Ozark-St. Francis National Forest — Project Detail

The database where projects are entered retires May 29. Projects still in development at this time will be marked as cancelled. Once the project has a more detailed proposed action, it will be resubmitted in the new database for public review.

The current project database retires May 29. Projects still in development at this time will be marked as cancelled. This project is expected to become part of a larger comprehensive vegetation project which will be entered in the new platform.

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests received a request from Merrit Energy to approve construction and use of approximately 2,799 feet in length and 50-foot right-of-way (3.21 acres), reverting to a 30 foot right-of-way once construction is complete.

*Marked as cancelled, more specifically modified. Forest plans to break the project up by district. Expect district level EAs to be released in 2026 and 2027. Vegetation management activities across Ozark National Forest.

Maintenance and improvement of non-motorized trails; actions will include realignment when needed;limited herbicide use; converting a road and a user-created trail to system trail; constructing new trail

Stabilize a section of Searcy County Road 1205 and remove material sliding down onto the road. Approximately 1 mile to the South another project is being analyzed to relocate the road out of Falling Water Creek. These are 2 separate projects.

Manage allotments on district by grazing livestock to combat woody plant encroachment and maintain open conditions.

Request to access private property and installation of powerline.

The Forest Service proposes to promote resiliency to insect and disease infestations through the implementation of Commercial Thinning, Regeneration activities, and Timber Stand Improvement with midstory reduction on 2,399 acres.

Mt. Magazine State Park submitted a request for a permit amendment to construct a chlorination building.

Increase of bat roosting opportunities by installing up to 9 artificial roosts and clearing vegetation around 3 adjacent ponds to improve flight paths and overall habitat conditions.

Utility Company request amend their existing permit to include a new buried electrical utility corridor (1,515 ft long x 30 ft wide--approximately 1.1 acre) & to add a second service line in an existing underground electrical corridor.

Authorize a neighboring landowner to convert a two-track road to a private driveway. The driveway will be 261 feet long and 20 feet wide. In addition to the driveway, also authorize a waterline to run the length of the driveway to where it cuts over

Accidental Duplicate

reconstruct portions of Forest Service Roads 1444, 1450, and 1471

Project is designed to increase hardwood resiliency, to improve forest health, promote species diversity, increase productivity and promote a more resilient forest. This area has also had several storm events occur within the past 10 years.

Repairing a box culvert on Greenbench Road.

Streambank and riparian area restoration activities to exclude cattle from stream using fencing. Plant native species to protect and stabilize streambanks, deter off road vehicles from accessing stream using boulders.

Salvage of storm damaged trees in area impacted by May 7th 2024 wind event. Use of heavy equipment using skidders, dozers, logging tricks. System roads will be needed to access areas. May create up to 1/2 mile temporary roads.

Salvage of trees damaged by wind event in Fern Community on May 7th, 2024. Use of heavy equipment to extract timber such as skidders, dozers, logging trucks using system roads and up to 1/2 mile temporary road construction.

Request for legal access to private property surrounded by NFS. Involves issue of a permit to use 1.7 miles FSR91012A and 0.2 mile of an existing driveway to the western boundary of the private property for a 20-year term.

Amend Entergy Arkansas's existing permit (SYL0023) to authorize an additional 2019 feet of new aerial utility corridor measuring 30 feet in width to provide electric service to a private landowner whose property is surrounded by NFS land.

Amend an exiting permit to include 56' of additional access

Improve riparian conditions and reduce erosion on the Mulberry River in the vicinity of Oark. (New name - previously known as "Mulberry River Stream and Riparian Restoration Project")

Arkansas State Parks have requested to amend their permit for Mt. Magazine and expand Cameron Bluff Campground

The Big Piney Ranger District is considering a proposal from Entergy Electric Company to relocate approximately 3.7 miles of electric line serving White Oak Mountain. The location is less than a mile northeast of Hector, AR.

ARDOT, in cooperation with the Forest Service and the Federal Highway Administration, is planning improvements to County Road 73 including the crossing over Coldwater Creek. The total length of the project is 1.5 miles.

Installation of a cave gate to protect endangered bat species that utilize the cave at different times throughout the year from human disturbance. The gate would also serve to prevent further vandalism from occurring.

The Big Piney Ranger District is considering a project to construct a gate at the entrance of a cave that has several species of bats, including endangered, proposed endangered, and sensitive-listed species, that utilize the cave for hibernation.

