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
Au Train River Parking Area
Construction of a 20 vehicle parking lot near the AuTrain River take out point on AuTrain/Forest Lake Road. This take out point can get very crowded during peak of summer use.The purpose of the project is to eliminate congestion and improve safety.
Camel Riders Snowmobile Trail Relocation
Project involves relocation of Snowmobile Trail 7 so as to improve safety and to facilitate more efficient maintenance and grooming of the trail. The new route will eliminate steep hills and sharp curves.
Clear Lake Boat Launch and Trail Relocation; PWC Restriction; Issuance of Camping Permits
Relocating existing back-in boat launch approximately150 feet to the west of the current launch site. PWCs will be prohibited from the lake. Permits will be required for camping at the campsite. Existing hiking trail will be relocated to the south.
Valley Spur Trailhead Improvements
The project consists of expansion of the parking lot and construction of a garage to house ski trail grooming equipment.
Under Analysis
Dutch Mill Spruce Budworm CE
Clearcut approximately 216 acres of plantation planted spruce due to infestation of spruce budworm which is killing the spruce trees. Some of the proposed harvested spruce areas will exceed 40 acres in size.
Bruno s Run Sustainable Trail ReRoutes
Project previously identified as Bruno?s Run Sustainable Trail Locations. Project involves several minor relocations of Bruno's Run Hiking/Biking Trail to eliminate erosion and damage to the trail surface so as to improve riding conditions.
Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance Project
To issue a special use permit for the excavation, inspection, and repair of the Enbridge petroleum pipeline at two sites. The sites were identified during inline integrity testing and are within the Sturgeon Wild and Scenic River Corridor. Additional sites have been added and the project documentation for this project has changed from a categorical exclusion to an environmental assessment, therefore, a second 30-day comment period has been initiated in December 2012.
Graham Land Exchange
EA -- Proposal to exchange approx 1 acre of federal lands underlying a privately-owned historic lighthouse for approx 2.4 acres of privaley-owned lands within the Grand Island National Recreation Area. Also reconstruct existing access to federal tract.
Merit Network - Moran Schools and Worth Rd Laterals SUP Amendment
Merit Network, Inc. proposes to install two additional lateral fiber optical lines to an existing line under a Special Use Permit, which will provide broadband technology to additional businesses and schools via Cheeseman Rd and Worth Rd.
Mirrorwood
EA -- Vegetation management, watershed and fisheries habitat improvements, mountain bike trail construction, non-native invasive plant treatments, non-significant Forest Plan amendment, and road construction, closures, and decommissioning.
Rudyard
EA -- Vegetation management, wildlife habitat improvement, transportation management, and non-native invasive plant management
Analysis Completed
Lefty Salvage
Harvest windthrown red pine due to a wind event in September 2012 in the Hickey Creek area on the Munising Ranger District.
Beech Bark Disease Revision
EA -- Construct a road to gain access to a landlocked parcel of National Forest System land and change the maintenance level of Forest Road 2284 from ML2 to ML1.
CR 497 Relocation
EA -- Relocate approximately 2,700 feet of CR 497 and an electric powerline to an existing railroad and utility corridor to address a meander bend in the Sturgeon River that threatens to undercut the road.
Ensign Township Fire Department Hydrant Relocation
Amendment to an existing special use permit to relocate a dry fire hydrant on National Forest System lands for fire suppression.
Goody Two Shoes
Harvest disease infested red pine from banded red pine rows which are infesting red pine regeneration.
Hiawatha Telephone Co. Hwy 94 Fiber Optic Cable
Install 11 miles of underground fiber optic cable within the right-of-way of Hwy 94, from Shingleton south to County Road 437. Construction methods would include vibratory and static plowing, directional boring, and aerial.
Highway M-28 Shoulder Project
MDOT has requested permission to remove approx. 350 trees within their right-of-way along about 5 miles of M-28 near Raco, MI to allow them to improve the slope of the shoulder when they repave concrete. This will improve travel surface and safety.
Priority Watershed Riparian Planting
Plant long lived conifers in the riparian corridors of the priority watersheds to restore important ecological functions.
Shores
EA -- A vegetation management project to provide forest products, to meet wildlife habitat needs, and to control and prevent insect and disease concerns related to EAB and BBD. The project would also provide a safe and efficient transportation system by decommissioning unneeded roads and constructing new roads where needed.
Treatment of Non-native Invasive Plants
EA -- Use of mechanical, manual, chemical, and biological techniques, either singly or in combination, to treat and control non-native invasive plant infestations on approximately 5,000 acres of National Forest land across the entire Hiawatha National Forest.
On Hold
Dukes Snowmobile Trail
This project will construct and designate a new state groomed snowmobile trail that connects Snowmobile Trail 417 west of Au Train with Trail 8 south of Dukes.
Cancelled
Island Lake Campground Rehabilitation
This project is marked as "Cancelled" because it falls into a Categorical Exclusion that does not require a Decision Memo. Analysis of the project will proceed. Project closes sites, reopens other sites and carry-in boat access, replaces toilet...
Murphy Creek Bridge Replacement
This project is marked as "Cancelled" because it falls into a Categorical Exclusion that does not require a Decision Memo. Analysis of the project will proceed. This project involves replacement of an existing trail bridge over Murphy Creek on Snowmobile Trail 413 three miles southeast of Thunder Lake. The existing bridge has deteriorated and is not capable of accommodating the weight of grooming equipment.