Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — Project Detail

The proposal is to re-issue a special use authorization for a new term for Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership's existing pipeline system, pumping station, and associated improvements.

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is working with the CNNF to create a master special use permit that will include all electric (overhead and buried) lines currently occupying national forest lands. More information: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/dgnxbmvidx1z3jiktldnzh0vsydjuzn3

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) is requesting a special use permit to install or upgrade utilities at eight sites on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. The total of all eight sites include about 8.72 acres of underground installation and 10.41 acres of overhead removal.

This project consists of expansion of an existing gravel pit to meet road construction, re-construction, and maintenance needs in the project vicinity. This is an existing pit that has an additional source of gravel that has not been developed.

Install new underground cable within aboveground right-of-way of Upper A Road ending at an existing junction box on Landing Camp Road to increase reliability and reduce wildfire risk. Removal of section of electrical line in another area.

Proposal for 180 Adventure, LLC requesting a 5-year permit to use Forest lands in the Washburn and Great Divide ranger districts for orienteering (on foot), biking, and canoeing/kayaking for Stubborn Mule Adventure Race

Price Electric Cooperative is proposing to upgrade an existing undeground electrical line along FR 144 in Price County. The proposal includes boring or trenching approximately 4 miles of undeground electrical line in Price Electic's current ROW.

The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) proposes allowed use of Class 1 eBikes on CAMBA-maintained mountain bike trails on the Great Divide Ranger District May 15 through September 30, 2025, to study social impacts of area eBike use.

Watershed projects to improve aquatic organism passage and infrastructure safety and resiliency: culvert replacement/removal, remnant logging dam removal, trail bridge removal, dam spillway repair, and road segment reroute and decommissioning.

The Town of Grover is proposing to construct six parking areas and expand one current parking area along the Ice Age Trail in Taylor County. The parking lots will be constructed to accommodate approximately 2 vehicles, and improve safety and access.

This recreation area was heavily impacted by the 2019 blowdown. This project is reviewing the recreation opportunities in the area to see if any changes are needed.

The project will consist of reestablishing a two-way fish passage and reconnect the ecosystems of the Pike Lake Chain of Lakes and the South Fork Flambeau River.

The Town of Bell has plans to improve Forest Road 439 (North Boundary Road) and has requested that the Forest Service prepare a timber sale to remove the merchantable trees within the 50-foot road right-of-way.

CCI Systems, Inc needs permit for existing line to reconstruct and continue maintenance across the district.

Improvement of public fishing access in four sites by replacing existing piers with accessible, permanent piers. The project also includes improvement of trail access, and restoration of shoreline surrounding piers.

A 1.22-mile reroute is proposed to improve the operation of the road and avoid a wetland that is regularly in need of gravel application.

The purpose of this project is to reroute a section of trail that continuously gets flooded in the spring. There would be new trail construction of approximately 1 mile in length and 2-3 feet in width.

Hemlock Lake wildlife openings are in Florence County near FS Rd 2446 and LeRoy Creek. There are 12 wildlife openings, totaling 64 acres, that would be prescribed burned to enhance wildlife habitat.

The Town of Alvin has requested that the Forest Service conduct a timber sale to remove merchantable trees within the road right of ways. This is for safer travel and easier snow removal.

CenturyLink would bury fiber optic cable along Oconto County F.

This project would replace culverts across Forest and Oconto Counties.

Expand the current gravel pit a little over 2 acres.

Add recreation site roads to the Motorized Visitor Use Map, which already exist.

Lakewood-Laona Ranger District is planning on thinning red pine plantation across the district.

Creation of a new group camping site(s) near Birch Grove Campground on the Washburn Ranger District

Proposed land exchange with the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands under the authority of the Weeks Act of March 1, 1911, Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1988 and Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPM).

The purpose of this project is to create a more sustainable and economical facility by decreasing the Center's energy use. The project includes updating the building's lighting, siding, ventilation, insulation and the installation of solar panels.

