Projects are proposed actions that are analyzed through the NEPA process (EIS, EA, or CE) that involves analyzing different alternatives to the proposed action, requires public notice and comment, and results in a NEPA decision (ROD, DN, or DM) which, subject to an administrative appeals process, and is implemented on the ground. The Forest Projects below are projects that we are analyzing or have analyzed under the NEPA process. Projects that are "Developing Proposal" or "Under Analysis" may have an opportunity for public collaboration and input on the proposed actions and the analysis being conducted.
Developing Proposal
Horsethief Canyon Landfill Closure - Teton County
Closure of landfill on 18 acres of NFS land through re-shaping and re-capping of the landfill and construction of groundwater and landfill gas monitoring wells. To be eligible to object to the draft decision, specific comments must be submitted during the comment period on the project proposal.
Skyline Trail/Putt Putt Extension Trail Construction, Greater Snow King Area
Construct approx. 7 miles of trail on Snow King ridge and in the Cache Creek drainage for non-motorized trail use to create new loops and replace user-created trails. A new plan is being developed and so additional scoping will occur in 2013.
Under Analysis
Desert Homestead Road Easement & Water Development Authorization
Road easement authorization for the Desert Homestead Road & Ditch Association (4 private inholdings) located 4 mi. northwest of Lower Green River Lake. Special use permit authorization for existing headgate, ditch, & above-ground pipe within Osborn Ditch1. You can SEND COMMENTS TO: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-pinedale@fs.fed.us. Comments due by 3/28/2013
Fontenelle Fire Timber Salvage
The project would harvest fire killed trees (approximately 1,200 acres) from the Fontenelle fire of 2012 and open two gravel pits for road surfacing material. Legal notice of the comment period originally published 12/26/2012. Because of a typo in the email address for submitting comments, a second 30-day comment period began with publication of the 2nd legal notice in the Casper Star-Tribune on 2/2/13. Comments are due by 3/4/13. Submit comments to: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-big-piney@fs.fed.us
Hams Fork Vegetation
The proposed project addresses hazardous fuels; safety hazards associated with standing dead trees; the vitality of aspen, whitebark pine and lodgepole pine; and recovery of merchantable value of beetle-killed timber.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Redevelopment of South Pass Traverse
Redevelopment of that portion of the South Pass Traverse from the base of the Casper lift to the Werner trail and upgrade of the Teewinot switchback; installation of a snowmaking water-booster pump building adjacent to the traverse. Legal notice of the comment period was published on March 27, 2013; so comments are due by April 26, 2013. Send comments to: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-jackson@fs.fed.us
Labarge Vegetation Restoration
Combination of mechanical treatments and prescribed fire to restore conifer encroached aspen stands, restore white bark pine stands, & salvage bug-killed timber. The 2012 Fontenelle Fire burned within the project area. Conditions are being assessed.
Sherman Cattle and Horse Grazing Allotment
Reauthorization of livestock grazing on approximately 17,370 ac. This project was originally to be analyzed under an EA; however, recent grizzly bear activity in the area present a potentially significant impact. Project will be analyzed in an EIS.
Snake River Headwaters Forest Plan Amendment for Wild and Scenic Comprehensive River Management Plan
A Forest Plan Amendment creating goals, desired future conditions and standards for the management of recently designated wild and scenic rivers. When the amendment is approved, it will be incorporated into a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP). Comments on the Amendment EA and on a draft CRMP are due June 30, 2013. Please submit comments at this project's webpage.
Teton to Snake Fuels Management
Fuels management such as prescribed fire and cutting and thinning of vegtetation for fire hazard reduction and restoration/maintenance of fire adapted ecosystems. Analysis type changed to EIS in 2013. EIS scoping comments most useful by April 1, 2013.
Trail Projects on the Buffalo Ranger District
Realignment and reconstruction on Divide Lake Trail; puncheon and bridge replacement on the North Buffalo Trail; and relocation on the Pilgrim Creek Trail. Comments must be submitted within 30 days of publication of the legal notice in the Casper Star-Tribune; publication was 1/2/2013; COMMENTS DUE by 2/1/2013; SEND COMMENTS TO: rmtaylor@fs.fed.us
True Oil Lander Peak Exploratory Wells
True Oil proposes two exploratory wells -- one from an existing pad and one from a reclaimed pad location. A third well pad would be expanded to hold a freshwater reservoir. The scoping period was extended; comments were best received by 5/15/2012. Email comments can be sent to: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-big-piney@fs.fed.us
Upper Green Grazing Allotment Complex
The 2004 decision was withdrawn; a revised Draft Supplemental EIS was released in June 2010; a Final SEIS and decision are expected in 2013.
