Preferred alternative included approximately 824 acres of silvicultural management activities and approximately 3,600 acres of prescribed burning in Clay County, North Carolina.
National Forests in North Carolina
The proposal would authorize approximately 1,911 acres of management activities to improve forest structure, species composition, and age class across the Snowbird Mountains of Graham and Cherokee Counties, North Carolina.
Mechanical removal of hazardous fuels to reduce wildfire risks in areas impacted by catastrophic blowdown caused by Hurricane Helene.
The Uwharrie NF is proposing to conduct vegetation management and recreation improvements on the Uwharrie NF.
The proposal includes approximately 870 acres of vegetation management actions in western Macon County, NC. Proposed actions are intended to improve forest health and resilience.
The Croatan Ranger District (RD) in North Carolina is conducting an interdisciplinary analysis and preparing an environmental assessment (EA) to determine management options to restore, stabilize, and enhance Fisher’s Landing, Flanners Beach, Pine Cliff, and Siddie Fields Recreation Areas.
The project includes approximately 2,274 acres of vegetation management activities including a variety of silvicultural treatments and prescribed burning in the Cowee and Plott Balsam mountain ranges of North Carolina. Management activities are intended to improve forest health and resilience.
Approximately 671 acres of vegetation management activities to improve forest health and resilience through a variety of silvicultural treatments and prescribed burning.
Silvicultural treatments on approximately 4,563 acres of the Croatan National Forest (NF) in compartments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 49, and 50.
The Croatan National Forest (NF) proposes to install twenty new gates to restrict motorized access along a series of unauthorized routes that branch from existing National Forest System roads.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-01d-FSA |
| Decision Signed Date | 4/3/2026 |
The Cherokee National Forest, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Monongahela National Forest, and the National Forests in North Carolina seek to implement large landscape red spruce - fir ecosystem restoration.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Species Population Enhancements; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Timber Sales (Green); Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Cheoah Ranger District; Grandfather Ranger District; Pisgah Ranger District; Appalachian Ranger District; Tusquittee Ranger District; Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The Uwharrie RD is proposing a districtwide prescribed fire project. This project would include drip torches, aerial ignitions, handline, new dozer lines, etc.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Uwharrie Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Conduct repairs and improvements on approximately 300 feet of Nantahala River Trail adjacent to US-19.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Trail Management |
| Decision Decided Date | 02/10/2026 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Create and maintain approximately 50 miles of fuel breaks by improving fuels conditions along a combination of existing NFS system roads and trails that would increase protection of critical infrastructure and private property during wildfires.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Pub. L. 117-58, Sec. 40806 |
Site reparation, planting/seeding, NNIS control, and stand improvement in areas of the Pisgah National forest with tree/vegetation damage from high winds and flooding.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Nrcs 7 Cfr 650.6 D(1); Nrcs 7 Cfr 650.6 D(11) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | National Forests In North Carolina All Units |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Project will construct a new bridge from Jackrabbit Mountain Bike Trailhead to existing trail network over a causeway with an existing, failing culvert. Project also proposes to remove failing culvert and existing causeway while recontouring slopes.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Trail Management |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The Croatan Ranger District is amending the Special Use Permit (SUP) CRO578803 (issued to Betsy May Brown) to extend the length of the pier allowable under the permit to 110 feet.
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 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Expansion of existing transmission line ROW and Hazard Tree Zones to 75 feet on both sides of the line for a total of up to 150 feet of combined ROW and Hazard Tree Zones (varies by Management Area).
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 219 (2012) |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Pisgah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Authorization to replace existing communication tower with a 150-foot metal self-supporting tower and install an emergency generator with an associated propane tank to help ensure reliability of electricity to the site.
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 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Cheoah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Permit Peachtree Broadband Fiber to install by burial 19,192 linear feet of fiber optic cable (approximately 3.64 miles) within the existing NCDOT rights-of-way (ROWs) of Hiwassee Dam Access Road (SR-1314) and Joe Brown Highway (SR-1326).
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2); 32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Electric Transmission |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Proposed fiber optic cable will be co-located on an existing Haywood Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) utility line poles in Macon County, NC. Install approximately 2,379 ft of fiber at two locations: Highlands Distribution 106E & 3061 Dillard Rd
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Electric Transmission |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Remove upper and lower dams of Wilson Lake. Stream channels and adjacent land to be rehabilitated. Stream channel structures proposed to prevent erosion/stabilize affected areas. Unclassified road prism decommission and white pine to be removed.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (6), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(6); 32.2 (18), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(18); 32.2 (20), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(20) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Species Habitat Improvements; Watershed Improvements |
| Wilson Lake Dam Decommissioning Project | Decision Signed Date: 07/10/2025 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
This project includes mastication of land within WUI on the Croatan NF in order to create a defensible barrier for fire efforts.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (6), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(6) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
To approve an amendment to the Duke Energy Progress existing special use authorization. This amendment will allow DEP to place underground powerlines southeast of Havelock underneath Highway 70 and to install a new switch and associated structures.
