Decision Memo Completed

Paonia Winter Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (PWWHIP)

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Delta; Gunnison; Montrose, Colorado Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest All Units

Treat ~25,450 acres using prescribed fire and mechanical treatments within mountain shrub oak and pinyon juniper communities to improve habitat quality for elk and deer on winter range throughout the Paonia Ranger District with CPW, NWTF and BLM.

Location

Lamborn Mountain, Landsend Peak, Cathedral Peak, Buckhorn Gulch, and McClure Pass areas

Project timeline

1
Scoping Start
08/16/2022
2
Decision
10/2025 (Estimated)
3
Implementation
11/2025 (Estimated)

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); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements
Paonia Winter Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project (PWWHIP)Decision Signed Date: 10/03/2025
ForestsGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
DistrictsPaonia Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionNot Applicable
Vegetation management (other than forest products)