The purpose of this project is to restore and enhance native vegetation sites in the barren vegetation communities on the Washburn Ranger District. This proposed activities include native seed and tree planting and site preparation.

Proposal to reroute trail out of wet areas to higher ground close to original trail; and repair/replacement of bridges along the trail on the Great Divide District. The trail reroutes on the Washburn District are in the Rainbow Lakes Wilderness Area.

A storm on July 21 caused widespread wind damage. Roads, trails and developed recreation sites are in need of maintenance to remove the damaged trees and repair damaged infrastructure.

Spectrum Mid America LLC proposes to install new underground fiber optic cable within existing ROW's near the Town of Mountain

Installation of buried fiber optic cable near the Town of Fence to provide high-speed internet to rural America and to enhance/upgrade surrounding network and reduce redundancy along the right of way Rock Creek, Newald Tower, and Morgan Lake Road.

To authorize requests for eight Special Use Permit applications. Six are new permit applications for year-round motorized access to private inholdings. Two are reissuance of previous permits for dam maintenance and environmental data collection.

Snowmobile trail 8 reroute in the Clam Lake area.

Project to release Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) biocontrol species to mitigate EAB impacts in coordination with APHIS. APHIS has administered EAB biocontrol since 2007, using three parasitoid wasp species. Native planting is proposed at one site.

The proposal is to replace the current bridge over Joseph Creek along the Perkinstown ATV Trail. The current bridge is failing and undersized. The bridge is located approximately 1/2 mile from FR 119.

To authorize requests for 10 special use permits on Forest Service Lands.

This project is primarily a vegetation management project with focus on mid to late successional hardwood forest. Primary purpose is to maintain forest health and diversity. Project will also include a transportation analysis.

Clark Electric is proposing to convert 11,280 feet of overhead utility line to underground along FR 119. The conversion will take place in Clark Electric's current right of way. One segment will be relocated from Lake Marion to the 119 right of way.

Snowmobile Trail Reroute moving off a paved road

About 6.6 miles of two-phase 6A CW overhead powerline will be replaced with single-phase 1/o AL underground powerline for a total of 1.76 acres of disturbance. Aging facilities will be replaced allowing for new load balancing in the area.

Installation of underground fiber optic cable in portions of National Forest System land along State Highway 77, County Road S, Sams Lane, and Forest Roads 164, 174, 308, and 1661.

The proposal is to convert 2 existing single sites into double sites and construct a picnic shelter near West Twin Lake.

Proposal to remove the dams at Johnson and Schunenberg Springs. Restoring them to free-flowing cold-water systems will improve the brook trout habitat and eliminate the threat of structural failure caused by beaver activity and extreme weather events

Lac du Flambeau has requested a special use permit to install underground fiber optic cable on Forest Service land along the right of way of Highway 70. The proposal includes installing approximately 13 miles of underground cable.

Vegetation treatment to improve health, productivity, and resiliency of northern hardwood, spruce, pine balsam fir, birch, and aspen stands. Wildlife, fisheries, and rare plant habitat management. Fuels treatments. Road network improvements.

Project is to enhance pollinator habitat and Canada Rice Grass (Piptatherum canadense) a Regional Forester Sensitive Species. Proposal is to create/plant seed sources for adjacent habitat enhancement and for collection and propagation at other sites.

Bug Tussel is proposing to install 12.9 miles of fiber optic communication lines in Taylor County on Forest Service owned land. Bug Tussel will bore or trench fiber optic along the road (112,116,108, CTY M and D) right of ways within the county.

The USFS and Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) are proposing to drill one borehole to collect and describe the sediment in Price County to better understand the regional hydrogeology.

The Town of Hiles has identified a need to remove trees from the road rights-of-way. Furthermore, approximately 50.66 acres of dead and/or dying balsam fir and spruce patches along Fournier Road but outside of the 50 feet ROW need to be cleared.

The purpose of this project is to replace a water or waste water disposal system. The septic wastewater system at Lost Lake Cabins needs replacement due to being outdated and a health and safety hazard to recreationists.

