Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — Project Detail

49 projects with crawled detail · milestones · contacts · documents

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

R09 Eastern · 49 projects · crawled 2026-06-17
Developing Proposal 11 Completed 36 Cancelled 2
Decision Memo 30 Categorical Exclusion 14 Environmental Assessment 5
39 with documents 19 with comments page
Environmental Assessment · Medford-Park Falls Ranger District · updated 6/11/2026 · decision 5/2027 (Estimated)
The Project area is located along the North Fork of the Yellow River and North Road (Forest Road (FR) 112) approximately 15 miles northwest of Medford, Wisconsin. · Taylor, Wisconsin

Greenlight Wisconsin LLC has applied for a prospecting permit to the Bureau of Land Management for hardrock minerals on the Bend deposit in Taylor County, Wisconsin. The Forest Service is the steward of the federally owned surface and has consent authority for mineral permitting and leasing.

Minerals and geology
NEPA Start Date
5/26/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Matthew Monahan · matthew.monahan@usda.gov
Categorical Exclusion · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 11/2026 (Estimated)
Forest Lodge is located about 8 miles east of Cable, Wisconsin · Ashland; Bayfield; Price; Sawyer, Wisconsin

Improve Forest Lodge road and trail infrastructure to accommodate increased use of Forest Lodge and the Nature Trail - parking, road and trail capacity, drainage, stormwater treatment, traffic sight lines within the complex and ingress and egress.

Facility managementHeritage resource managementRoad management
NEPA Start Date
5/12/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Ginger Molitor · nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-43d-USFS; USDA-46d-USFS
Categorical Exclusion · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 11/2026 (Estimated)
Off of County Highway GG about five miles southwest of Mellen, WI. · Ashland; Bayfield; Price; Sawyer, Wisconsin

Rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10.5 miles of cross-country ski/snowshoe trail that is also used as a hiking trail in the summer.

Recreation managementWatershed management
NEPA Start Date
5/29/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Katherine LeMoine · katherine.lemoine@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-26d-USFS
Categorical Exclusion · Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest · updated 5/14/2026
Forest wide project. Multiple locations, townships and counties across the Forest. · Price, Wisconsin

Forest wide project to improve watershed health. Over 40 actions including culvert replacement, culvert removal, bridge replacement, dam reconstruction, improving steam habitat and erosion control. For more detailed information: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/5k1pf4uyxyc04nw9mqyvkf5v6ba92ts3

Watershed management
NEPA Start Date
12/1/2025
Finding/Decision Date
5/31/2026
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-31d-USFS; USDA-40d-USFS
Decision Signed Date5/31/2026
Decision Memo · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 5/14/2026
Sawyer County Snowmobile Trail 5 between district western boundary and Forest Road 1648. · Sawyer, Wisconsin

The proposal is to reroute Snowmobile Trail 5 out of the Highway 77 right-of-way on to Forest Road 1648B, an operational maintenance level 2 road open to high clearance vehicles.

Road management
Scoping Start
09/29/2025
Decision
07/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jenifer Bratsch · Jenifer.Bratsch@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 5/14/2026
St. Peter's Dome area · Forest, Wisconsin

The Veikko Trail, an old cross-country ski trail in the St. Peter's Dome area developed by a local ski group, will be improved and realigned to fix drainage issues. Additional trail will be developed to connect to the St. Peter's Dome Trail network.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
05/01/2023
Decision
09/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Katherine LeMoine · katherine.lemoine@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Washburn Gravel Test Holes Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Washburn Ranger District · updated 5/14/2026 · decision 10/2026 (Estimated)
T.48N R.7W SEC. 9 AND T.47N R.7W SEC. 13, BAYFIELD, WI · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Proposal is to evaluate possible gravel sources by digging test holes in two locations north of Highway 2, up to 15 gravel test holes at each locations (up to 30 holes total).

Minerals and geology
NEPA Start Date
4/22/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-32d-USFS
Categorical Exclusion · Washburn Ranger District · updated 5/14/2026
T. 49 N., R. 6 W. Sections 1 and 12, Bayfield County, Wisconsin · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Proposal is to regenerate 120 acres of red pine. Actions include mastication of understory trees before harvest, seed-tree cut with red pine seed tree reserves, soil scarification after harvest, followed by a removal harvest of overstory seed trees.

Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
3/5/2026
Finding/Decision Date
5/14/2026
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionTVA 31 (18 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 1318(31))
Decision Signed Date5/14/2026
North Branch Vegetation Project Developing Proposal
Environmental Assessment · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 5/12/2026 · decision 9/2026 (Estimated)
The project area is in Forest County of northeastern Wisconsin · Forest, Wisconsin

The project proposes treatments on 13,900 acres to enhance wildlife habitat, forest regeneration, and the transportation system.

Forest productsRoad managementVegetation management (other than forest products)Wildlife, fish, rare plants
NEPA Start Date
9/5/2025
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
Brule Oxbow Fuels Reduction Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 5/6/2026 · decision 11/2026 (Estimated)
Near the Brule River to the east of Hwy 55. T41N R14E, Sections 17, 18, 22, 23 · Forest, Wisconsin

Lowering wildfire risk by mechanical thinning, mastication, pile burning, and prescribed fire in the wildland urban interface (WUI) of appoximately 25 private residences and the surrounding area.

Fuels management
NEPA Start Date
5/6/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-47d-USFS
Spectrum 278 Amendment 8 Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 5/6/2026 · decision 8/2026 (Estimated)
Several site in Oconto County. T32N, R15E, Section 6; T33N, R15E, Sections 2, 11, 14, 18, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31; T33N, R16E, Sections 1- 3, 10, 11-14, 23, 24, 29, 34; T33N, R17E Sections 5, 6, 8, 17, 18; T32N, R17E, Sections 12-14 · Oconto, Wisconsin

Spectrum Mid-America, LLC is requesting a special use permit to install 78,374 feet of new buried fiber optic line and 1,374 feet of new aerial fiber optic line on National Forest System lands. Map: https://usfs.app.box.com/folder/342706031004?.s=r8amkow065e1s0hgctdx4gzvtp9vt50j

Special use management
NEPA Start Date
2/13/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Christine Makuck · christine.makuck@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-27d-USFS
Nicolet Roche Trail Reroutes Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 5/4/2026 · decision 10/2026 (Estimated)
T31N R15E Sec. 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20 Langlade County · Langlade, Wisconsin

Reroutes are proposed on the Nicolet Roche Mountain Bike System due to safety and erosion issues.

Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
5/4/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-26d-USFS
Bloodsucker GNA Modification Developing Proposal
Categorical Exclusion · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 5/1/2026 · decision 7/2026 (Estimated)
T42N R11E Sections 7, 8, 19, and 20 · Vilas, Wisconsin

Harvesting of Jack Pine and Aspen stands totaling <125 acres to assist in completing a GNA sale to remove aspen, spruce, fir as part of a larger ongoing vegetation project

Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
1/12/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionTVA 31 (18 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 1318(31))
Categorical Exclusion · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 4/23/2026
Van Alstine Road, Langlade County, Wisconsin, T31N-R14E, Sec. 12 & T31N-R15E, Sec. 7 · Langlade, Wisconsin

Alliant Energy is proposing to remove approximately 4,524 feet of overhead power line and install approximately 3,251 feet of underground power line along Van Alstine Road on National Forest System land. Map available at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/d7vvccv9p7vrokxe64jhj6ur4zcgfipv

Special use management
NEPA Start Date
3/5/2026
Finding/Decision Date
4/23/2026
Christine Makuck · christine.makuck@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-27d-USFS
Decision Signed Date4/23/2026
Categorical Exclusion · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 4/8/2026
T41 R15E Sec 35 · Florence, Wisconsin

A total of 101 acres of red pine plantation thinning is proposed. If red pine is not thinned on a regular interval this species starts to lose its health and vigor resulting in slow growth and economic loss over time.

Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
2/2/2026
Finding/Decision Date
4/8/2026
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionTVA 31 (18 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 1318(31))
Decision Signed Date4/8/2026
Decision Memo · Washburn Ranger District · updated 3/13/2026
Three locations, north of Highway 2, about 15 miles west of Ashland, WI. Two locations are along Forest Road 236, Brinks Road. One location is along Forest Road 419, north of Finger Lake. · Bayfield, Wisconsin

The three-road maintenance actions include 1) shoulder repair on Forest Road 236, 2) intersection clearing and reshaping on Forest Road 258 and Forest Road 236 and 3) widening and shoulder stabilization along Forest Road 419.

