Cherokee National Forest — Project Detail

The proposed forest plan amendment would address the need to assign management prescriptions to four tracts of land that were previously acquired.

This project is proposing to relocate approximately a 50 ft long section of trail #189. Waterbars would also be installed to limit stormwater runoff and continued damage to the trail.

The Carolina Mountain Club have proposed to decommission and remove the Walnut Mountain shelter and associated infrastructure from national forest system lands.

The project would provide early successional forest for wildlife, restore forest and wetland comm., release mast-producing trees, improve forest health, provide wildlife habitat components, and manage NFS system and non-system roads

The Cherokee National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Monongahela National Forest, and the National Forests in North Carolina seek to implement large landscape red spruce - fir ecosystem restoration.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) proposes to replace the existing ground wire on approximately 60 miles of transmission lines on the Cherokee National Forest with optical ground wire or fiber to improve internet access to rural communities in the southeast United States.

TDS proposes to overlay new fiber optic cable to existing utility lines on national forest land. The project would install approximately 135,421 feet of aerial cable and 32,131 ft of buried cable.

The Watauga Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest is proposing a series of fuel reduction treatments within the wildland-urban interface to improve forest resiliency to wildfire post-Hurricane Helene.

The project would construct a 36-48 inch wide, 1.1-mile-long, native surface trail in the Buck Branch burn unit. The trail would include viewing areas, fire interpretive kiosks,native plantings, selective tree removal, and trail signs.

The project would remove the current administration sites at the existing administration area, construct a new administration area, and construct defined camping sites in the overflow camping area.

The project would acquire a parcel of land in Monroe County, TN that is approximately 341 acres. The parcel would be managed under the Prescription 9.H Management, Maintenance, and Restoration of Plant Associations to their Ecological Potential.

The bridge would be replaced with a structure similar to the existing bridge, constructed within the Area of Potential Effect in the attached map. The existing bridge would be removed from the site and disposed of at a suitable location off forest.

The FY 2025 South Zone Prescribed Fire- Ocoee Ranger District Project would conduct prescribed fire on approximately 13,332 acres on 8 burn units on the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District.

The bridge would be replaced with a structure similar to the existing bridge. The existing bridge would be removed from the site and disposed of at a suitable location off of the forest. The new bridge would be constructed in the disturbed area.

The Cherokee National Forest is proposing a temporary reroute of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Iron Mountain Gap due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. The reroute would last until projects that restore connectivity are complete.

The purpose of this project is to authorize the decommissioning of an existing communications tower and the construction of a new tower and associated improvements on White Rocks mountain in Carter County, TN.

The Dennis Cove U-1640 Land Acquisition Project would acquire approximately 129.5 acres of adjoining the Pond Mountain Wilderness. The parcel would be managed under the 4.A Appalachian Trail Corridor management prescription.

The Temple Hill U-1638 Land Acquisition Project would acquire approximately 65.5 acres of land near the Temple Hill Elementary School on Tipton Olsen Drive. The parcel would be managed under the 7.E Dispersed Recreation areas- Suitable.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) proposes to construct a ford on an existing utility access road that crosses a tributary of Loss Creek. Currently, vehicles cannot cross the stream to conduct vegetation maintenance on power line L5144.

The project would remove an instream concrete dam at river mile 8.3 near Young Branch in Citico Creek. The dam would be removed with heavy machinery in a live or wet stream. All dam materials would be removed from the site.

Johnson County is proposing to erect a 120-foot free-standing metal power pole and a 10x12 concrete building to house radio components and a generator. The pole and building would be constructed on a gravel pad and surrounded by a chain-link fence.

The Fiscal Year 2024 Prescribed Fire Project would conduct prescribed fire on 41,919 acres on 28 burn units: 15 burn units on the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District and 13 burn units on the Tellico Ranger District.

SkyBest is proposing to bury fiber optic cable along U.S. Route 321 to increase grid reliability in new service areas in Carter County, TN.

The project would conduct forest restoration and improvement actions under the programmatic environmental assessment, Restoration of Dry Forest Communities. Additional actions in the project area would include road improvements and prescribed fire.

