Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 6/1/2026
East of Bloomfield and north of State Route 260 in Ludlow Township, Washington County, Ohio · Washington, Ohio
This project is intended to increase forest resiliency and diversity, take steps towards restoration of watershed conditions, and enhance wildlife and rare plant habitat. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/iqz37vxpzlw4y51ehradi8vacurge1pp
Vegetation management (other than forest products)Watershed managementWildlife, fish, rare plants
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-47d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 8/2024 (Estimated)
Ludlow Township in Washington County, and Washington Township in Monroe County · Monroe, Ohio
Planting native trees and shrubs along three river riparian field sites which were under special use permit for agricultural purposes and are no longer being used, this project will improve the riparian buffer addressing sedimentation concerns.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)Watershed managementWildlife, fish, rare plants
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-29d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 12/2017 (Estimated)
Athens, Ohio
This project would create recreational opportunities for a quality backcountry, single-track mountain biking experience on the Wayne National Forest for riders of various skill levels.
Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
6/20/2017
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-26d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 3/2019 (Estimated)
The project is located in the general area east of Nelsonville, southeast of Carbon Hill, and west of Chauncey in Athens and Hocking counties. · Athens; Hocking, Ohio
This project improves the diversity & quality of habitat by using prescribed fire & manual tree cutting. Implementation would open up the forest floor to reduce competition threatening oak seedlings & saplings, & would reduce hazard fuels in the area
Fuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
9/24/2018
Project documents
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 8/2022 (Estimated)
NFS lands in Washington, Noble, and Monroe counties, Ohio · Monroe; Noble; Pleasants; Tyler; Washington, Ohio; West Virginia
This project would authorize aerial applications of mating disruption pheromone and species-specific larvicide known as Gypchek in the Marietta Unit of the WNF. This would be a multi-year project for slow-the-spread treatments.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
2/10/2022
Project documents
Categorical Exclusion · Ironton Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 8/2015 (Estimated)
North of ST 650 and south of Twp 155 E · Lawrence, Ohio
This project designates 3.37 miles of OHV trail in order to connect the Hanging Rock OHV trails south of SR 650 to the Superior OHV trails north of CR 27. Most of the route would be on existing old road bed that would be improved to standard.
Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
2/11/2015
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-26d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Ironton Ranger District · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 11/2024 (Estimated)
Parts of Scioto, Lawrence, and Gallia counties · Gallia; Lawrence; Scioto, Ohio
Conduct a combination of non-commercial vegetation cutting and prescribed fire to promote oak regeneration, improve oak health, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce fuel loading.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)Wildlife, fish, rare plants
Project documents
Categorical Exclusion · Wayne National Forest · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 5/2021 (Estimated)
Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington counties · Cabell; Gallia; Jackson; Lawrence; Scioto, West Virginia; Ohio
The STARR Project is a forest-wide programmatic decision that would authorize improvements to the Wayne National Forest Trail system. It would authorize trail re-routes, trail reconstruction, and the closure and rehabilitation of unauthorized routes.
Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
11/20/2020
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-26d-USFS; USDA-44d-USFS |
Categorical Exclusion · Wayne National Forest · updated 5/29/2026 · decision 3/2022 (Estimated)
Athens, Gallia, Jackson, Hocking, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, Scioto, Vinton, and Washington counties. · Cabell; Gallia; Jackson; Lawrence; Scioto, West Virginia; Ohio
Amend the Forest Plan to remove a standard that requires seasonal closure (December 16-April 14) of OHV, mountain bike, and equestrian trails. OHV trails would still have a static closure, but other trails would have annually established closures.
Recreation management
NEPA Start Date
9/21/2021
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-38d-USFS |
Environmental Assessment · Ironton Ranger District · updated 5/28/2026 · decision 4/2019 (Estimated)
East of SR 92, west of SR 141, north of the community of Aid and south of the community of Oak Hill. Parts of Jackson (Madison and Jefferson Twps), Gallia (Greenfield and Perry Twps). and Lawrence counties (Elizabeth, Symmes, Decatur, Aid, and Washington Twps). · Gallia; Jackson; Lawrence, Ohio
This project will create young, brushy forests that are largely composed of oaks and hickories; respond to insect and disease threats; and contribute to local economies. Taking action will provide habitat for wildlife that is lacking in the area.
Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Wildlife, fish, rare plants
Project documents
Environmental Assessment · Ironton Ranger District · updated 5/28/2026
Portions of Lawrence, Jackson, and Gallia counties. · Gallia; Jackson; Lawrence, Ohio
This Supplemental EA provides additional information and analysis around criteria for the shelterwood harvests in light of a deficiency in the original project that was identified by District Court.
Forest productsVegetation management (other than forest products)Wildlife, fish, rare plants
NEPA Start Date
12/20/2025
Finding/Decision Date
4/23/2026
Project documents
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Decision Signed Date | 4/23/2026 |
Environmental Assessment · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/28/2026 · decision 12/2008 (Estimated)
Washington County · Washington, Ohio
Remove understory seedlings and saplings around known orchids using a combination of cutting, hand pulling, propane torches and herbicide. Girdle overstory trees if necessary.