Road management
Scoping Start
02/18/2026
Decision
03/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (23), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(23)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityRoad Maintenance
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsWashburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Categorical Exclusion · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 3/12/2026 · decision 8/2026 (Estimated)
FR 2156 Lost Lake Road/Chipmunk Rapids Road beginning at the intersection with FR 3774 then proceeding north 3.26 miles to FR 2450 Dream Lake Road. Continue to proceed north on FR 2450 0.94 miles until the intersection of highway 70. · Florence, Wisconsin

The Townships of Long Lake and Tipler propose to reconstruct a 4.2 mile stretch of FR2156 and FR2450. Reconstruction would include minor road widening, ditching, clearing and grubbing, culvert replacements, roadbed sub excavation, material staging and asphalt pavement

Road management
NEPA Start Date
3/2/2026
Finding/Decision Date
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-45d-USFS
Categorical Exclusion · Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest · updated 2/26/2026 · decision 5/2026 (Estimated)
5 sites: Township-Range-Section: (GRD) T42N, R4W, S24: (WB) T47N, R8W, S01; (LL) T33N, R14E S15; (ER) T38N, R13E, S21; (ER) T40N, R38W S10 · Forest, Wisconsin

Proposal to utilize herbicide to control competing vegetation around seedlings on 5 sites (40 acres) in Assisted Migration Project to better understand reforestation approaches that sustain future healthy forests. For more information: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/zufv8zzlqbme20g96n0yiclb45n8kgwv

Projects that may affect wilderness (for mailing list contacts)Research and developmentVegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
11/15/2025
Finding/Decision Date
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionTVA 31 (18 CFR Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 1318(31))
Decision Memo · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 2/10/2026
Installation along Hildebrand Road, Military Road, Hay Meadow Road, and Old Military Road. · Forest; Oneida, Wisconsin

Spectrum Mid-America proposes to continue to install new fiber optic telecommunication cables along existing utility corridors in the right of way on National Forest System lands.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/01/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
03/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsEagle River-Florence Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT39N R11E Section 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35; T38N R11E Section 2; T39N R12E Section 7, 18
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 2/4/2026
Near the town of Mountain along Hwy 32, Hwy 64, and County Rd W · Oconto, Wisconsin

Spectrum is proposing to place fiber optic line near the town of Mountain, within National Forest boundaries. The overall distance of this project within NFS land is approximately 15 miles.

Special use management
Scoping Start
11/04/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
03/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 2/4/2026
Near the Town of Mountain and Riverview · Oconto, Wisconsin

Spectrum is proposing to place a new fiber optic telecommunication cable along existing roadways within the Town of Mountain. The overall distance of this project within NFS land is approximately 14 miles.

Special use management
Scoping Start
09/08/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 2/3/2026
State Highway 64, County Highway T, and County Highway W by the towns of Lakewood, Langlade, and Mountain. · Oconto, Wisconsin

Spectrum Mid-America, LLC is proposing to place a new buried fiber optic line within Oconto County near the townships of Langlade, Lakewood, and Mountain. All buried fiber will occur within rights-of way totaling 19.57 acres.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/31/2025
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Categorical Exclusion · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 2/2/2026
Eight sites near Mountain and Laona, Wisconsin. Section 32, Township (T) 31 North (N), Range (R) 17 East (E); Section 13, T35N, R15E; Section 14, T35N, R15E; Sections 22, 25, and 27, T31N, R16E; Section 5, T36N, R15E; Section 12, T35N, R14E · Forest; Oconto, Wisconsin

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.

Special use management
NEPA Start Date
12/19/2025
Finding/Decision Date
2/2/2026
Christine Makuck · christine.makuck@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical ExclusionUSDA-28d-USFS
Decision Signed Date2/2/2026
Decision Memo · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 1/22/2026
FS Rd 2458 (Carey Dam Rd) road prism and right of way · Forest, Wisconsin

Request from the Town of Alvin to widen FS road 2458 by stumping and grubbing in areas where the road prism is less than 18 feet wide.