The Forest Service is proposing to acquire 1 parcel in Unicoi County, TN (U-1637), approximately 67 acres.

The project would repair and reconstruct a woven wire fence within the Bullet Creek Rare Community to prevent feral swine / wild boar from entering and damaging this unique and rare ecosystem. The existing fence would be removed from the site.

Special Use Permit to host rally car race on the Ocoee Ranger District for June 12-17.The race would utilize National Forest System Roads (NFSR) 23, 44, 55, 67, 99, 103, 220, 221, 302, and 1333. Four areas are identified for spectators.

This project is proposing to install an approx. 300%u2019 trail connector from the Forest Service boundary to the top of Cedar Mountain (Cedar Peak)

Project would acquire approximately 280 acres of land near the intersection of Us Highway 64 and TN State Highway 314. The project would incorporate approximately 2.2 miles of existing roads on the parcel into the National Forest System Roads.

This project proposes to install two AT supporting facilities and provide access to a suitable water source.

Expand the employee parking lot at the Ocoee Ranger station by approximately 135 to the west and add a fence to the existing parking lot on the north side of the ranger station.

This project proposes to implement stream and aquatic habitat restoration, dam removal, low water ford removal, and new bridge installation.

Crown Castle proposes to increase the height of their cellular tower from 180' to 210' and add 3 new guyed anchor rods to the existing guyed anchor blocks. Crown Castle has a communication site lease. There would be no new ground disturbance.

This project proposes an easement request for access to the Farthing Tract, which is private property surrounded by Cherokee National Forest (CNF). The landowner is requesting to put in an access road to their property which will cross CNF property.

This project focuses on moving stands toward a more open woodland condition, with pockets of mature timber with grassy herbaceous layers, and a mosaic feature of pine/oak regeneration using non commercial slashdown treatments and RX fire.

At the request of the Cherokee National Forest, AT&T would install fiber optic line from Lake Ocoee Inn and Marina to the Ocoee Ranger Station. Analysis includes a foreseeable future action to install fiber optic to the Ocoee Work Center on Hwy 30.

Aerial treatments of an exotic moth known as Lymantria dispar using mating disruption, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Nucleopolyhedrosis virus, or their combination.

Replace two failed water crossings with Aquatic Organism Passage structures sized for the stream, reconstruct .35 miles of Forest Service Road 221, and restore aquatic habitat and stream stability that mimics a properly functioning system.

Reconstruct and relocate trails damaged in the 2020 spring storms with Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) Funding. Trails include John Muir, Turtletown Falls, Parksville Recreation Area, and Scenic Spur trails.

This project would replace the existing culvert with a bottomless arch culvert or bridge and simulate the natural stream channel throughout. The project would improve passage for aquatic organisms, restore the stream channel and protect road crossin

Conduct prescribed fire on five existing burn units on the Tellico Ranger District. Project would include multiple burn entries to maintain a fire return interval less than 12 years.

Conduct prescribed fire on 13 burn units: eight burn units on the Ocoee Ranger District and 5 on Tellico Ranger District.

The proposed action is to provide a safe creek crossing location to access Houston Valley Recreation Area and protect the streambank. The proposed action is needed for visitor safety and to mitigate negative effects to aquatic species.

Replace 14 culverts on the Tellico and Ocoee Ranger Districts which are serving as migration barriers to fishes, are at risk of failure, or have already failed. Project would follow design elements to limit the impact to aquatic species.

The 2022 South Zone Prescribed Fire Renewal project renews and amends three existing burn units: McNabb T25, Salt Spring T03, and McCamey O31. This project would involve multiple prescribed burn entries in the burn units.

This project is proposing to mitigate sedimentation and disturbance to streambank as well as installing a ~30 feet (horizontal feet) single-log or multi-log, stringer bridge to elevate users traversing the stream crossing.

The project expands the recreational opportunities of the camp while improving the facilities to current laws and regulations.

The Proposed Action would involve multiple silvicultural treatments within the scope of the Programmatic EA, Restoration of Dry Forest Communities on the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest.