Wildlife, fish, rare plants
NEPA Start Date
12/11/2007
Project documents
Environmental Assessment · Wayne National Forest · updated 5/27/2026 · decision 4/2026 (Estimated)
All NFS lands in Athens, Hocking, Gallia, Jackson,Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, Vinton, and Washington counties. · Cabell; Gallia; Jackson; Lawrence; Scioto, West Virginia; Ohio
Evaluate mechanical, chemical, and biological treatment methods for non-native invasive plants. This project would allow for treatments to occur across the National Forest and in partnership with adjacent, interested land managers or owners.
Vegetation management (other than forest products)
NEPA Start Date
4/28/2025
Project documents
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 5/19/2026
Wayne National Forest, Athens Ranger District, Athens County, Northwest of Millfield Ohio near the intersection of State Route 13 and Truetown Road. · Athens, Ohio
A special use permit request has been submitted for the use and maintenance of an existing private road to access private property. Approximately 60 feet of this road is on Wayne National Forest land and has been determined to be the only possible access to the private property.
Special use management
NEPA Start Date
9/10/2025
Finding/Decision Date
2/10/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 2/10/2026 |
Categorical Exclusion · Athens Ranger District · updated 3/11/2026
The Hune Covered Bridge is in Lawrence township on Lawrence Township Road 921 in Washington County Ohio crossing the Little Muskingum River connecting to SR 26, Northeast of Marietta, Ohio. FANEC Document can be found at https://usfs-public.box.com/s/0k3hbh5ujxg76ua28cbx04yvax74k6tz · Washington, Ohio
A permit was submitted for temporary access through Wayne National Forest (WNF) land at Hune campground which would require temporary installation of 36-inch culverts to access pier 2 of Hune Bridge for repairs. The area needed for these repairs is 0.32 acres of WNF outside the existing 40-ft ROW.
Special use management
NEPA Start Date
8/20/2025
Finding/Decision Date
1/13/2026
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | USDA-28d-USFS |
| Decision Signed Date | 1/13/2026 |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 9/4/2025
The project area is located in Perry Township of Monroe County, Ohio of the Wayne National Forests Athens Ranger District, Marietta Unit on Township Road 1004 · Monroe, Ohio
remove the existing truss bridge that has become deficient with a single span bridge and abutments, about .25 acres outside ROW is needed for traffic and access, grading will occur with reseeding upon completion, minimal tree removal is expected
Special use management
Decision
09/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
09/2025 (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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 15, Township 3N, Range 5W. |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 7/17/2025
Wayne National Forest, Marietta unit, Independence township, Washington County Ohio · Washington, Ohio
Washington Electric wants to relocate a section of line from private to Forest Service land where about 60 ft will be above ground and 300 ft will be buried. they are requesting a ROW width of 30 ft, some tree cutting and trenching will be needed.
Special use management
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 27, Township @N, Range 6W |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 7/15/2025
Wayne National Forest, Athens Ranger District, Starr Township, Hocking County Ohio near Loomis Road. · Hocking, Ohio
Le-Ax Water District wants to install a new waterline near Loomis Road to provide a secondary feed to the Logan Hocking Elementary School. About 1800 ft long trench, 6 in wide pipe, 12 in trench about 36 in deep, 8 ft wide workspace off road edge.
Special use management
Decision
07/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 17, Township 12N, Range 16W |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 7/2/2025
Independence Township, Washington County near the community of Wade between State Route 7 and County Road 9. Village of Buchtel in Athens County near Happy Hollow Road and Sycamore Lane. · Athens, Ohio
Construct two trail connectors between the Greenwood and Scenic River trails creating a shortened loop, and construct a trail connector between the Baileys trail system and the Snow Fork Event Center for easier access to Buchtel trailhead.
Recreation management
Decision
06/2025 (Estimated)
Implementation
07/2025 (Estimated)
Project documents
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 | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 6/17/2025
the powerline installation will start on the west side of SR 78 and will finish on the east side of SR 78 running alongside the road or spanning across it. WNF, Athens District, Hocking County Ohio · Hocking, Ohio
about 641 feet of aerial line will run starting from an existing pole to 2 new poles and then to the doser. brush removal will be needed, and brush will be chipped. Traffic plans will comply with state and county safety guidelines.
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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 2, Township 13N, Range 15W |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 6/17/2025
hay field between Covered Bridge Scenic Byway and Cranenest Fork Creek in Monroe County Ohio, Marietta Unit of the Wayne National Forest Athens Ranger District. · Monroe, Ohio
No tilling cultivation field for hay only to supplement cattle
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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Section 2, Township 5N, Range 6W |
Decision Memo · Wayne National Forest All Units · updated 3/24/2021
The road would be constructed across NFS land for 850 feet at the point that Township Road 343 ends · Hocking, Ohio
This proposal would allow the construction of a 15 ft by 850 ft access road through Wayne National Forest lands to access private property
Special use management
Decision
10/2020 (Estimated)
Implementation
11/2020 (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 |
| Forests | Wayne National Forest |
| Districts | Athens Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | T 12N, R 16W, S 5 |