Currently, Taylor County maintains the Perkinstown Winter Sports Area west of Perkinstown for multiple winter recreational opportunities. The current special use permit has expired and needs to be reauthorized.

Exchanging land on the east side of the forest. Lakewood-Laona Ranger District in Forest County would be exchanging land for land in Eagle River-Florence Ranger District.

Proposal to authorize requests for 13 road special use permits on Forest Service Lands. Requests for access to private inholdings across National Forest System lands because there is no access other than crossing federal ownership.

Proposal to improve watershed conditions including replacing 29 culverts that do not meet Forest Service standards, removal of 7 culverts, 5 bridge replacements and 2 road projects to improve drainage.

Three to five backpacker campsites would be developed or improved to provide long-distance hikers a consistent experience when they hike the North Country Trail in Wisconsin.

The Joint Chiefs project would underplant a select group of diverse tree species seedlings in black ash-dominated stands in preparation for the decline in ash populations brought about by emerald ash borers (EAB). Actions would occur on 115 acres.

Bayfield Electric has requested to bury an existing power line to a customer. Action is to remove about 500 feet of cross-country overhead powerline and install approximately 1030 feet of underground line along FR 218 and existing driveway.

The Town of Worcester applied for, and received funding, for culvert installation and road maintenance on FR 131 (Sheep Ranch Road). Road maintenance will include ditching, surfacing, installation and replacement of culverts.

This project will treat hazard fuels adjacent to private property that are not currently covered in the Chequamegon Red Pine EA, 12 additional acres have been identified for treatment. Treatment includes reducing conifer vegetation.

This project would salvage timber on the district under certain criteria and design features. Each site will have a specialist review.

Restore trails in the Treasures Trace segments of the CAMBA mountain bike trail system to the sustainable standards to which they were originally constructed and reroute some section from timber sale haul routes to single-track routes.

Wisconsin Public Service is proposing to install a new 55-foot utility pole. The new pole will be 47.5 feet above ground. This proposal is located within the right-of-way of the existing utility line in T32N-R16E, Section 28.

Issue SUP to install 5.05 miles (approximately 6.1 acres) of underground fiber optic line along County Highway W in Oconto County Wisconsin.

Project is located on Forest County S

The Town of Freedom will be upgrading Woodlawn Road. The right-of way would be cleared, road paved, and ditches installed.

The USFS is proposing to enhance shoreline habitat, parking opportunities, and improve aquatic habitat within the Wilson flowage non-motorized area in Price County.

To authorize requests for seven special use permits on Forest Service Lands. New permit requests include 4 new road permits and 1 log landing. Reissuance includes a processing plant and salt shed.

Taylor Electric Cooperative (TEC) is proposing to install new underground electric cable from the south side of CTH M going north 1275 feet along Knuth Rd (FR 108). Cable location would be on the east edge of the gravel road (FR 108).

Proposal is to improve barrens habitat at 4 locations. Surveys show areas are overgrown with brush/trees decreasing their habitat suitability. Restoration activities may include prescribed burning, mowing, biomass removal and/or mastication.

Restore trails in the Namakagon Cluster of the CAMBA mountain bike trail system to the sustainable standards to which they were originally constructed and reroute some sections from timber sale haul routes to single-track routes.

Replacing the old wire with new wire along Hwy 32.

Proposal to improve fish habitat by adding large woody debris into lakes over the next 10 years (1-2 lakes/year). Woody structure may include tree drops, half-logs, pyramid-type brush shelters, and/or fish cribs.

Proposal to conduct forest wide watershed improvements including replacing 30 culverts that do not meet Forest Service standards, replace, and rehabilitate three road and trail bridges, and improve drainage at two road locations.

ATC has identified a need to remove shrub and tree branches that are encroaching upon Line 6530 landline corridor from Conover substation in Conover, WI to the Mass substation in Mass, MI. Work occurring in the CNNF totals approx. six linear miles.

Improvement of Flambeau Trail 111 includes placing interlocking concrete blocking starting at the top of the hill and running approximately 220 feet west towards the bridge on Hay Creek.