The USDA Forest Service proposes to acquire 39.1 acres more or less on Brushy Creek within the Hiwassee River watershed. The parcel would be managed under the "7.B- Scenic Corridor and Scenic Viewshed" management prescription.

Project would acquire approximately 3.77 acres adjacent to the Tellico River near Tellico Plains, TN.

This project proposes routine road maintenance activities across all four Ranger Districts of the Cherokee National Forest.

The intent of this project is to produce a landscape scale project that would support the use of mechanical, herbicide and prescribed fire treatments in appropriate forest communities, across the entire Cherokee National Forest landscape.

The project would construct a permanent observation platform, walkway, and river access at Baby Falls Day Use Area. Design and construction materials of the viewing platform would be consistent with proposed Bald River Falls Bridge construction.

A special use applicant has requested to place an apiary on Lower Sheep Top Road, NFS 332103 from May to October. The apiary is a collection of Italian and European honey bee hives for honey production.

This project focuses on enhancing aquatic habitat and riparian conditions in streams, lakes, and rivers on USFS lands on the Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts of the Cherokee National Forest (CNF).

The project would transfer the management and maintenance responsibilities of the Tellico Intake Bridge from the USDA Forest Service to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The bridge would be maintained to USDA Forest Service Standards.

The project would acquire approximately 153 acres on Starr Mountain in McMinn County, TN. The parcel is adjacent to Gee Creek Wilderness and would be managed under the 7.B Scenic Corridor/Sensitive Viewsheds prescription.

This project would allow for the continuation of permitting to conduct fishing outfitting and guiding on the Tellico River, North River, Sycamore Creek, and Citico Creek. This project is located on the Tellico Ranger District.

The project establishes a utility corridor 20 feet on either side of the 1.3 mile Sugar Loaf Drive. The corridor would be 6.3 acres in area. Water and fiber optic would be installed subsurface and electric aerially.

This project is proposing to relocate approximately a 250 ft long section of the A.T. in the Pond Mountain Wilderness Area.

This project proposes the establishment of approximately 5.05 miles of trail that are currently existing on the ground.

Prescribe burn approximately 1,550 acres for hazardous fuels reduction and wildlife habitat creation.

The project would maintain, repair, or replace existing site features and furnishings, redesign campground layouts, remove hazard trees, harden user-created river access at recreation sites, and complete site drainage improvements in the Tellico area

This project is proposing to relocate approximately 150 ft of the Coon Den Falls (Trail 37)

62 acres of thinning (Comp 92, Std 16; Comp 94, Stds 3 & 21; Comp 95, Stds 4 & 5), with TSI and mid-story burning.

Prescribe burn approximately 2,020 for hazardous fuels reduction and wildlife habitat creation.

This project includes constructing a new facility that includes internal vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking for single vehicles and vehicles with trailers, a boat launch with courtesy boat dock, fishing pier, and vault toilet.

TDS Telecom has requested to install approximately 2,000 feet of 25 pair copper cable along Oosterneck Road and to retire 650 feet of 25 pair copper cable on the Cherokee National Forest. This line would be on the new FLEC Oosterneck Road Project.

Special use applicant has requested to add approximately 1,300 feet of 25 pair aerial cable along Shaw Mountain Road and to retire 1,250 feet of aerial cable along Seng Garden Road.

Maintenance of existing buildings, repair or replacement of existing site features and furnishings, repair and enlargement of boat ramps and launches, replacement of boat ramps, riverbank erosion repair, and drainage improvements.

Understory maintenance burning to improve habitat conditions for wildlife and reduce hazardous fuels.

Prepare a study for determination of an area with adequate suitability for beneficial re-use of treated wastewater.

Restore dry forest communities with proposed treatments including restoration harvesting, commercial thinning, and noncommercial thinning

The Benton Mackaye Thunder Rock Bridge Relocation Project would remove the existing trail bridge, construct a multiple log stringer bridge, construct approximately 150 feet of new trail, and decommission approximately 130 feet of existing trail.

The project would install approximately 1,840 feet of three phase distribution powerline with approximately 10 new power poles and remove approximately 640 feet of electric line near Oosterneck Road.