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 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The purpose and need for this emergency response is to complete urgent debris removal actions following the Tropical Storm Helene incident.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (19), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(19); Nrcs 7 Cfr 650.6 D(7); Nrcs 7 Cfr 650.6 D(11) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Timber Sales (Salvage) |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Grandfather Ranger District; Appalachian Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The Croatan NF proposes the Camp Patterson CCC Interpretive Trail project which aims to preserve and showcase the rich history of the CCC camp while providing an educational and immersive experience for visitors.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Developed Site Management; Heritage Resource Management; Trail Management; Road Improvements/Construction |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Repair of road damage that occurred during Tropical Storm Fred including replacing several culverts with structures that improve Aquatic Organism Passage
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4); 32.2 (18), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(18) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Appalachian Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The Lickstone Project is a forest vegetation, wildlife habitat, and watershed management project.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 219 (2012) |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments; Timber Sales (Green); Watershed Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Pisgah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to relocate approximately 1.13 miles of trail to avoid private property.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Trail Management |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Appalachian Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action includes replacing the dated and failing infrastructure of the existing fish hatchery and improving operational efficiency and healthy yield of fish.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 218 (2013) Non-HFRA |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Pisgah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Remove these trails from system as they are unmaintained, are not utilized, in disrepair, and are on unsustainable layout.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (20), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(20) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Trail Management |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Appalachian Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposal requests to relocate approximately 10,990 feet of the Havelock 23kV Feeder (along existing maintained roads) and decommission approximately 8,200 feet of existing inaccessible overhead distribution line within Croatan National Forest.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Issue an updated Special Use Permit for the Harbor Cove Marina along the shore of Hiwassee Lake.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (11), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(11) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Decision Decided Date | 03/25/2024 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to replace the one-lane bridge on SR 1326, Joe Brown Hwy, over Hanging Dog Creek, with a 2-lane bridge. This would also straighten the curve on the western bridge approach.
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; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action includes replacement of a water line from well, to a new pumphouse, to the holding tank and distribution lines. This project will also include some road repair and paving.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (4), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(4); 32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Maintenance; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction |
| Decision Decided Date | 09/12/2023 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Appalachian Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
NCDOT has proposed making improvements to NC 143 from the Cherohala Skyway to SR1127 at Robbinsville in Graham County. Portions of this project are located on National Forest System lands. Project currently on hold pending additional DOT funding.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Nepa Document Prepared By Another Federal Agency |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 215 |
| Project Activity | Special Use Authorizations |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Cheoah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Grant access across National Forest System lands on the Cheoah Ranger District in Graham County, North Carolina for vehicular access to private lands.
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 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Cheoah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to replace power lines along U.S. Hwy 19 between Wesser Road and Silver Mine Road. Most of the work will occur within the existing NCDOT right-of-way.
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 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to conduct rehabilitate select existing wildlife openings on the Nantahala and Tusquitee Ranger Districts in Macon and Cherokee Counties, NC.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (6), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(6) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Noxious Weed Treatments |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District; Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to repair the concrete reservoir that supplies water to the flush restrooms at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on the Cheoah Ranger District in Graham County, NC. Restrooms are currently closed to public use.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Developed Site Management; Wilderness Management |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Cheoah Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposal includes vegetation, recreation, and fuels management activities in Analysis Area 13 on the Pisgah Ranger District.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | 215 |
| Project Activity | Forest Vegetation Improvements; Timber Sales (Green) |
| Courthouse Creek | Decision Signed Date: 09/23/2013 Legal Notice Date: 09/25/2013 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Pisgah Ranger District |
The proposed action includes planting and regeneration treatments in stands that are dominated by off-site white pine and which are at risk of insect infestation.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.3 (5) |
| Special Authority | Hfra Title Vi: Insect And Disease Projects |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Species Population Enhancements; Timber Sales (Green) |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Tusquittee Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Sell the lands and buildings that comprise the Work Center for the former Highlands Ranger District, Macon County, North Carolina.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (7), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(7) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Land Use Adjustments |
| Decision Decided Date | 02/15/2018 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to issue a forest order for camping restrictions at specific trailheads on the Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest to provide a safe user experience and resource protection.
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 | Developed Site Management; Dispersed Recreation Mgmt.; Trail Management |
| Decision Decided Date | 02/22/2016 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Grandfather Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Update to the Croatan NF Monitoring Program
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.11, 7 Cfr 1B.3(A) (1) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Plan Amendment |
| Decision Decided Date | 06/17/2026 |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Croatan Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
The proposed action is to fell several trees into the upper Nantahala River in order to improve habitat for aquatic resources.
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (7), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(7) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Species Habitat Improvements |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Nantahala Ranger District |
Removal of hazard trees at Murray Branch day-use recreation site
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Facility Maintenance |
| Forests | National Forests In North Carolina |
| Districts | Appalachian Ranger District |