This project is in partnership with the Northern Research Station. Part of a larger research study to plant climate adapted species into in a northern hardwood stand under different harvest conditions.

A 0.11-mile reroute on the snowmobile trail to avoid a lowland area. The proposal no longer includes adding ATV/UTV use from Town of Drummond south to Lake Owen Station Road. ATV/UTV use is still under review and will be covered in a future project.

Issue a new special use permit to Spectrum Mid-America LLC for installing 2' fiber optic cable and 30 "flush ground vaults".

Proposal to decommission 6 older closed vault toilets with failed linings and replace them with two new sets of toilets that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards to address the shortage of facilities available to campground users.

Midway Telephone Company proposes to move a copper cable (1.25 inch conduit) to a new location on the north side of FR 118 in response to a bridge construction on Mckenzie Creek. The cable will be placed with directional boring.

Proposal to decommission seven inactive wells at recreation sites and the disposal of buildings and improvements at six acquired properties. Policy and State law require proper abandonment of wells when inactive. The properties are in poor condition.

Special Use Permit for installation of new underground electrical facilities. Replacement of existing overhead line to underground along north side of County Highway T between Blackwell Junction Road and Nicolet State Trail.

This project would expand 16 existing gravel pits on the east side of the forest.

The Aspen-Spruce-Fir Restoration Project (ASFR) proposes to treat pockets and areas of dead, dying, diseased, and other hazard trees across the entire ERFL district. Up to 9,200 acres are proposed for active management actions.

The Forest is proposing to authorize requests for 12 special use permits on Forest Service Lands. Eight of the twelve requests are renewals. Seven requests are for roads, three for dry fire hydrants and two for cultivation of hay.

Wisconsin Public Service would be installing two new underground electrical lines and other facilities.

Two properties, one on Mineral Lake and one on the West Fork of the Chippewa River, have buildings that need to be decommissioned. Recreational improvements are also proposed.

The purpose of the project is to diversify existing vegetation with native plant species for the purposes of preventing non-native invasive species from establishing on the landscape and to enhance habitat for native pollinator species.

Clark Electric Cooperative proposes to install and bury approximately 9,924 feet long of 7.2kv overhead primary distribution line along the existing ROW on the west side of Wintersports Road to replace an overhead line.

Price Electric Cooperative is proposing to install primary underground electric cable and facilities within Vilas County, WI of the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District for access by a land-locked private property.

Restoration of the stream channel on Newman and Camp 4 Creeks through the lowering of gravel bars. This will improve and support native Brook Trout habitat and populations.

Chequamegon Communication Cooperative, Inc. aka Norvado proposes to install an underground fiber optic cable to improve service to rural areas within Price County Wisconsin.

The company would replace the overhead powerlines with underground lines.

Proposal to replace 23 aging stream crossing structures within the Forest Service road and trail systems. Two of the sites are replacements or rehabilitation of road bridges. The other 21 sites are replacements of culverts.

Norvado has requested an amendment to their permit to install about 1,029 feet of new fiber optic line across Forest Service land within an existing corridor. The route is near FR 218 in Drummond Township, Bayfield County, WI.

Salvaging timber from the storm damaged areas in Langlade and Oconto Counties.

To maintain a wildlife opening by the Brule River and extend fire boundaries to the Brule River to act as a natural fire line instead of creating dozer dug control lines. Using the Brule River as a fire control line will better protect firefighters.

The Sawyer County Forestry and Parks Department has submitted a proposal to rehabilitate a nine-mile segment of ATV/Snowmobile Trail 5 - Fishtrap Trail.

The Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance has submitted a proposal to reconstruct the trail on steep hills on a 0.5-mile segment of snowmobile trail.

Project Cancelled: Designation of a snowshoe trail system within the area of the Wintergreen Ski Trail area. Construction consists of clearing forest debris from marked trail.

The Forest Service and Wisconsin Geological Natural History Survey (WGNHS) are proposing to drill up to 4 boreholes to collect and describe the sediment in the Bayfield Peninsula to better understand the area hydrogeology.