The purpose of this project is to improve passage for aquatic organisms, restore stream channel and protect the road crossing and stream from damage during flooding events.

Replace and relocate Bridge 13 30 feet downstream of the current location, construct 215 feet of new trail, and decommission 230 feet of existing trail. Work would be completed by USDA Forest Service personnel with heavy machinery and hand tools.

Replace Bald River Falls bridge with a similar structure that meets current safety standards. The structure would include a sidewalk on the downstream side and a sidewalk/viewing platform on the upstream (falls) side.

Reconstruct and relocate the North River trail bridge with single log bridge, recontour soil around cabin to divert water away from the cabin, and relocate and potentially reconstruct the existing pit toilet and dig a new toilet pit.

Install 2,300 feet of three phase distribution power line along Shaw Mountain Road and to retire 1,250 feet of overhead electrical facilities along Seng Garden Road. Clearing will be from ground to sky up to 40 feet in width.

150 acre addition to the existing Gravelstand burn unit. The additional acreage is adjacent to the existing Gravelstand unit with similar vegetation, wildlife habitat, and topography. The connector would be burned in conjunction with the main unit.

The Thornburg Ridge Restoration Project includes prescribed burning and selective release/improvement treatments on 2,241 acres

Install approximately 13,000 feet of fiber optic line aerially on existing power poles along Hwy 30 and across the Hiwassee River and subsurface in existing conduit line along Hambright Road. Install two hand holes at river crossing.

Install the following at the Waucheesi Communication Tower : new radio system with antennas, microwave system with dish and wave guide, backup power with generator and propane tank, and a HVAC unit for climate control inside the shelter.

Hazardous Fuels Mitigation along the Stone Mtn Tower Road and around the communication towers at the end of the Stone Mtn Tower Road. Thinning trees around towers and road in conjuction with tree removal work TN Dept. of Forestry is conducting.

The proposed project would enhance and restore stream habitat for fish and amphibians and improve hydrological function across the South Zone of the Forest.

Remediate damage to a 1 mi. portion of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Restore Spruce-fir habitat on Roan and Unaka Mtn by using gap creation to improve age class distribution and enhance T&E species habitat, under plant with spruce seedlings if necessary,& restore understory growth around the Roan High Knob shelter.

installation of approximately 2700 square feet of fiber optic cable from Hwy 64 at Boyd Gap Overlook following along access road to Sheeptop Communication Tower

Non-commercially thin and prescribe burn approximately 113 acres in Compartment 344.

This project focuses on controlling illegal access and rehabilitating disturbed, eroding or compacted areas in the Doe River watershed.

This project proposes relocation of approximately 0.45 miles of the Appalachian Trail, decommissioning the old trail and re-blazing the new section of trial and installation of two gates.

AT&T would like to place approximately 11.3 KF of fiber cable and six 30%u201Dx48%u201Dx36%u201D hand holes in the ROW and under the gravel roadway of Fairview Rd from existing HH feeding the Verizon tower at 831 Fairview Rd to a new AT&T tower.

ATT proposes to install an 8%u2019x8%u2019 equipment cabinet on an existing concrete foundation, 20kw AC generator, H-Frame with meter and disconnect, and underground copper grounding wire and antenna installation on an existing tower structure.

Install a water meter near the entrance of recreation residence. Connect water from main line and install water line along centerline of road leading to recreation residence(Approx. 600 ft.) The water line will be placed 18" deep and 12" wide.

VEC proposes setting one pole, changing out one pole and putting up some new wire over the hiking trail in the ROW on Clemmer trail-where the hikers go in at Chilhowwee lake and go hiking to Benton Falls. There are safety concerns for the trail users

This project focuses on vegetation management (commercial, non-commercial thinning, and prescribed burning) activities designed to restore forest communities to those vegetation types that would be predicted to occur at each given location.

The objectives of this project are to move the stands toward a more open woodland condition; with pockets of mature timber with grassy herbaceous layers, and a mosaic feature of pine/oak regeneration.

