San Juan National Forest

Proposed Projects

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See a separate page for information about the Northern San Juan Basin Coal Bed Methane Project.

Northern San Juan Basin Coalbed Methane Project Record of Decision [PDF, 57 pages, 410 KB]

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The Columbine Ranger District/Field Office announces a public comment period on the Hermosa/Mitchell Lakes Land Exchange Draft Environmental Impact Statement [PDF, 324 pages, 9.76 MB]. The proposed action is to exchange 265 acres of land south of Chris Park Campground for 330 acres in three parcels: Hermosa Park, Mitchell Lakes, and Iron Clad mining claim. Other key points of the proposed action include granting an easement for a paved access road, construction of a public parking lot on the new road, adoption of about 6 miles of trails into the formal trail system, construction of about 2 miles of new trail as mitigation for trails lost in the exchange, and mitigation for the loss of a segment of a historic wagon road.

The comment period has been extended through October 30, 2009.

More details about the project and how to comment can be found in the attached comment period announcement letter [PDF, 5 pages, 2.79 MB].

News release

Appraisals Available on Land Exchange: Public Comment Period Extended (September 15, 2009)

FAQs [PDF, 11 pages, 70 KB]

Maps [PDF, 8 pages, 1.62. MB]

Existing Hermosa Trails [pdf, 1 page, 748 KB]

For more information, contact Cindy Hockelberg at 970-884-1418.

Appraisal Information
The appraisal information regarding the value of the Federal and non-Federal properties is attached below. The values of the properties are not subject to the environmental analysis process and are not subject to appeal. An equal value exchange is required under the Federal Land Policy Management Act. The appraisals have been prepared under U.S. Department of Justice standards and reviewed and approved by the Forest Service. It is not within the approving officer's authority to determine whether the approved values are correct, only whether or not to proceed with an exchange based on those values.

When reviewing the appraisal information please note that the values for each alternative are based on a 265 acre Federal parcel. The appraiser has concluded that the same unit value (per acre value) is appropriate for any configuration between 245 and 279 acres. Under Alternatives 3 and 4 of the EIS, the Federal acreage is listed as 243 acres. This is an estimate only, as no survey has been completed. Should either of those alternatives be selected an exact acreage would be determined by survey. If the actual acreage falls outside of that range, the appraiser would be requested to determine whether that unit value still applies.

Please note: we will be removing the appraisals on October 9th. The Appraisal Review Reports will remain on the website, and the Appraisals can be reviewed at the Columbine Ranger District Offices after October 9th. We will also make the Appraisals available through our normal FOIA process. We will remove the appraisal files to protect potentially business-competitive information.

Appraisal Release Disclaimer [PDF, 8 pages, 9 KB]

Federal Property Appraisal Review Report [PDF, 16 pages, 317 KB]

Hermosa Park Non-Federal Appraisal Review Report [PDF, 14 pages, 315 KB]

Iron Clad Non-Federal Appraisal Review Report [PDF, 11 pages, 171 KB]

Mitchell Lakes Non-Federal Appraisal Review Report [PDF, 13 pages, 312 KB]

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Travel Management

The Columbine Ranger District announces a 30-day public comment period on the pre-decisional draft Environmental Assessment [PDF, 81 pages, 899 KB] for the Beaver Meadows/Sauls Creek Travel Management landscape. View a letter describing how to comment [PDF, 3 pages, 50 KB].

You may contact Nancy Berry for more information or with questions regarding this project, at 970-884-1412.

Figure 1, Location map [PDF, 1 page, 8.06 MB]
Figure 2, Alternative 1 map [PDF, 1 page, 1.80 MB]
Figure 3, Alternative 2 map [PDF, 1 page, 1.71 MB
Figure 4, Alternative 3 map [PDF, 1 page, 1.76 MB]
Figure 5, Alternative 3 Sauls Creek map [PDF, 1 page, 1.25 MB]
Figure 6, Alternative 4 map [PDF, 1 page, 1.75 MP]
Figure 7, Alternative 4 Sauls Creek map [PDF, 1 page, 1.25 MB]
Figure 8, Roadless/Special Areas map [PDF, 1 page, 1.83 MB]

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NEW 9/25/09

The Columbine Ranger District/Field Office announces that on Sept. 25, 2009, District Ranger/Field Office Manager Matt Janowiak signed a Decision [PDF, 20 pages, 589 KB] for the Silverton Landscape Grazing Analysis Environmental Assessment [PDF, 4.96 MB]. The Decision re-authorizes sheep grazing on eight allotments, designates two allotments as forage reserve, and closes four allotments to grazing. The Decision describes appeal/protest procedures and details rationale, design criteria, and monitoring.

