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.
2012 Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Project
The Wayne National Forest proposes to treat approx 459 ac of the Athens Unit with a single aerial application of an insect pheromone mating disruptant in the spring or summer of 2012. Monitoring will follow. The mating disruptant is species specific.
278 McCollan Re-route Watershed Restoration
Re-route 3 drainages into one culvert to prevent flooding onto private property. Two of the drainages will be rocked with limestone to buffer acid mine drainage from a discharging portal, and the 3rd drainage will be rocked to minimize erosion.
Decision signed 01/09/2009.
Abandoned Well Plugging
The Wayne National Forest will work with the OH Dept of Natural Resources to close 4 abandoned wells on the Ironton Ranger District. Two of the wells are located in the Hanging Rock ATV Area and the other 2 are in the Lake Vesuvius Rec Area.
Application for Permit to Drill, Hite 2 Oil and Gas Well - Kenoil Inc.
Kenoil Inc. proposes to develop a traditional vertical oil & gas well on the Athens Unit. The proposed well pad is 0.67ac and a proposed access road is 600ft in length. This proposal does not include horizontal drilling or high volume fracking.
Athens Ranger District Special Use Permit Renewals
Fifteen special use permits on the Athens Ranger District are expiring in December and need to be terminated or renewed. This project involves renewing those permits.
BLM Lease OHES 51280*- Carlton Oil Corp. - 3 Federal Oil/Gas Wells
Carlton Oil Corporation provided a Notice of Staking (NOS) informing the BLM and the Forest Service of the location of 3 Oil and/or Gas well(s) and subsequently will submit an Application to Drill Permit (APD). *OHES-56273, 52674,56275,56277.
Bessemer Hollow Reclamation Project
This project consists of closing 2 subsidences, reconstructing channels to re-establish surface water flow and treating acid mine drainage seeps in a heavily-impacted, mined area just north of Nelsonville (alongside Woodlane Ave).
Big Four Hollow Phase II Watershed Restoration
This project would treat acid mine drainage in Big Four Hollow near Longstreth, OH. The proposed project includes construction of a: limestone leachbed; small wetland; steel slag leachbed; small impoundment; two limestone lined channels; and 900 ft of temporary roads.
Brush Fork Subsidence Closures
Close 3 subsidences and construct 100 feet of limestone lined stream channel.
Original Decision issued 6/22/09; Revised Decision issued 8/26/09.
Carlton Oil Corporation Gas Pipeline
Carlton Oil Corp requests a speical use permit to lay on the surface a 1 1/2-in plastic pipeline. The pipeline will start at a well located on private land, cross approximately 2,500 ft on Forest Service land and back onto private to a meter site.
Cawthorn Hollow Subsidence Closures
Treat abandoned minelands to reduce acid mine drainage by closing two subsidences, treating four known seeps, opening two blocked drainages, and restoring positive drainage in this tributary to Monday Creek.
Charity Run Event
The requested proposal is to issue a Recreation Event permit for a 501(C)(3) charity running/walking event, which would take place on a Saturday in April.
Co Rd 29 Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge is necessary for safety and community access on Co Rd 29 since the July 20, 2010 storm damaged the historic bridge beyond repair.
Edward Brown Road Access Special Use Permit
Proposal to authorize the use and maintenance of an existing road as primary access to private land. Land is in the Harriettsville area of Elk Township of Noble County, Ohio. The road crosses approximately 600 feet of National Forest System lands.
Decision signed 08/13/2009.
FY 10 Ironton District Wetland Restoration
Restore the project areas to shallow wetlands that mimic natural oxbows and shallow, scour-pool depressions that historically occurred in low-lying fields in southern Ohio. The wetland pools will vary in depth from several inches to several feet.
Project includes:
- Removal of saplings and other woody plants.
- Construction of low levees using heavy equipment,
- Shaping pool bottom,
- Mulching and seeding levees,
- Planting native tree species,
- Installing signs, fences and gates,
- Installing footpaths, benches and small parking areas,
- Maintaining the resulting wetland, including control of non-native invasive species, mowing and management of water levels.
Gas Enterprise Company Pipeline request
Gas Enterprise Company Corp. has requested permission to lay a surface gas pipeline to transport gas across federal land from wells on private land across about 3,900 feet of federal land. Only minimal brush cutting would be required.
Habitat Management Fire Hazard Reduction Ironton Ranger District
Reduce natural fuel accumulations using prescribed fire or mechanical treatment on four areas. Total area approx 2,250 ac. Areas are: near Lake Vesuvius; Bluegrass; Fradd Hollow; and Handley Branch. Name changed to reflect mechanical treatment added.