Road management
Scoping Start
01/22/2026
Decision
01/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Daniel Reynolds · daniel.reynolds2@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (23), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(23)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityRoad Maintenance
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsEagle River-Florence Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 1/13/2026
Various locations across the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. · Forest; Langlade; Oconto, Wisconsin

The Forest Service is proposing to thin approximately 6,897 acres of red pine plantations across the district.

Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementRoad management
Scoping Start
08/01/2025
Decision
01/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
01/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityRoad Decommissioning; Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionTownships 31-37 North and Ranges 12-17 East.
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 1/13/2026
North of the East Fork of the Chippewa River and Blaisdell Lake near Winter, Wisconsin. · Sawyer, Wisconsin

Norvado proposes to install fiberoptic line in about 0.4 of a mile of right-of-way on Forest Roads 1661BB and 1661AB with about 0.05 of an acre of soil disturbance.

Special use management
Scoping Start
09/24/2025
Decision
01/2026 (Estimated)
Implementation
01/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Casey Swanson · casey.swanson@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Washburn Ranger District · updated 12/5/2025
Near FR 244 about 6 miles northeast of Iron River, WI. · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Modification of an existing specialist use permit to install a new osprey nesting platform near the existing occupied nest and remove older unoccupied platform. Project includes installing transmission pole nesting deterrents on up to 11 poles.

Special use management
Scoping Start
09/29/2025
Decision
12/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsWashburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 12/2/2025
Day Lake north of Clam Lake, Wisconsin · Ashland, Wisconsin

Day Lake Dam needs repairs. The repairs will require a drawdown of the lake. While the lake is drawn down other previously analyzed projects and habitat improvement projects will be implemented.

Facility management
Scoping Start
08/15/2025
Comment Period
08/15/2025
Decision
11/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2026 (Estimated)
Project documents
Tyler LeMahieu · tyler.lemahieu@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityDeveloped Site Management; Facility Maintenance
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 12/1/2025
Eight sites across Eagle River-Florence, Lakewood-Laona, Medford-Park Falls, and Washburn Ranger Districts. · Bayfield; Forest; Oneida; Price; Taylor, Wisconsin

Proposed decommissioning of buildings, improvements, or wells at eight acquired property or recreation sites. Activities include well abandonment, building demolition, septic system abandonment, and removal of trash at sites.

Facility management
Scoping Start
03/20/2025
Decision
12/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
12/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (21), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(21); 32.2 (22), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(22)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFacility Improvements/Construction; Facility Maintenance
FY25 Properties DecommissioningDecision Signed Date: 12/01/2025
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsMedford-Park Falls Ranger District; Eagle River-Florence Ranger District; Lakewood-Laona Ranger District; Washburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 10/29/2025
North of County Highway B East of intersection with Dance Hall Road. · Sawyer, Wisconsin

The Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance has requested Trail 3 to be moved from the south side of County Road B to the north side to accommodate a private request to move the trail off their property.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
09/10/2025
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Katherine LeMoine · katherine.lemoine@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · Great Divide Ranger District · updated 10/22/2025
Forest Road 164 between County Highway GG and Forest Road 163. · Ashland, Wisconsin

The 11.6-mile-long project area will be cleared and grubbed within 16 feet of the road centerline or as needed to create ditching. All cross-drain culverts will be replaced with polymer coated arch pipes. The entire road length will be resurfaced.

Road management
Scoping Start
01/31/2022
Comment Period
08/28/2025
Objection Period Start
08/28/2025
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
11/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Eric Lynch · eric.lynch@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityRoad Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Travel Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 9/26/2025
State Highway 55 and County Trunk Highway A in Forest County · Forest, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WE) is proposing to rebuild their existing powerline which would consist of overhead removal and restoration, and underground relocation. The proposed removal and installation are proposed on approximately 17 acres.

Special use management
Scoping Start
05/08/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsEagle River-Florence Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT40N R13E Section 2; T41N R13E Section 13,16,17,20, 21, 24, 25, 26 & 36
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 9/24/2025
Located on Forest Road 3256, Range Line Lake Road approximately 0.7 miles southwest of the town of Wabeno, WI. · Forest, Wisconsin

The existing twin 3ft round culverts passing flow from range line creek under FR 3256 Range Line Lake Road are rusted through, heaving, and at risk of failure. The proposed action is to replace the culverts with a 81"X59" pipe arch culvert.