Project will include approximately 8,760 acres that would receive a treatment of mating disruption pheromones to control the gypsy moth. These acres include approximately 2,290 acres of private land and 6,470 acres of National Forest System land

The purpose of this project is to restore the Blue Ridge Table Mountain Pine-Pitch Pine Woodland ecosystem (9F), a designated rare community in the Cherokee National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (CNFRLMP)

This proposal would improve aquatic organism passage on Forest Service Road (FSR) 96 where it crosses Wolf Creek upstream of Wolf Creek Falls.

The Forest Service proposes to acquire 557.72 acres, more or less, situated in Civil District No.5 of Monroe County, Tennessee, located in part along Citico Road, being all of Tax Parcel 35.00 (Map 61).

The FS proposes to accept a land donation for a total of 5.37 acres. The two parcels of land are located on Unicoi Lakes Road and known as USA Tract K-1608(1.79 ac) and USA Tract K-1610(3.5 ac) Includes survey, mark & placement of boundary monuments.

This project focuses on moving the stands toward a more open woodland condition, with pockets of mature timber with grassy herbaceous layers, and a mosaic feature of pine/oak regeneration.

Treatments would include the severing of selected stems (chainsaw/manual), application of herbicide, and the use of prescribed fire within the designated unit (212 acres.

To implement management actions to restore "departed" plant communities found within "dry" forest types to their ecological potential. A variety of activities may be used such as: prescribed fire, herbicides, and mechanical and manual treatments.

Manual TSI slashdown and leave on approximately 5,600 acres of selected stands. Approximately 239 stands would have non-preferred wildlife trees in the 1-12 inch (229 stands, 5,157 ac)or 1-5 inch (10 stands, 482 ac) DBH range cut and left on site.

This project proposes a multiple loop horse trail in the White Rocks / Walnut Mountain / Roan Mountain area to provide recreational opportunities and economic growth opportunities for the community of Roan Mountain

Currently the area is being treated for NNIS. Once the treated is completed it is proposed to use a combination of mechanical treatments(girdling, felling) and fire to create more favorable habitat conditions for the existing river cane to expand.

Ocoee Horseride LLC submitted a proposal to conduct outfitter and guide service on three trails (NFST 104, 105, and 119) in the Starr Mountain Horse Trail System.

Issue a Special Use Permit to TDEC to take over the operations, maintenance and improvement/replacement of USDA Forest Service, Ocoee River Water Access Facilities %u2013 Big Creek Launch, Rogers Branch Launch and Upper Put-In.

This project is proposing to conduct understory maintenance burning to promote open woodland conditions, create a mixed hardwood/pine system, reduce hazardous fuels, and improve wildlife habitat.

FLEC has proposed to relocate a distribution line in the Indian Boundary Recreation Area. Approximately 500 ft. of aerial cable will be removed and then 1,000 feet of aerial cable and 200 ft. of buried would be installed along NFSR 345H1 and 345H.

Issue a permit to Monroe County to add a repeater with rack, antenna, transmission lines and backup at an existing Communication Site building and tower on Waucheesi Mountain.

Applicant is proposing to use NFS land to conduct guided mountain biking, hiking, running, and lake tours. Various designated trailheads and trails proposed based on type of tour. Stand-up paddle board tours would occur on Lake Ocoee via NFSR 33210.

VEC would like to remove 850 ft. of overhead line near the Ocoee Marina. The line would be replaced with 227 ft. of buried cable adjacent to the Marina parking area.

Create early successional habitat, improve forest health and vigor, promote mast-producing species, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvements, and maintain, decommission, and authorize roads.

This project is proposing a combination of midstory and crop tree treatments as well as prescribed burning.

A proposal to O&G backpacking trips in the Citico Creek Wilderness has been submitted. A base camp is proposed at Citico 13 campsite. Numerous trails proposed to be used to introduce approximately 90 students each March to wilderness backpacking.

The project is designed to improve or maintain wildlife habitat, species diversity of stands, and forest health through vegetation management and other treatments.

Commercially thin approximately 69 acres.