WYDOT - Obellx remote gas-operated avalanche release systems at Cow and Calf of the Woods
WYDOT has proposed to install (3) Obellx remote gas-operated avalanche release systems at the Cow & Calf of the Woods avalanche paths in Hoback Canyon. This would involve the excavation & construction of (3) 5? x 5? x 5' concrete foundations.
White Pine Communication Site Building & Tower Construction
Construction of communication site building and tower, in addition to existing tower at White Pine Communication Site. You can SEND COMMENTS TO: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-pinedale@fs.fed.us. Comments due by 4/14/2013
Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Alkali Creek Feedground
Long term (up to 20 years) authorization for Wyoming Game and Fish Commission to continue to use facilities at the Alkali Creek feedground to conduct their winter elk feeding and related management programs. The DSEIS is available for review here. The 45-day comment period began the day after publication of the Notice of Availabilty of the DSEIS in the Federal Register (pub. date, April 19, 2013).
Comments can be submitted at this website until the close of the comment period on June 3, 2013. (Mailed comments must be postmarked by that date).
Analysis Completed
Authorization to use wheeled, motorized vehicles year-round on Fall Creek Road - Triple R Ranch, LLC
Triple R Ranch, LLC is proposing to drive wheeled, motorized vehicles year-round on Fall Creek Road from Red Top Meadows (FS#31000) to their ranch to reach private property. They are also requesting to plow the road and do routine maintenance.
Fontenelle Fire Fence Reconstruction Project
Reconstruction of about 15 miles of boundary and pasture fence that were damaged in the 2012 Fontenelle Fire. Trees that pose a safety threat or are susceptible to falling on the fence would be cut. Please PROVIDE COMMENTS BY Nov. 8, 2012. You can SEND COMMENTS TO: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-big-piney.fs.fed.us
Lower Valley Energy - Lot 86 - Powerline Burial
Burial of 68' of powerline to bring power from NFS land to private property; a trench that is 68' long, 24" wide and 42" deep will be dug to bury the line; a vault will be installed on NFS land to carry the power from an existing primary conductor.
Proposal to Authorize a Relay Race for Epic Relays on NFS land for 5 years
Epic Relays would like to hold a running relay race for up to 100 teams on the 2nd Saturday in August along the Snake River Canyon from Alpine, WY to Fall Creek Rd and then along Fall Creek Rd for approximately 9 miles.
Reissue 11 expired, non-recreation Special Use Permits on the Jackson and Buffalo Ranger Districts
These permits include: 5 road right-of-ways, 4 water transmission lines, 1 natrual gas pipeline, and 1 pasture permit. No changes are proposed for any of these permits.
Snow King Mountain Recreation proposal to install fiber optic cable for 4G communications services
Installation of fiber optic cable along the Snow King Summit chairlift to the top of the chairlift, then buried in the ground in a 70' x 10" x 10" ditch from the top of the chairlift to the Panorama house to provide 4G communication services.
Squaw Creek Water District Test Well
Construct & pump test a water well that will be 600' deep x 6.25" in diameter to provide potable water to 72 homes within the Squaw Creek District . The legal notice announcing the beginning of the 30-day comment period for this project published on 2/19/2013, so the cooment period ends on will end on 3/21. Send comments to comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-jackson@fs.fed.us
Town of Afton Hydropower
Authorize the Town of Afton to use 8 acres of NF System Land to construct, operate and maintain a 225 kilowatt culinary water system hydroelectric project linked to the pre-existing town culinary system. Decision based on FERC's EA.
On Hold
Kemmerer Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Managment
Authorization of grazing on 16 sheep allotments - Porcupine, Lower Salt, Buckskin Knoll, Lake Alice, Smiths Fork, Aspen Springs, Basin Ck, Devil's Hole, Elk Ck, Green Knoll, Indian Ck, Lake Mtn, Pole Ck, Sams Allen Ck, So Fontenelle, SpruceCk
Cancelled
Middle Piney Lake Riparian Habitat and Road Access Improvement Project
Relocation of approximately the last mile of FS Road 10024 (Middle Piney Lake Rd.) out of the riparian area to a location just east of Middle Piney Ck. Plan to relocate the road has been dropped; the current plan is to repair the existing road.
Piney Creeks Vegetation Treatments
A variety of vegetation management treatments in the Piney Creek drainages over the next five to seven years. Currently collecting data in preparation for analysis.
Plains Exploration's Eagle Prospect and Noble Basin Oil and Gas Master Developement Plan
Field development MDP (up to 136 wells) DEIS released 12/10/2010. Comments received.