Watershed management
Scoping Start
11/06/2024
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (18), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(18)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityWatershed Improvements
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionSW/SW, Sec. 18, T34N, R15E
Decision Memo · Medford-Park Falls Ranger District · updated 9/22/2025
The Mondeaux area of the Medford land base, Along FR 102, 566, 1504A, 563E, 561, 106, CTY E, and CTY D · Taylor, Wisconsin

Spectrum is requesting a special use permit to install fiber optic cable in Taylor County, WI. Installation will include plowing, boring, and aerial installation of fiber optic in the Mondeaux area of the Medford land base.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/01/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
11/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Matthew Monahan · matthew.monahan@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsMedford-Park Falls Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT33N R1E, Sec 7, 18, 19, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33 T32N R1E Sec 4, 5, 6 T32N R1W Sec 1, 2, T33N R1W Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36
255 Bug Tussel Completed
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 9/19/2025
State Highway 8, County Highway H, Goodman Park Road, Bear Lake Lane, and Peshtigo River Road in Forest County. · Forest, Wisconsin

Bug Tussel Wireless is proposing to install a new, buried fiber optic telecommunication cable along roadways in northwestern Forest County, Wisconsin. All construction will occur within the existing road right-of way on National Forest System lands.

Special use management
Scoping Start
08/18/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Rebecca Pickle · rebecca.pickle@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(8)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 9/18/2025
Bass Lake on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · Oconto, Wisconsin

Repair the existing access road and parking lot, construct additional parking spaces, construct a pedestrian walkway that connects the new parking spaces to the swim area, and install an automated fee collection machine.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
06/02/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
10/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.12 (5), 36 Cfr 220.6(D)(5); 32.2 (22), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(22)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityDeveloped Site Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT32N, R15E, Section 10
Decision Memo · Lakewood-Laona Ranger District · updated 9/18/2025
Town of Doty, north and south of County Highway W, in the vicinity of the Second South Branch Oconto River · Oconto, Wisconsin

The main purpose of this project is to reroute a snowmobile trail due to the closure of the bridge over the Second Branch of the Oconto River North of CTH W and closing FS 3397. Two short additional routes are proposed for connectivity.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
07/18/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Nicole Richardson · Nicole.Richardson@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Washburn Ranger District · updated 9/11/2025
New meter pole install northeast of FR 223. Line burial north end of Lake Owen, near FR 368 about two miles southeast of Drummond, WI. · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Special Use Permit amendment for utility work in existing rights-of-way. Proposal to add a meter pole near FR 223, upgrade a buried line near FR1314, and replace existing overhead line with underground line near FR368, includes overhead line removal.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/01/2025
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsWashburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 8/31/2025
Scattered across the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest. · Ashland; Bayfield; Florence; Oconto; Sawyer; Vilas, Wisconsin

To authorize fourteen special use permit requests. Requests are for access to private inholdings, a dam easement to Oconto County and a permit reissuance for seismic monitoring station.

Special use management
Scoping Start
07/07/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Kelly Scarbrough · Kelly.Scarbrough@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsMedford-Park Falls Ranger District; Great Divide Ranger District; Eagle River-Florence Ranger District; Lakewood-Laona Ranger District; Washburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT40N R5W Sec 16; T42N R2W Sec 13; T40N R4E Sec 32; T40N R4E Sec 8; T45N R7W Sec 28; T38N, R16E, Sec 31: T45N R4W Sec 24: T47N R8W Sec 24; T32N, R17E, Sec. 15 & T42N, R11E, Sec. 21.
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 8/26/2025
Near Long Lake Road in northern Great Divide Ranger District · Ashland, Wisconsin

Inline inspection indicated that four sites needed inspection and possible repair. The existing pipeline will be excavated for visual inspection and necessary repairs.