This project focuses on controlling illegal access and rehabilitating disturbed, eroding or compacted areas in Paint Creek.

manage permanent grassy & herbaceous openings using a combination of treatment methods; openings include permanent openings benefiting wildlife species & utility corridors under special use permit by utility agencies

TVA proposes to replace three steel structures in a transmission line. A temporary road is needed to access the utility line ROW and it would be 12 ft. wide by approx. 1,500 ft. long. Trucks & trailers would use the road to transport the materials.

Remove existing overhead line and install an approximately 340 foot underground utility line in same location.

Disassemble and remove Brown cabin from the permit area to a location off National Forest System land. After removal the cabin site would be allowed to revert to a natural condition.

This project focuses on moving the stands toward a more open woodland condition and promote Shortleaf Pine.

Vegetation Management through various tools for forest health and wildlife habitat improvement. Also, watershed and trail improvements with connected road management.

The existing 66" round culvert at Davis Branch on Sina Branch Road is a barrier to aquatic organism passage. The project consists of removal of the existing culvert and installation of an aluminum bottomless box culvert.

This project focuses on vegetation management (thinning) activities designed to maintain a healthy forest. This project also focuses on low intensity bum to develop open woodland conditions and create mixed hardwood/pine system.

The project would provide early successional forest for wildlife, restore forest and wetland comm., release mast-producing trees, improve forest health, provide wildlife habitat components (nest boxes, etc), and manage NFS system and non-system roads

Create early successional habitat, promote mast-producing species, prescribed burning, wildlife habitat improvements, and maintain, decommission, and authorize roads.

Construction of a 1 mile foot travel only trail that parallels Rocky Top Road in Cocke County, TN.

Remove existing culverts on Briar Creek Road (#188) over Briar Creek and on Clark Creek Road (#25) over Sill Branch and replace with arched culverts.

Non-commercially thin approximately 368 acres to focus on moving the stand toward a more open woodland condition and promote shortleaf pine.

Understory maintenance burning to improve habitat conditions for wildlife and reduce hazardous fuels.

TWRA requested permission to construct a handicapped accessible fishing pier The proposed structure will consist of a wooden walkway that would end in a wooden fishing pier that will be attached to concrete piers located on bedrock on the river.

TVA proposes to replace existing structure 16 of Apalachia Hydro Plant transmission line with a 10 ft. taller pole in order to raise the conductors further from the ground. An existing access road would be utilized to access the site.

Open the canopy at one of the two locations of white fringeless orchid on the Forest using chainsaws to directionally fell one to three trees in the immediate vicinity of the site. The felled trees would be left on site.

This project focuses on maintaining and improving ponds and waterholes across the North Zone of the Cherokee National Forest on a regular basis.

OHVs are illegally driving off NFSR 341 into Conasauga Crk and also creating mud holes and ruts in some dispersed campsites. The CNF plans to place natural barriers such as boulders, trees, or tree stumps to block access to the creek and campsites.

Various activities not limited to: replace culverts draining existing ditches, construct broad-based dips, scarify roadbed to remove large rocks, asphalt resurfacing of existing paved sections, place and grade aggregate, and replace gates.

TVA is proposing a management agreement with the Ocoee River Outfitters Association, U.S. Forest Service, and the State of Tennessee that would establish partner responsibilities to provide recreational management along the Ocoee River.

Open the canopy so the existing population can spread. Cut trees(small diameter Virginia Pine and a few hardwood) using chainsaws. The downed trees would then be pulled back a short distance into the forested area adjacent to the site.

Relocate a section of the Buffalo Mtn ATV trial off the pinch point to the newly acquired FS land.

Restore selected natural vegetative communities and enhance wildlife habitat.

Restore selected natural vegetative communities and enhance wildlife habitat.

Wildlife habitat improvement, forest health management and connected actions.

Non-commercially thin and prescribe burn approximately 890 acres

Address deteriorating road and resource conditions at Ford #2 on Conasauga Creek Road (NFSR #341), which is coincident with the Unicoi Turnpike (40MR408) a declared Sacred Site by the federally recognized Cherokee and Muscogee Creek Tribes.