ARDOT is conducting maintenance repairs on Highway 23 approximately 2-4 miles north of Cass in Franklin County and Madison County. The total length of the project is 1.8 miles. A portion of the project falls on National Forest in Franklin County.

Issue a special use permit to a landowner to use and maintain FSR91013B and an unnamed NFS road to access his private property which is surrounded by NFS lands.

Ensuring the Blue Hole Special Interest Area retain its undisturbed and natural conditions for primitive and non-mechanized recreational enjoyment, to improve water quality, and protect the geological and scenic values.

Realign road away from Falling Water Creek and stabilize eroded section of streambank.

Project to thin overcrowded pine stands to reduce hazardous fuels and potential insect disease outbreak. Create a healthy more resilient forest.

30 yr permit(s) requested by North AR Electric Cooperative to occupy and maintain fiber optic corridors across NFS lands. Involves continued use in existing corridors and a new 12.3 mile corridor to provide high speed internet to Big Flat, AR

Issue a term permit to use FSR1900Q to access private land. The use area would measure 0.37 mile in length x 20 feet in width. The permit holder would maintain the road as part of the agreement.

Replace existing utility lines crossing North Sylamore Creek

Hazardous fuel reduction in the area surrounding the Rich Mountain Byway on the Mt. Magazine Ranger District.

Convert water system at the Wedington Recreational Area from the current well water system to the Washington County public water system. Requires the construction of a new waterline along an existing road to tie into municipal line.

Rehabilitate the walkway across the Spring Lake Dam

Travel Management for Grassy Road on the Pleasant Hill RD.

River cane restoration along the Mulberry River on the Pleasant Hill Ranger District

Issue of a permit to use or occupy 0.26 acre of National Forest System lands for buried fiber optic cable to provide broadband service to the Mississippi River State Park

Forest management activities to reduce the risk of insect and disease outbreaks on the Pleasant Hill Ranger District.

Geophysical investigations and analysis of the water control structures in Cove Lake Dam.

Salvage of dead and dying trees on 22 acres damaged by an EF-1 tornado on 15th October 2021.

Responding to requests from recreation residence permit holders to modify or add authorized improvements on their respective use areas.

A project proposed to reduce fuels, improve forest health and restore ecosystems. This project includes activities such as prescribed burning, commercial and noncommercial thinning, herbicide use to control NNIS and to control understory species..etc

ARDOT, in cooperation with the USDA, Forest Service, is planning improvements to Highway 123 approximately 7.4 miles south of Highway 7 in Johnson County. Details @ https://vpiph01-job-080499-gee-creek-str-apprs-hwy-123-vphearing-ardot.hub.arcgis.com

Watershed level project including a wide range of proposed activities, such as, commercial timber harvesting, fuels management activities, wildlife activities, Mtn. Bike Trails, and wilderness trail activities.

This project would open some roads to OHV access for the purpose of improving overall connectivity of roads in the area. It will provide a more sustainable and better connected system of roads in the area around McConnell and Apple Roads,

Permit holder requests increasing the size of cabin authorized on the permit face and requests authorization of a deck on the use area

Repair of bridge on Shores Lake Road including both the bridge structure itself and rehabilitation of the channel up and downstream.

Amend existing special use permit SYL0026 to fully authorize an additional 4.5 miles of water transmission line on NFS lands to provide a reliable source of potable water for a rural community.

Amendment to Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) for Ozark-St. Francis NFs to update bat conservation practices, with a specific focus on Indiana Bat.

This project would attempt to restore native shortleaf pine in areas where offsite loblolly pine currently is growing. Some areas are lands that have been acquired by the Ozark-St Francis NFs. Eastern red cedar and firewood may be included in this.

An integrated resources project encompassing forest health and ecosystem management, wildlife and aquatic habitat management, silvicultural treatments, and road and trail management.

Changing management of Alum Cove Recreation area, Haw Creek and Bayou Bluff Campgrounds.This project is being considered to focus management on higher use areas and address areas with less use.

Respond to a special uses request to amend an existing special use authorization to allow the use of selected herbicides during the vegetation management of an existing natural gas pipeline right-of-way.

Salvage of dead and dying trees in an area affected by a straight-line wind event on 10 January 2020.

Use heavy equipment to remove concrete debris from Fanes Creek and surrounding area.

Wind and storm events have resulted in several areas which have blown down and wind thrown trees. Salvage of these trees will remove hazardous fuels, improve safety for forest visitors and deter forest insect and disease outbreak.

