Categorical Exclusion · Pagosa Ranger District · updated 6/16/2026 · decision 11/2026 (Estimated)
Pagosa Ranger District · Archuleta; Mineral, Colorado
The Pagosa Ranger District is proposing to improve vigor and forest health through commercial and non-commercial thinning, and fuels treatments. Pinyon Public link here: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/nmox04grwmcplsz93gqbwlmh3xw7cw2k
Vegetation management (other than forest products)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-47d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/1/2026
North of the Town of Dolores, east of McPhee Reservoir · Montezuma, Colorado
Relocation of a pasture boundary fence to better distribute cattle and improve vegetation resources. Project actions involve construction of 0.25 miles of fence in a new location, and removal of 0.4 miles of existing fence.
Grazing management
Finding/Decision Date
5/4/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-33d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 5/4/2026 |
Environmental Assessment · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/1/2026
Dolores Ranger District · Dolores; Montezuma, Colorado
Proposal to supplement the Dolores Prescribed Fire Pine Ecosystem EA to include the ability to construct control lines using bladed equipment and masticators.
Fuels management
NEPA Start Date
1/22/2025
Finding/Decision Date
1/28/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Decision Signed Date | 1/28/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/1/2026
North of the Town of Dolores and east of McPhee Reservoir · Montezuma, Colorado
Construction of a new corral to house livestock adjacent to an existing exclosure for resource protection.
Grazing management
NEPA Start Date
11/24/2025
Finding/Decision Date
3/25/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-33d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 3/25/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Columbine Ranger District · updated 6/1/2026
Near Molas Pass off Highway 550 · San Juan, Colorado
Removal of hazardous vegetation to the operation of the powerline. Removal of vegetation would reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire on federal lands and adjacent at-risk communities.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
4/17/2025
Finding/Decision Date
4/16/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Pub. L. 117-58, Sec. 40806 |
| Decision Signed Date | 4/16/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 5/19/2026
South of Hwy 145 · Montezuma, Colorado
Special Use Road Permit DOL644 will establish access to a private land inholding off of Forest Service Road 556. The access road has been in use for many years, and the new permit will bring the access road into compliance and to Forest Service standards.
Special use management
NEPA Start Date
3/10/2026
Finding/Decision Date
5/18/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 5/18/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Pagosa Ranger District · updated 5/13/2026
Intersection of FS road 653 and Highway 84 · Archuleta, Colorado
The project would reroute approximately 1,400 feet of Valle Seco Road (NFSR 653) to improve public safety and allow for large equipment access.
Road management
NEPA Start Date
4/17/2025
Finding/Decision Date
4/20/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-46d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 4/20/2026 |
Decision Memo · Columbine Ranger District · updated 5/6/2026
Bedrock Creek (La Plata Canyon, Columbine RD) and headwaters of East Mancos River (Dolores RD) · La Plata; Montezuma, Colorado
Process application for exploratory core sampling to determine mineral potential in the area. ~14 drill sites located in Bedrock Creek (La Plata Canyon, Columbine RD) and headwaters of East Mancos River (Dolores RD). Some sites accessed by helicopter
Minerals and geology
Decision
01/2023 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2023 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(8) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Minerals Or Geology Plans Of Operations |
| Metallic Minerals Exploratory Core Sampling | Decision Signed Date: 01/05/2023 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District; Columbine Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T36-37N R11W |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 4/23/2026
Navajo Basin, within Lizard Head Wilderness. · Dolores, Colorado
Delineate designated dispersed overnight camping sites in Navajo Basin and execute an emergency closure order to dispersed camping outside of these areas.
Recreation management
Decision
03/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(1) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Dispersed Recreation Mgmt.; Wilderness Management |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 3/24/2026
North of the Town of Dolores, East of the McPhee Reservoir · Montezuma, Colorado
Construct a new non-motorized trail segment that bypasses a rocky step section of trail, and designate a second route that is used but is not part of the Forest Service trail system
Recreation management
Finding/Decision Date
3/16/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-26d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 3/16/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 2/23/2026 · decision 8/2026 (Estimated)
Northeast of the Town of Dolores and west of Rico. · Dolores, Colorado
To salvage dead, downed, damaged, spruce, fir, and aspen trees on 220 acres within the Stoner Mesa Fire Perimeter
Forest productsFuels management
NEPA Start Date
2/23/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-36d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 2/2/2026 · decision 8/2026 (Estimated)
North of the Town of Dolores and west of Dunton · Dolores, Colorado
Construct up to 0.5 miles of fence on Northern border of Willow Divide allotment to create a gathering pasture.
Grazing management
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-33d-USFS |
Decision Memo · Pagosa Ranger District · updated 12/8/2025
Along Highway 160 · Archuleta; La Plata, Colorado
La Plata Electric Association LPEA is proposing to rebuild the 34 mile long Bayfield to Pagosa 69 kV transmission line between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs and upgrade the line capacity to 115 kV.
Special use management
Decision
12/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
01/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Ntia_C(8) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Special Uses - La Plata Electric Association Bayfield to Ponderosa Power Li | Decision Signed Date: 12/08/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Pagosa Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 12/4/2025
Project locations south and east of the McPhee Reservoir and in the town of Dolores. · Dolores, Colorado
Streambank stabilization, access improvement and improvement to aquatic habitat on the Dolores River
Wildlife, fish, rare plantsWatershed management
Decision
12/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (25), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(25) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Species Habitat Improvements; Species Population Enhancements |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | N1/2 of S. 16, T. 37N, R15W, N.M.P.M. SE1/4 of S. 5, T. 37N, R14W, N.M.P.M. N1/2 of S. 6, T 38N, R13W, N.M.P.M. |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 10/10/2025
Approximately 10 miles NE of Rico, CO, at the Calico Trailhead. · Dolores, Colorado
Permitting Dolores County Emergency Services to construct a temporary cabin for the purpose of search and rescue operations.
Special use management
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Improvements/Construction; Special Use Authorizations |
| Special Uses - Dolores County SAR Cabin FANEC | Decision Signed Date: 10/10/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Columbine Ranger District · updated 9/24/2025
Cole Ranch Administrative Site between Durango and Bayfield, CO · La Plata, Colorado
Demolition of old residence located on the Cole Ranch Admin site
Facility management
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (21), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(21) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Maintenance |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Columbine Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T 34 N 8 W Sec. 8 |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 9/24/2025
Far Draw, west of Benchmark Lookout · Dolores, Colorado
Construct up to 3 miles of Wildlife friendly lay-down fence around the Far Draw Meadows in the Far Draw Pasture
Grazing management
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
11/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (9), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(9) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Grazing Allotment Management; Grazing Structural Improvements |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T. 40N R. 16W Sec 3 & 4 |
Decision Memo · Pagosa Ranger District · updated 8/28/2025
Approximately 5 miles east of Pagosa Springs · Archuleta, Colorado
Vegetation management, including timber and fuels reduction treatments, to address concerns about forest health and fuel loading throughout the 2,796 acre project area.
Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels management
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (25), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(25) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Timber Sales (Salvage) |
| Decision Memo - Coal Creek Vegetation Management Project | Decision Signed Date: 08/28/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Pagosa Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/12/2025
Just south of highway 145, approximately 1 mile west of Stoner · Montezuma, Colorado
Empire Electric Association has an existing, buried electrical line crossing the Dolores River that is at risk of washing out due to erosion. They propose to construct a replacement overhead line, which will require installation of 2 wood poles.
Special use management
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Ntia_C(8) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Electric Transmission; Special Use Authorizations |
| Decision Memo - Empire Electric Dolores River Overhead Project | Decision Signed Date: 06/11/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/5/2025
Along Highway 160 at Mancos Hill and southwest of the Town of Dolores. · Montezuma, Colorado
Clearnetworx proposes to install fiber optic communications line between Dolores and Mancos. Approximately 882 linear feet would be installed on National Forest System lands.
Special use management
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Decision Memo - Clearnetworx Fiber Optic Cable Installation | Decision Signed Date: 06/03/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 6/5/2025
Near Thomas Mountain · Dolores, Colorado
Issuance of a new private road special use permit for the purpose of accessing a private inholding. The road will be 7.95 miles long and will follow the previous alignment of the old Forest Road 245A.
Special use management
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Decision Memo - Hoey Inholding Access Project | Decision Signed Date: 06/03/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Mancos/Dolores Ranger District · updated 5/28/2025
Just north of the Fish Creek State Wildlife Area, along Little Fish Creek · Dolores, Colorado
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) proposes to enclose the Leavensworth Ditch in corrugated metal pipe. CPW owns all water and ditch rights associated with the Leavensworth Ditch.
Special use management
Decision
05/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Decision Memo - Leavensworth Ditch Project | Decision Signed Date: 05/28/2025 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Mancos/Dolores Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Columbine Ranger District · updated 9/23/2024
Pargin Mountain southeast of Bayfield, CO · Archuleta, Colorado
Remove old shelter building and separate tower; replace with new integrated shelter and tower. Minor hazard tree removal and brush removal.
Facility management
Decision
04/2019 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2019 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Improvements/Construction |
| Decision Decided Date | 04/03/2019 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Columbine Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T34N R5W Section 14U |
Decision Memo · Columbine Ranger District · updated 3/15/2024
Along CR 250, 6 miles north of Durango · La Plata, Colorado
The proposed action is to perform necessary maintenance on the East Animas Administrative Site, including the bunkhouse and modular.
Facility management
Decision
03/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2024 (Estimated)
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Improvements/Construction; Facility Maintenance |
| Decision Decided Date | 03/15/2024 |
| Forests | San Juan National Forest |
| Districts | Columbine Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T 36 N R 9 W, Sec. 22 |