Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands — Project Detail

The Forest Service proposes to demolish and remove remaining tornado damaged buildings and associated damaged improvements at the existing Black Kettle Ranger District administrative site utilizing a National Park Service agreement and contract.

ENMR Telephone Cooperative is seeking to enhance their existing network infrastructure by increasing resiliency and bandwidth through infrastructure upgrades and new fiber routes in New Mexico and Texas.

Western NM Tel requests approval to attach new fiber lines to existing overhead phone lines in the Magdalena Ranger District, specifically along Hop Canyon and Patterson Canyon rights‑of‑way.

Panhandle Telephone will use USDA ReConnect funds to bury fiber and improve rural broadband in OK and NM. About 2.17 miles cross Rita Blanca Grasslands and 0.11 miles cross Comanche, all within existing service corridors

Western NM Tel requests approval to attach new fiber lines to existing overhead phone lines in the Magdalena Ranger District, specifically along Hop Canyon and Patterson Canyon rights‑of‑way.

The project will rehabilitate the landscape (i.e., watershed, water resource features, soils) and improve infrastructure (i.e., roads, campgrounds, trails) damaged by the Bear Trap Fire and associated post-fire flooding.

tinental Divide Electric Cooperative is proposing the construction of the Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) & Broadband fiber-optic line on existing electric distribution lines to serve the citizens in Rural Cibola County.

Fiber installed along existing power poles for 1,747-feet, and sub-surface for 245-feet within the Sandia Crest Communication Site along the access road. Sub-surface line will be accomplished thru boring. Temporary 25-foot ROW during installation

Fiber installation along existing aerial powerline ROWs. Temporary 30-foot (15-feet from centerline) ROW during installation. Supports CNMEC's USDA-RUS ReConnect 5 Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband network.

Fence construction to improve animal distribution. Updated to category with no documentation required. Cancelled from SOPA.

The project will rehabilitate the landscape (i.e., watershed, water resource features, soils) and improve infrastructure (i.e., roads, campgrounds, trails) damaged by the Bear Trap Fire and associated post-fire flooding.

The purpose of the project is to improve the ecosystem resilience of a priority landscape to future disturbances by restoring forest structure and composition and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

Proposal to develop and conduct underground uranium mining operations on Roca Honda Resources LLC mining claims on and near Jesus Mesa.

Dallam County proposes a 5-acre expansion into NFS lands for the County Caliche Pit, currently on state land. Expansion will provide continued development of mineral materials over the next 25-30 years for county road maintenance.

Motor vehicle use on FS Road 191I and 191F is causing resource damage in the area. There is a need to realign portions of these segments to protect these resources and continue to provide safe roadways for public and administrative access.

Project will result in decommissioning/demolition of 2 toilets at Cedro Trailhead; 1 toilet at Cedro CG Host Site; 1 toilet at Tecolote TH; 2 recreation residences; and the Sandia Crest House.

ENMR Telephone Cooperative is seeking to enhance their existing network infrastructure by increasing resiliency and bandwidth through infrastructure upgrades and new fiber routes in New Mexico and Texas.

Fuels reduction and forest restoration project to improve ecosystem resilience of a priority landscape to future disturbances.

This project is for the demolition and disposal of remnants of 9 structures that were destroyed in the Smokehouse Creek Fire on February 27, 2024.

The Mt Taylor Ranger District proposes to decommission several developed recreation infrastructures that are no longer needed and/or exhibit safety hazard. Decommissioning projects include structures near McGaffey CG and Sawyer in the Zuni Mtns.

Texas Tech University received funding from Texas Parks and Wildlife to install artificial escape dens and tunnels for Swift foxes in Fall 2025. We will place 4 'escape den' structures 2m deep within each of 3 existing grids using heavy equipment.

Sandia Cave NHL Improvements Project has been designed to help the Sandia Ranger District manage the site at a level commensurate with the current visitation demands that are increasingly impacting the safety, environment, and visitor experience.

See 2025 Sandia RD Recreation Improvement Decommission and Demolition Project (68470).

Reissue special use authorization for an existing natural gas pipeline. Removed from PALS - no DM required.