Hanging Rock ATV Connector Improvements
This project includes various improvements to the Hanging Rock area, including improved access for fishing and the construction of connector trails.
Hibernaculum Area Foraging Enhancement Project
This project enhances bat foraging, drinking, and flyway habitat, as well as amphibian breeding habitat through activities including upland pond construction and brushing and limbing along a closed Forest Road near a bat hibernaculum.
Ironton Hayfield Management
Allow for leasing of historic hayfields in the Ironton Ranger District of the Wayne National Forest.
Little Muskingum River Canoe Launch Development
Dec. 2009 - This project has been placed on hold due to funding and design concerns. We hope to be able to move forward with this again in the not too distant future. This project is designed to replace old launch site that is unsafe and improve parking and river access at the Ring Mill recreation site along the Little Muskingum River on the Marietta Unit. Replacement launch site may be moved from current location.
Lost Run 3E Headwater Restoration
Open blocked drainages to establish free-flowing water on surface to prevent it from seeping into underground mines.
Decision signed 06/24/2009.
Lyra and Rehobeth Wetland Restoration
This proposed project has been cancelled. Restoration of wetlands in two bottomland fields for a complex of shallow wetlands that mimic the natural oxbows and shallow, scour-pool depressions that historically occurred. The pools will be up to 2.5 feet deep.
New Straitsville South Restoration
Close subsidences and reestablish drainage in several small watersheds. Originally scoped in 2006. Re-scope in fall 2008.
Decision signed 07/29/2009.
Openlands Maintenance
The Wayne National Forest proposes maintenance on approximately 2,600 acres of existing wildlife openings throughout the entire forest, using mechanical and prescribed fire methods.
Pancake Road Daylighting
A temporary increase to the York Township right-of-way along a portion of Pancake Rd (Twp 569) is proposed in order to allow the township to remove pine trees currently shading the road and causing hazardous conditions.
Pine Creek Historic Forest Restoration
Analyzing 28,202 acres of hardwood forest damaged by ice in 2003 with the purpose of restoring the forest toward the historic forest condition described in the revised Forest Plan.
Decision signed 05/19/2009.
Pleasant-Bear Vegetation Management Project
Create wildlife habitat that is missing or not in adequate supply. 564ac of early successional habitat through even-aged management techniques; 432ac of all-aged stands by single-tree and group selection; 870ac prescribed burning.
Proposed 2010 Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Treatment
The proposed treatment area would have an aerial application of a gypsy moth mating disruptant known as pheromones in June or July 2010. The treatment is not toxic to gypsy moths, other wildlife, plants or humans. It disrupts the moth's mating cycle.
Scioto Water Inc, Waterline Special Use Permit
US Forest Service proposes to issue a Special Use permit to Scioto Water Inc, for the installation and maintenance of a buried domestic potable waterline in Jackson county across 1,585 feet of National Forest lands along an existing road. Permitted disturbance area approximately 1,585 feet by 10 feet wide. Actual trench for waterline would be about 1 foot wide by 2 to 3 feet deep. Trench to be filled after pipe installation and the disturbed area seeded with a Forest Service approved seed mix. The permit would also authorize future maintenance that might be needed to allow the continued use of this utility. No tree removal, limited vegetation disturbance, and no stream crossings.
Stonebridge Natural Gas Pipeline Special Use
Proposal to issue a special use permit for an underground natural gas pipeline crossing approx 8200 feet of National Forest lands. PROJECT CANCELLED.
Tornado Salvage Treatment
On 9/16/2010 a wind event struck The Plains area, damaging a wide swath of National Forestland. This project will include a salvage treatment to approximately 97 of those acres.
Upstream Rock Run Restoration
Open 16 small drainages blocked by old mining activity. Establish appropriately sloped drainages so water can flow downstream rather than percolate into subsurface mine voids creating acid mine drainage. Disturbance approx. 50 ac.
Scoping and Notice and Comment Letter mailed on 10/20/2009. The Decision Notice was signed and legal notice was published in the Athens Messenger newspaper, Athens, Ohio on February 1, 2010.
Washington Electric Cooperative Powerline Special Use Permit
Proposal to authorize the installation and maintenance of a powerline to provide electric service to private lands in Elk Township of Noble County, OH. Line and poles will run along an existing road, crossing 600' of National Forest System lands.
Decision signed 09/09/2009.
Yellow-Fringed Orchid Habitat Improvement
Create habitat conditions that are more conducive to survival and expansion of the yellow-fringed orchid. Remove understory seedlings and saplings around an area where orchids have been documented in the past. Reduce understory competition by a combination of cutting, hand pulling, propane torches, prescribed fire and/or spot treatment with herbicide. Girdle overstory trees if necessary to increase sunlight reaching the forest floor.