The Recreation Facility Strategy prioritizes developed recreation site investments. Proposal has varying actions at 72 sites (from increased amenities to decreased maintenance) and removal of amenities at 22 sites to convert them to general forest.

This project would use burning to restore and maintain pine barrens in the southeast corner of the district.

Due to changes in access to private land, a new connector route is needed.

Authorize requests for four new road permits.

We propose to allow prompt treatment (using a variety of tools) of oak wilt infection centers wherever found as soon as possible following discovery to slow and control the spread of oak wilt on Forest lands.

Temporarily move the snowmobile trail to the Lake 11 Timber Sale haul road location to address timber sale for public safety. Reroute of a portion of Snowmobile Trail 120 near FR132 and FR519 to eliminate wetland crossing.

Reauthorization request of 20-yr permit for year-round access to private property. Action was in the 2021 Special Use Permit Scoping Letter. It's now a standalone project because environmental review was in progress when the others were completed.

A re-route of 0.54-mile segment of Forest Road 167 is proposed. The proposed reroute will follow high ground around Gates Lake, including Forest Road W232416. It will remove a 0.16-mile road segment from Gates Lake.

Low-intensity prescribed fire will be used to meet goals and objectives for management areas 8E (Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas), 8F (Special Management Areas), and 8G (Old Growth and Natural Feature Complexes).

Bayfield Electric Cooperative has requested an amendment to their permit. Request is to install underground 15KV power cables for two new customers at differing locations within the Drummond Township, Bayfield County, WI.

The Sawyer County Snowmobile ATV Alliance has submitted a proposal to allow ATVs to use a portion of Snowmobile Trail 21 from Forest Road 203 to North Scheers Road. Three gates and a culvert will need to be installed. Alliance will do maintenance.

Request for the reauthorization of a 20-yr permit for year-round access to private property and hauling of timber from private property during frozen ground conditions within the Argonne Experimental Forest on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Authorize requests for 14 special use permits. 8 road use permits (5 new and 3 renewal), 1 well permit renewal, 1 storage shed permit renewal,1 sign renewal, 1 dock renewal, and 2 recreation event permits(1 new and 1 renewal)

USFS and WGNHS propose to study the hydrogeology of the North Fork Yellow River Watershed near the Bend ore deposit in Taylor County to better understand the geology and groundwater connections in this area.

Project is located along roads on the Nicolet side of the forest. WPS is maintaining and upgrading their lines.

Proposal is to open one-mile of trail on an old railroad grade from the North Country Trail to the Town of Drummond. The action involves brushing, tree removal and sign installation.

The Forest has received a request to bury about 1,800 feet of existing overhead powerline near County Hwy N. Proposal addresses recent changes from high water in this area including raising/widening of County Hwy N and dying trees.

Watershed improvement projects: culvert replacements to reduce erosion and improve fish/aquatic passage, installation of a hardened trail crossing, road reconstruction with improved drainage, and replacement or rehab of road and trail bridges.

Xcel Energy has requested to upgraded transmission line infrastructure within existing permitted area by replacing the single-circuit 34.5kV line on single-circuit poles with new double-circuit 34.5kV/34.5kV lines on double-circuit poles.

In early August 2020, a derecho (blowdown) occurred on the ERFL Ranger District. Significant timber damage occurred leaving many trees dead, dying, or damaged. This resulted in safety and fuels concern. Recently, a new pocket of ~36 acres was found

This is a proposal by Clark Electric Cooperative to convert about 4 1/4 miles of overhead electric line to underground electric wires within their existing utility corridor in order to provide a safer and more reliable electric service.

WPS would replace a faulted line along side of Hwy 32.

Rerouting a snowmobile trail around a wet area.

Move forest vegetation to desired conditions, provide an efficient road system, continue Forest research projects, maintain public safety related to wildfire, maintain hunter hiking trails, and contribute toward wood products demand.

CenturyLink proposes to upgrade and supply existing and future customers with high speed internet/telephone services. This will bring high-performance, low-cost broadband service to underserved rural communities in the area.