Special use management
Scoping Start
01/17/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Casey Swanson · casey.swanson@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Medford-Park Falls Ranger District · updated 8/8/2025
The project is located on FR 1563, one mile east of CTY E in Taylor County, approximately 15 miles northwest of Medford. · Taylor, Wisconsin

The proposal is to replace three culverts on FR 1563 (Park Road) near the Mondeaux area. The current culverts are at high risk of failure and are undersized for the streams. The proposal is to install three new culverts appropriate for the site.

Watershed management
Scoping Start
07/01/2025
Decision
08/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Christopher Ester · christopher.ester@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (18), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(18)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityWatershed Improvements
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsMedford-Park Falls Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT33N R1W Sec 23
Decision Memo · Washburn Ranger District · updated 7/25/2025
Dual Use: T44N, R7W, Secs 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, and 16; Reroute: T45N R7W Sec32, T44N R7W Sec5 · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Upgrading the trail to make it safe to add ATV/UTV use from the Town of Drummond south to Lake Owen Station Road and re-route 0.9-mile of the trail as it enters the Town of Drummond.

Recreation management
Scoping Start
03/28/2025
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
08/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (1), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(1)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityTrail Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsWashburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 6/30/2025
Lost Land Lake Area · Sawyer, Wisconsin

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.

Special use management
Scoping Start
06/09/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Casey Swanson · Casey.Swanson@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityElectric Transmission; Special Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 6/30/2025
Great Divide and Washburn ranger districts, except for wilderness and research natural areas and project-specific avoidance areas identified by specialists. · Ashland; Bayfield; Sawyer, Wisconsin

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

Special area management
Scoping Start
06/09/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Karen Katz · Karen.Katz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsGreat Divide Ranger District; Washburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Medford-Park Falls Ranger District · updated 6/16/2025
Begins south of the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 182 and Forest Road 144 and proceeds in a southeasterly direction along FR 144 to Round Lake Boat Landing Road. · Price, Wisconsin

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.

Special use management
Scoping Start
02/05/2025
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
06/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Matthew Monahan · matthew.monahan@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (3), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(3)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Use Authorizations
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsMedford-Park Falls Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT40N, R2E, Section 12, 13; T40N, 3E, Sections 16, 17, 18, 21, 27, and 28
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 5/29/2025
Approximately 69 locations across the 10 counties. See website for project descriptions, exact locations, and maps. · Ashland; Bayfield; Florence; Forest; Langlade; Oconto; Price; Sawyer; Taylor; Vilas, Wisconsin

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.

Watershed management
Scoping Start
02/28/2025
Decision
05/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (18), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(18)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityRoad Decommissioning; Species Habitat Improvements; Road Improvements/Construction
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units · updated 5/27/2025
Scattered though the district · Forest; Oconto, Wisconsin

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

Special use management
Scoping Start
12/05/2024
Decision
05/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (2), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(2)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivitySpecial Area Management
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsLakewood-Laona Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Decision Memo · Eagle River-Florence Ranger District · updated 5/1/2025
T41N R16E Sections 6 & 7, T41N R15E Sections 1& 12 · Florence, Wisconsin

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.

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsFuels management
Scoping Start
02/20/2025
Decision
05/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
05/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Jennifer Maziasz · jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Categorical Exclusion32.2 (6), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(6)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment RegulationNot Subject to Regulations
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Species Habitat Improvements
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsEagle River-Florence Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Environmental Assessment · Washburn Ranger District · updated 12/20/2024
Project is located in the central portion of the Washburn Ranger District. The project area is about 5 miles east of Iron River, WI. · Bayfield, Wisconsin

Vegetation Management actions would include clearcut and shelterwood systems to regenerate oak, aspen, and pine, and thinnings to promote growth and vigor in pine plantations. Associated actions: updating road system and improving wildlife habitat.

Wildlife, fish, rare plantsForest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Fuels managementRoad management
Scoping Start
02/14/2024
Comment Period
02/21/2024
Objection Period Start
08/08/2024
Decision
12/2024 (Estimated)
Implementation
01/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
Sarah Holmes · sarah.holmes@usda.gov
NEPA / regulatory detail
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation218 (2013) Non-HFRA
Project ActivityRoad Decommissioning; Fuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Road Maintenance; Road Improvements/Construction; Travel Management; Timber Sales (Green)
ForestsChequamegon / Nicolet National Forest
DistrictsWashburn Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable