5 miles of existing Salmon River Headwater Road 215 beyond Chemeketan Campground with motorized trail constructed in better location along adjacent side slope. Changes would address chronic resource impacts.

Surface prospecting and rehabilitation of collapsed underground workings in order to conduct underground exploration for minerals.

Precommercially thin stands of lodgepole pine to reduce the density of trees and increase growth on the residual trees.

Within Deer Creek, improve forest health, enhance wildlife and fish habitat, reduce the potential for uncharacteristic fire behavior near private land, and provide sustainable recreation opportunities.

Clear out existing road in order to access patented mining claims via off road vehicle.

The proposed action is to issue a road use permit to Idaho Transportation Department for 1.0 mile or 2.2 acres of National Forest System Road #70209 aka 4th of July Road for access to the 4th of July Material Source Site, CU-83.

Proposal is to build up to 20 miles of new mountain biking trails

This project would improve fish habitat in Eightmile Creek by removing juniper within 50 feet of Eightmile Creek and placing large cut pieces in the channel to provide fish habitat and cover.

Implement Designated Dispersed Camping and re-route/improve motorized trails #902 and #905.

Address channel headcutting and riparian impacts from recent prescribed fire, intense weather events, and cattle grazing, by installing grade control structures, willow planting, and constructing two exclosures in Onemile Creek.

Reauthorize expired Special Use Permit to access private property from State Highway 21 across US Forest Service lands to Circle A Ranch east of Stanley.

Analyze the effects of grazing on three cattle allotments and develop new allotment management plans.

Issuance of a permit to a new landowner authorizing rehabilitation and use of an existing water system that transmits water from National Forest System lands to private property. Previous permit has expired.

Install Parshall Flume (device for measurement of flow of water in open channels) and an 8" pipeline to replace existing irrigation ditch.which delivers water from National Forest to private lands.

Relocate approximately 5 miles of Division fence between the Rock Creek C&H allotment and the Buckbrush S&G allotment.

This project is a division fence along the ridge on the west side of Howell Canyon. The purpose of the fence is to control livestock movement.

Install approximately 2 miles of let-down fence on the West side of Howell Canyon from the existing drift fence at the lower overlook to the existing fence North of Thompson Flat Campground along Forest road 561.

Proposed expansion of Oakley Stone quarry operations.

CenturyLink Communications proposal to amend existing special-use authorization and bury fiber optic cable from the bottom of Warm Springs to communication sites at the top of Bald Mountain Ski Area to improve cellular telephone service.

This project will re-route approximately 1/8 of a mile of the trail where it connects to the trailhead within Clear Creek Campground due to damages by flooding.

Placement of an amphitheater behind the existing stage facility.

Vegetative treatments in the Liberal and Willow Creek Areas. 9,200 acres of vegetation treatment are proposed to be carried out over 10-15 years addressing insect and disease outbreaks and promote long term sustainablity of the forest

Water collection storage tanks, troughs and earthen impoundments North & South of Mineral Gulch Canyon.

This action proposes to treat invasive Smooth brome annually within the Christ's Indian Paintbrush population as required to meet conservation actions identified in the Candidate Conservation Agreement with USFWS -Idaho Office.

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.

Proposed approval of a Plan of Operations for underground mine development on unpatented mining claims in lands open to mineral entry outside of the congressionally designated area of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The Sawtooth National Forest proposes to grant a private road easement for road right-of-way access to private land across approximately 65 feet of existing roadway on National Forest System land in Lot 8 of Sec. 13, T. 11 N., R. 12 E., B.M.

Improve & adopt user-created ATV trails into the Sawtooth NRA trail system; construct 1/4 mile of new connecting road (betwn FSR #199 & FSR #197); build ATV bridges over Pole Cr & Rainbow Cr; designate trailhead & dispersed camping at Pole Cr Corrals