This project would replace a undersized culvert on Copper Springs Road(site 2), replace a low water crossing with a large culvert on lower brock (site 1), and stabilize scouring downstream of a concrete box culvert on Campbell hollow county road 3.

Amending a recreation residence permit to authorize a wooden walkway with steps.

To amend recreation residence permit STF0125 to reflect an increase in the size of the authorized boat dock from 339 square feet to 900 square feet.

Arkansas Valley Electric requests an amendment to their special use permit in order to install approximately 1,672 feet of a single-phase, overhead, electric powerline with 30 feet of clearance to a neighboring private landowner.

Request for authorization to cross NFS land to access private property.

Harvest, TSI & Rx burning to reduce stress & improve resilience against disease & other stressors & NNIS treatments to control spread on 2978 acres. Overstocked stands, Oak decline, Hypoxylon canker & NNIS are present throughout this area.

Issue a permit to use 1,175 feet of existing road (91057E) to access private property

Landscape scale project, proposals include; Wildlife treatments,Timber sales, RX Burning, NNIS control, Road Management, Trails management etc.

Construction of a simple 30 x 30 foot concrete slap to provide a firm, level surface that will safely support helicopter landings and loading of injured persons needing air ambulance transport.

This is a 5,500 acre project which has proposed activities such as commercial timber harvest, prescribed burning and road management.

An amendment would be added to the current special use permit authorizing Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to renovate an historic amphitheater, as well as the adjoining trail and parking area, along Cameron Bluff.

Response to requests to amend 3 recreation residence permits

Permit to authorize legal access to private property of Price family.

Amendment of 4 recreation residence permits for requested changes in authorized improvements to each respective use area.

Request for changes to authorized improvements on recreation residence permit STF0072: increasing interior living space of cabin & adding a covered porch and walkway to the use area. Amendment of permit required to proceed with changes.

Harvests, timber & wildlife stand improvements, prescribed burning, mechanical treatments, planting, non-native invasive plant treatments to move terrestrial ecosystem vegetation closer to desired conditions.

Prescribed burning and mechanical treatments to improve habitat on approximately 2,360 acres

Landscape scale project which includes; timber management, reforestation, travel management, recreation access, prescribed burning, and wildlife improvements.

Removal of dead and damaged shortleaf pine from 42 NFS acres through a salvage timber sale.

Thinning, regeneration, and planting in overstocked stands using vegetation management tools such as pre-commercial thins, wildlife stand improvements, prescribed fire, and herbicide.

An electric company has requested to install and maintain 1,233 feet of new overhead, 7200-volt single-phase power line to provide electricity to a private landowner.

Maintenance of natural gas pipeline across National Forest.

Improvements to recreational access to the Mulberry River at multiple locations along the WiId and Scenic Corridor. Also includes Turner Bend Small Game area habitat improvements and improved hunter access including wheelchair accessible areas.

The Big Piney Ranger District is proposing a timber salvage project to remove uprooted, broken, wind thrown or other wise damaged trees as a result of a severe wind event in and around the Brock Creek Trail system that occurred on May 1, 2019.

Removal of down and damaged timber covering approximately 191 acres on the Wedington Unit. Damage caused by several wind events in March, April, and May 2019.

Arkansas Valley Electric has requested to amend their existing special use permit, PLE0166, in order to provide electrical service requested by private individuals and the Forest Service.

There are currently 15 linear uses under authorizations on the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests that are expiring by the end of 2019. These uses have been in place for many years, are in good standing, and need to be reissued for existing uses.

Windstream Arkansas now owns Alltel Arkansas & has an authorization for operation/maintenance of phone cables on the Boston Mtn District. Proposed permit amendment to reflect change of ownership and add Alltel's previously granted permit areas.

Prescribed burning on approximately 15000 acres of land in the White Rock Management Area.

Control NNIPS anywhere they occur and control woody species within corridors such as along roads, overhead transmission lines, pipe lines. Maintain infrastructure by controlling all vegetation in pavement and two feet either side of pavement.

Thinning of overstocked pine and hardwood stands to improve health and vigor of remaining trees in area which has been subject to insect and disease infestation.

Forest Health; Timber Harvest; wildlife habitat and fishery improvements; road stabilization; protection of heritage resources; fuels reductions; NNIS control; recreation management

Respond to a special use extension request for Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to continue to conduct cultural resources surveys in the vicinity of state roads on USFS property.

Request for a permit to film in Blanchard Springs Caverns on the Wild Cave Tour. Footage would be used as part of an episode of "Rock the Park" featuring public lands in Arkansas.

Control of non-native invasive species infestations across the Mt. Magazine Ranger District

Respond to a special use request to use and maintain closed Forest Service Road 96054A to access private property.

Installation of 215 feet of buried single-phase power line from an existing power pole on NFS lands to private property.

Respond to special use amendment request to construct a trail connecting the cabins to the lodge at Mt. Magazine State Park.

To approve Ross Explorations Surface Use Plan of Operations for ARES 50771 USA 6-25 2-2H and 4-2H-3 gas wells.

Review of the Surface Plan of Operations portion of the Application for Permit Drill associated with ARES 050771 and 050611 gas wells 3-4H3 and 5-4H submitted by Lime Rock Resources for approval, subject to conditions, or disapproval.

An integrated resources project encompassing forest health and ecosystem management, wildlife and aquatic habitat management, silvicultural treatments, road and trail management, and communication site management.

Forest Health; Timber Harvest of pine and hardwood; wildlife habitat and fishery improvements; road stabilization; protection of heritage resources; fuels reductions; NNIS control; recreation management

Issue special use permits authorizing (1) an ATV Outfitting and Guide service, and (2) a Campground and Granger-Thye Concessions for Cove Lake Recreation Area.

Removal of FS quarters on the Sylamore RD administrative site within the city limits of Mountain View, AR. The quarters caught fire after being struck by lightning and were subsequently condemned by the city.

To approve Stephens Production Company's Surface Use Plan of Operations to drill USA #1-16H, a second well head, on the same pad as USA # 1-15H. This includes a temporary permit for a water-line and a permit for road and pad.

To allow T-Mobile to design, construct, operate, and maintain cellular improvements within the Mt. Magazine Communication Site in order to provide cellular service for the surrounding area.

Prescribed burns on the Lee Creek Unit of the Boston Mountain Ranger District.

Management of 6 range allotments & associated features to improve & maintain early seral habitat thru manual/mechanical actions,burning, herbicide use,restoring native grasses, grazing & hay cutting permits.

Forest health and ecosystem management, endangered species management, silviculture treatments, road and trail management, and wildlife habitat management .

Forest Health, Timber Harvest of pine & hardwood; wildlife habitat & fishery improvements; road stability; protection of heritage resources; fuel reduction; non-native invasive species control

An amendment would be added to the current special use permit authorizing Entergy to install and maintain approximately 200 feet of a single-phase, overhead, electric powerline across National Forest System lands to a neighboring private landowner.

Thinning of overstocked shortleaf pine stands on approximately 44 acres.

Pine thinning on about 60 acres and removal of encroached trees on food plot.

Ross Explorations, Inc. is proposing to drill a second gas well, USA 6-25 #3-2H-3 on the existing gas well pad of USA 6-25 #1-2H in Section 2, T6N, R25W in Logan County, Arkansas. The USA 6-25 #1-2H well was spudded on February 26, 2015.

Forest health timber harvest of pine & hardwood; wildife habitat & fishery improvements; road stability; protection of heritage resources; fuel reduction; non-native invasive species control

Wildlife habitat and fishery improvements, non-native invasive species, fuels management

Timber and Wildlife habitat improvement proposal including thinning pine stands, regeneration, sanitation thinning and prescribed burning.

The purpose of the action is to close caves and mines to minimize the transmission potential of white nose syndrome and for the protection of associated wildlife species.

Forest health timber harvest of pine & hardwood; wildlife habitat & fishery improvements; road stability; protection of heritage resources; fuel reduction; recreation enhancement; riparian stand improvement; non-native invasive species control.

Control burn approximately 43,000 acres on main unit. Burns would be divided into smaller units and would be repeated as needed over the course of several years.

Timber management treatments consisting of thinnings, W/L opening creation, regeneration, oak/pine savannah/woodland restoration, NNIS, road, rx burn, construction/reconstruction, horse trail designation, OHV management, and relocate portions of OHT.

Proposal for timber harvesting, silvicultural, roads, and wildlife/fisheries habitat management treatments to improve forest health and help maintain native ecosystems as well as providing forest products as a by-product of management activities.

Multiple resource management activities in Urban Forest setting.

Prescribe burn 4,516 acres during any season.

Landscape scale project, proposals include; Wildlife treatments,Timber sales, RX Burning, NNIS control, Road Management, etc.

Short-term (up to 2 years) closure order for all caves and abandoned mines in the Southern Region (2 exceptions)to minimize transmission potential of the fungus that continues to cause white nose syndrome in bats that has affected populations.