To restore the ecosystem to desired conditions through timber harvest and prescribed burning while creating a fuel break around the Timber Lake Ranch community and providing access to firewood for neighboring communities.

KNME-TV is requesting permission to amend existing permit to remove their current tower and replace with a new 140%u2019 self-supporting tower south of their building on Sandia Crest Communication Site. No additional uses, no change to tower height.

Reissue special use permit for rural electrification administration for existing above ground powerlines. Removed from PALS - no DM required.

PNM is requesting authorization to relocate electronic equipment and replace a pole near the Ellis Trailhead (Hwy 536), and to drive overland to replace a pole and use an off-highway vehicle on power line trail to repair a pole crossarm.

Extend existing aerial electric distribution line through NFS lands to a private residential inholding.

Proposal for private easement to personal property in Tajique Land Grant. Easement would be 0.91 miles in length and 20-feet wide. There is an existing 2-track that runs from FR32IH (decommissioned) to the property.

Proposal to convert existing aerial transmission line to sub-surface. Includes removal of 33 power poles and installation of approximately 4,224 feet of sub-surface line along the existing right-of-way adjacent to CR B067.

This project purpose is to enhance wildlife habitat by reintroducing fire as a natural process, to reduce fuels in areas at high risk of catastrophic wildfire and to build fuel breaks in strategic locations for fire fighter safety.

Proposal to entirely replace lift 1 with a new modern lift. This will include the removal of the existing towers, and the installation of new towers, rope & chairs, and drive house.

Received a proposal from a proponent who owns two inholdings on the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest and requesting two road easements to gain access to these properties.

Laramide Resources (USA) Inc. is proposing underground mine development, operation, and reclamation over a 20-year time span for uranium.

PNM is requesting authorization to drive overland replace pole M18B002 and use an off-highway vehicle on power line trail to repair the crossarm on pole M18B012. See 2025 PNM Quarterly Maintenance Part 1.

This project will replant appropriate native timber species such as ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in areas severely burned in the 2022 Bear Trap Fire. Planting 200 acres or more at 100 to 300 trees per acre over each of the next 5 years (2025-2030).

We propose to manage vegetation to improve wildlife habitat, reduce fuels, and restore shortgrass prairie, pinyon-juniper, and sand sage vegetation habitats using different vegetation management activities including Rx burning, thinning, and more.

Proposal for new aerial distribution line to include (10) 40' class 3 wooden poles & 1/0 ACSR wire for the purpose of connecting services between our Felt Substation & Three Corners Substation for local electric services.

Proposal to construct and install atmospheric sensing equipment to include (1) 14'x14' concrete pad which will support a 7' observatory dome, a telescope mount, plastic deck, (2) solar battery boxes, and (4) solar panels.

Proposal to install (1) 4' x 10' concrete pad with 500-gallon propane tank, (1) 5' x 9' concrete pad with propane generator, 15' of sub-surface gas line, and 90' of sub-surface electrical conduit within the existing Datil Communication Site boundary.

Decrease fuel loading while improving livestock distribution on the Pueblo Colorado Allotment in the Gallinas Unit of the Mountainair RD in cooperation with NRCS through a Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP). Rescoping initiated 9/3/24.

This project is to improve ecosystem resilience to future disturbances by restoring forest structure and composition and reducing the risk of catastrophic fire using hand and mechanical treatments and prescribed fire.

Withdraw from mineral entry about 1,000 acres of habitat in 4 areas to facilitate recovery of the federally threatened Zuni fleabane (Erigeron rhizomatous).

Conduct a second entry prescribed burn for restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat.

Conduct broad renovations to the existing site and associated features that will bring the site up to current standards, decrease short- and long-term maintenance needs, and provide a more sustainable recreation site into the future.

Proposal to replace an expired permit and issue a 10-year priority special use permit to Cedar Crest Country Cottage & Stables for guided horseback riding.

Construction of a mountain coaster by Sandia Peak Ski Area(SPSA). In 2017 SPSA modified their master plan with conceptual long term operations including year-round recreational uses outlined in 2011 Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act.

The Sandia Peak Tram is proposing to install 2 anchor points (north and south) located in line with the Tram Super Structure. The installation is needed to slip each track rope pair as a unit and is required maintenance set forth by ANSI.IB77.1.

Project is composed of two planned 500kV transmission lines across 520mi in NM and AZ. The selected alternative does not cross through NFS lands and the Cibola NFNG will not be issuing a ROD. The BLM signed the ROD on May 16, 2023.

Livestock grazing authorization and related management activities.

Relocate existing segments of CDNST to protect watershed health and improve trail sustainability and experience. New trail construction will be 10.7 miles with 7.2 miles of corresponding segments to be closed and rehabilitated.

Revision of the 1985 Cibola National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to develop specific direction for the Kiowa, Rita Blanca, Black Kettle, and McClellan Creek National Grasslands.

The purpose of the Terrero Forest Restoration and Fuels Reduction Project is to improve the ecosystem resilience of a priority landscape to future disturbances by restoring forest structure and composition and reducing the risk of wildfire.

Revision of the 1985 Cibola National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to develop specific direction for the Sandia, Mountainair, Mount Taylor, and Magdalena Ranger Districts.

ENMR has requested an amendment to their current special use permit to occupy approximately 0.05 acres of right-of-way for installation and maintenance of buried fiber optic cable to service a tower at the Gallinas Peak Communications Site.

The Sandia Crest House is under a current special use permit and is being transferred to a new owner. With the transfer, a new permit will be issued with a 20 year term.

Improve habitat for wildlife through the replacement of windmill structure and drinker and relocate to a more suitable site for use by wildlife.

Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Equestrian Trail planning for an externally proposed project on Grants Ridge. Cibola Trail Alliance in collaboration with the Zuni Mountain Collaborative is the proponent proposing trail development.

Re-route Forest Road 10 at mile marker 12-12.5 due to erosion and undercutting of existing portion.

We propose to construct 1.5 miles of roads by extending the K-87 and K-87A road in the Mills Management Area. The purpose of the project is to provide public access for visitor recreational activities and the enjoyment of Mesteno Canyon.

Allow for and promote recovery of the Shush Ken Histosol Fen, the improvement of riparian characteristics in the headwaters of Bluewater creek, improvement of habitat for Rio Grande sucker (Catostomus plebeius) and the Rio Grande chub (Gila pandora).

Improve & expand non-motorized dispersed recreation opportunities (trails) w/construction,designation,relocation,decommissioning of trails.Install barriers,rehabilitation/closure activities to limit degradation from vehicles at informal parking areas

New permit to UNM researcher to take over an existing weather station operated by USGS and replace some of the equipment for the purpose of monitoring meteorological conditions including snow depth for hydrological and groundwater recharge.

This project will restore the forest ecosystem and reduce fuel loadings on the Gallinas Unit of the Mountainair District. The treatments are needed to reduce the potential of uncharacteristic wildfires to protect the Community of Corona.

Military training area permit on Mountainair, Mount Taylor, Magdalena, and Sandia Ranger Districts

restore hydrologic function and provide wildlife habitat in 2 pitted playas

The project objectives are to develop a low-water crossing which allows full passage of aquatic organisms and preserves vehicular access to the public land across the Canadian river as well as maintaining a pool habitat upstream.

Increase watershed resiliency by reestablishing and restoring forest structure and pattern, health, fire regime, vegetation composition and diversity of forest ecosystems to conditions within the natural range of variability and desired conditions.

Replacement of powerline (850 feet) to existing well house located in Capulin Spring picnic area.

Improve fish habitat by adding fish structures to man-made lakes within the Black Kettle District.

Management and removal of the invasive species feral hogs (Sus scrofa) on Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands to improve wildlife habitat and prairie health.

Conduct a second entry prescribed burn for restoration and maintenance of wildlife habitat.

Proposal from the Casa Loma Lot 1 recreation residence holder to replace their well that went dry.

Proposal to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel loads through prescribe burning on about 2,645 acres, in Units K-44, K-45E, K-47N, and K-79.