Burial of about 1,525feet of existing overhead powerline in their existing permitted corridor along County Highway N. Proposal addresses recent changes from high water in this area including raising/widening of County Hwy N and dying trees.

Designation of a snowmobile trail connection between a Taylor County trail in the vicinity of Mondeaux Flowage and a southern Price County snowmobile trail system using primarily existing travel corridors.

In August 2020, a derecho (blowdown) occurred across ERFL. Significant timber damage occurred leaving many trees damaged. This created a safety and fuels concern; the impacted trees need to removed as quickly as possible to reduce those risks.

This project would reconstruct and maintain Diamond Roof Road to provide a safe travelway.

Build a trail to connect two existing routes.

Vegetation and transportation management projects primarily for restoring a landscape of uneven aged northern hardwoods, treatment for reducing threat of emerald ash borer, and other vegetation treatments to improve forest resiliency.

This projects gravel pit expansion will provide road material for removing the blowdown form the 2019 Blowdown storm.

A supplement is being prepared to remedy inadequacies in the the disclosure of cumulative effects for specific Regional Forester Sensitive Species

New Vision Wilderness has requested a re-issuance of their Special Use Permit to use the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and adjacent dispersed campsites along the trail to operate a therapeutic based outdoor rehabilitation program for youth.

Clark Electric Cooperative proposes to install approximately 680 feet of 7.2 KV buried cable inside conduit. Clark Electric Cooperative also proposes to remove 2,700 feet (7.2KV) overhead line within a 40 foot wide ROW located west of highway ROW.

This project proposes to manipulate northern hardwood forest vegetation composition and structure, and road access to manage the Fishel area closer to desired forest conditions as defined in the 2004 Chequamegon-Nicolet LRMP.

Fiberoptic cable will be installed along Forest Road 308 in three locations in the existing , cleared right-of-way using a vibratory plow and directional bore.

Authorize requests for 29 special use permits; no additional construction is needed. Proposal includes: 8 new road permits and the reissuance of 13 road use permits, 1 water line permit, 1 research study permit and 6 recreation permits.

Proposed action/undertaking: decommission dilapidated Beaverdam Lake buildings; designate and/or repair access roads for dam and spillway testing, inspection, maintenance, or repair; and implement ongoing dam maintenance and repairs.

To provide mineral material for the next 10-20 years for infrastructure maintenance and other activities, we propose to expand 4 existing gravel pit sites, develop 6 new gravel pit sites and do final reclamation of 1 temporary borrow pit site.

Proposal is to allow Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) to drill eight wells, collect and describe the sediment, and install monitoring wells around the Lake to better understand the area hydrogeology.

Joseph A. Gallo has submitted a proposal for use of the abovementioned road to access private property.

Project is to take action to slow the spread of gypsy moth infestations on the Washburn Ranger District. The proposal involves aerial application of a gypsy moth mating disruptant (known as pheromones) in one treatment block (3065 acres).

Use the footprint of an existing network of temporary roads, decommissioned snowmobile trails and FR302 to create two loop trails for snowshoe use. A wooden trail map would be created. Route marker signs would be placed to mark the trail.

Salvage of timber and forest restoration projects following an early September 2014 wind and rain storm event.

A proposal by Price Electric Cooperative to improve about 4 miles of overhead electric line in order to provide a safer and more reliable electric service. The proposal includes rerouting two segments of existing overhead line closer to FR 182.

Avoid springs and steep slopes by constructing 320 feet of new trail and installing two water bars.

Ghost Lake Road Association submitted a proposal for use of a maintenance level 1 road, requesting a 20-year permit for a 20-foot right of way for year round use - from Weidt Road about 1,470 feet to private property being accessed.

In July, 2019, a storm with strong winds hit Langlade and Oconto Counties. The Forest Service is creating 200ft fuel breaks by removing dead and down trees along road corridors and the boundary between private and public land. See Post-Decision tab

Removing a culvert on an old non-system road to restore stream flow and stabilize the banks.