Project proposed to place fiber optic cable within the south right-of-way of NM 165. By plow, trench and bore method; project enters Forest Service right-of-way south of NM 165%u2019s Mile post 2.75 and exits the right-of-way at mile post 4.09.

To install approximately 8 miles of fiber optic line along the powerline corridor on the Mt. Taylor side of the District, along the PNM and Continental Divide Electric Power line road.

Proposal to improve wildlife habitat and reduce fuel loads through prescribe burning in Units K-44, K-45E, K-47N, and K-79.

The project will implement restoration treatments such as thinning to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire by reducing fuels on the remaining unburned forested watershed in the central Manzano Mountains.

A total of 2,465 acres will be planted within the Dog Head Fire Burn Scar. Depending on soil suitability for planting, 100 to 200 trees per acre would be planted.

Making Improvements to the existing Sandia Launch

The Forest Service has received a Plan of Operations from Tierra Rara LLC exploration mining company to conduct an exploration drill project for Rare Earth Element (REE) minerals (Cerium, Lanthanum and Neodymium) in Lincoln County.

Proposal to authorize use of an existing communication site on the Sandia Crest.

Authorize installation of fiber optic cable along existing telephone poles on aerial fiber optic line along Highway 337 to the Cedro Peak Communication Site

Project on approximately 16,700 acres to restore more natural vegetative conditions and reintroduce fire into fire adapted ecosystem. Thin dense stands with hand and mechanical tools, construct small watershed structures, and prescribe burn.

Proposal to extend a water pipeline, construct 4 livestock water troughs, and construct one water storage tank.

Proposal to maintain, improve, and relocate user-created and National Forest System trails within and near the Cienega Picnic Area.

Proposal to improve wildlife habitat within 40,000 acres of ponderosa pine, mountain meadow, and pinyon-juniper forest communities through thinning and prescribe burning.

Proposal to remove trees by individual and group selection, masticate slash and understory vegetation, and prescribe burn to improve wildlife habitat, forest health, and reduce fuel loads.

Proposal to improve forest health through thinning, mastication, prescribe burning, and treatment of non-native invasive plant species, well as trail relocation and limiting mountain biking and horse back riding to existing trails.

The purpose of the McGaffey Project is to reestablish and restore forest structure and pattern, forest health, and vegetation composition and diversity in forest ecosystems to conditions within the natural range of variability

Closure and decomissioning of eoads within the Zuni Mountains using various methods. Designation of mountain bike and hiking trails in the Zuni Mountains.

Proposal to install fiber optic lines between Manzano and Capilla Peak and in the Gallinas Peak area.

Proposal to cut pinyon and juniper trees, followed by prescribe burning on about 611 acres near the Mills Rim Campground.

Proposal to issue a new authorization to BNSF for their telecommunication site on Capilla Peak.

Proposal to remove the existing Sandia Peak Tram Restaurant with a new larger facility.

Proposal to restore 1 playa basin by filling in pits which were dug in the 1970%u2019s. The spoil piles which remain from the original pitting will be placed back in the original borrow pits.

Proposal to issue a special use permit to the La Puerta Homeowners Association for use of an existing 2 inch diameter water transmission pipeline across National Forest System land.

Proposal to drill new well, which would include the construction of a well pad, and installation of a storage tank, drinker, and pipelines to tie the new well to 3 existing drinkers.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. proposes to install a concrete slab and replace their communication building on La Mosca Peak. El Paso Natural Gas Co. proposes to install a concrete slab and replace their generator on Microwave Ridge.

Proposal to develop an oil and gas well, including construction of a well pad, 66-foot long road to the well, and installation of a 1,600-foot long gas pipeline.

Proposal to designate the motorized transportation system on the district to comply with the Travel Management Rule. End product will be a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that shows roads and trails open to motorized use.

Proposal to designate, construct, rehabilitate and close undesignated non-motorized trails near and within the Bernalillo Watershed Research Natural Area and Sandia Mountain Wilderness.

Proposal to operate and maintain 2 existing weather stations on Magdalena and Mountainair Ranger Districts.

Proposal to drill 3 wells from one well location pad, 435 feet by 350 feet in size. The proposal also includes construction of 370-foot long road and 1048-foot long gas pipeline.

Restoration of vegetation and wildlife habitat condition. Also hazardous fuels reduction including mechanical thinning, hand piling, and prescribed burning that will reduce the potential for crown fires

Proposal to develop federal minerals lease, including construction of a well pad, 100-foot long road to the well pad, and installation of a 400-foot long gas pipeline.

Proposal to install a natural gas gathering pipeline in a 50 foot by 1,455 foot corridor.

Proposal to repair seven playa basins by filling in pits which were dug in the 1970%u2019s. The piles of soil which remain from the original pitting will be placed back in each borrow pit using a bulldozer.

Proposal to conduct seismic survey with vibrosis trucks on 11,284 acres of Black Kettle National Grassland.

Designation & repair of 9 miles of unauthorized trails and construction of 2 miles of trail in the Manzanita Mountains Trail System. Perform minor upgrades to Pine Flat Trailhead including closure of 0.10 miles of FS RD 54A.

Proposal to develop a well and gas gathering pipeline, as well as 130 feet of new road and well pad.

Proposal to allow the US Geological Survey to install & maintain a micrometeorological station on the east slope of the Sandia Mountain, including an 8 foot tower with sensors, 12 square foot concrete pad, & fence to protect the site.

A proposal from Sierra Electric Coop to upgrade the existing La Madera powerline (about 3,650 long) by replacing power poles and lines.

Proposal to construct a well pad, gathering pipeline and access road to develop federal minerals in Unit 43.

Proposal to develop an oil/gas well, including constructing a well pad, gas gathering pipeline corridor, an access road to the well pad, installation of a cattle guard in the road, and 5 strand barbed wire fence around the well pad.

Proposal to install a gas gathering pipeline from a BLM well, across the Black Kettle National Grassland.

Proposal to issue a special use permit to Harding County to allow the removal of caliche from an existing pit in K-95.

The Rita Blanca Chapter of Texas Quail Coalition will install 3 wildlife guzzlers in existing wildlife exclosures in grassland units RB-17 and RB-21.

Cordillera Energy Partners, LLC proposes to build a gas and oil well pad with access road.

Re-issue a special use permit for the Sandia Soaring Association for a maximum term of 10 years to provide for continued use of two launches for hang- and paragliding.

Restore pinyon/juniper (P/J) woodland where high tree density, severe competition causing tree mortality, reduced structural diversity, and lack of forage production compromise overall forest health and resilience to insects and diseases.

Proposal to issue a special use permit to the Town of Clayton for the construction and maintenance of a water transmission line to connect the town water system with potable water wells outside the town limits.

Timber stand and wildlife habitat improvement, including mechanical thinning, hand piling, broadcast and pile burning on about 360 acres adjacent to the Manzano Land Grant community.

Offer a Granger-Thye (GT) Special Use Permit for a private company to operate the Capulin Snow Play Area during the winter recreation season. A GT permit authorizes the permit holder to operate a Forest Service facility and charge a fee for use.

Reduce hazardous fuels and restore ecosystem structure, composition, and function using thinning and prescribed burning on about 12,600 acres across multiple ownerships (national forest, Chilili land grant, Dept of Defense, and Pueblo of Isleta).

A project to analyze changes to the transportation system. The selected alternative will result in a system of roads and trails designated for motorized use and a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) displaying the roads and trails open to motorized use.

Improve habitat diversity, reduce fuels and provide forest products through the use of prescribed burning and thinning. About 1000 acres of thinning along Forest Roads 205, 275, and 422 and about 2,500 acres of prescribed burning.

Thinning and prescribed burning to reduce tree density and re-establish pinyon-juniper and mixed pinyon-juniper/Ponderosa pine savannas and woodlands. Cut material will be available for forest products, primarily fuelwood.

The proposal provides for treating invasive plants using an integrated management approach incorporating adaptive management, which will allow for treatment of newly discovered plant infestations that are likely to occur over time

Hazardous fuels reduction project, including mechanical thinning, hand piling, broadcast and pile burning on about 400 acres between Sandia Mountain Wilderness and private land.