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The Pagosa Ranger District announces that on June 1, 2009, District Ranger Kevin Khung signed the Decision Notice [PDF, 11 pages 699 KB], for the Blue Creek Exploratory Oil Well Environmental Assessment [PDF, 53 pages, 2.64 MB]. The decision approves the construction of a well pad and the drilling of an exploratory oil well. Appeals rights are described in the Decision Notice.

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The Columbine Ranger District announces that on May 14, 2009, Acting District Ranger Matt Janowiak signed the Record of Decision (ROD) [PDF, 16 pages, 591 KB] for the Hermosa Landscape Grazing Analysis Final EIS [PDF, 176 pages, 2.23 MB]The decision re-authorizes grazing using adaptive management strategies on three currently active allotments: Dutch Creek, Elbert Creek, and Upper Hermosa Allotments. The decision also designates the Cascade Reservoir Allotment as a forage reserve, and closes the Hope Creek and South Fork Allotments to livestock grazing. Details of the decision can be read in the ROD.

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Travel Management

The Dolores Public Lands Office is conducting public scoping for the Boggy - Glade Travel Management Area of the San Juan National Forest. Public input will be accepted through June 8, 2009. The purpose of this action is to solicit initial comments to assist in development of the Boggy - Glade Travel Management Plan (BGTMP). The purpose is to improve managment of motor vehicle use within these areas, which includes the designation of a system of trails, roads, and areas for motorized and non-motorized uses. Comments will be used to shape the environmental assessment.

Scoping Letter [PDF, 2 pages, 894 KB]

Map [PDF, 1 page, 2.47 MB]

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New 9/24/09

Travel Management

The Dolores Public Lands Office has issued the Decision Notice [PDF, 37 pages, 212 KB] for the Rico - West Dolores Travel Management Plan Project.

On September 24, 2009, Steven K. Beverlin, Manager, Dolores Public Lands Office, signed the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Rico – West Dolores Travel Management Plan (RWDTMP). Beverlin selected Alternative E, with modifications (Modified Alternative E), as the action to implement. The selection of Modified Alternative E complies with the Forest Service’s 2005 Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212) and with the current Forest Plan (as amended). Modified Alternative E eliminates unrestricted motorized cross-country travel throughout the analysis area by designating routes open for summer motorized and non-motorized uses on approximately 244,550 acres of federally owned public lands.

Decision Notice

Cover Letter [PDF, 1 page, 444 KB]
Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact [PDF, 37 pages, 212 KB]
Appendix A - Vicinity Map [PDF, 1 page, 565 KB]
Decision Notice Map - Modified Alternative E [PDF, 1 page, 1.99 MB]
Appendix G - Modified Alternative E map, System and Non-System Routes to Close/Decommission [PDF, 1 page, 1 MB]
Appendix N - Comparison to Existing Condition [PDF, 2 pages, 22 KB]
Appendix O - Agencies, Organizations and Individuals Contacted [PDF, 4 pages, 44 KB]

Environmental Assessment

Cover Letter [PDF, 1 page, 489 KB]
Addendum [PDF, 1 page, 25 KB]
Environmental Assessment [PDF, 103 pages, 651 KB]
Appendix A - Vicinity Map [PDF, 1 page, 698 KB]
Appendix B - Forest Plan Management Areas [PDF, 1 page, 14 KB]
Appendix B, Alternative C - Alternative C Managment Areas Map [PDF, 1 page, 5.51 MB]
Appendix B, Alternative D - Alternative D Management Areas Map [PDF, 1 page, 5.52 MB]
Appendix B, Alternative E - Alternative E Management Areas Map [PDF, 1 page, 5.56 MB]
Appendix C - Alternative C Map [PDF, 1 page, 6.42 MB]
Appendix D - Alternative D Map [PDF, 1 page, 6.41 MB]
Appendix E - Alternative E Map [PDF, 1 page, 6.47 MB]
Appendix F, Alternative C - Inventoried Roadless Areas [PDF, 1 page, 6.07 MB]
Appendix F, Alternative D - Inventoried Roadless Areas [PDF, 1 page, 6.06 MB]
Appendix F, Alternative E - Inventoried Roadless Areas [PDF, 1 page, 6.11 MB]
Appendix G - System and Non-system Routes to Close/Decommission [PDF, 1 page, 5.80 MB]
Appendix H - System Trails and roads with Mileages [PDF, 4 pages, 108 KB]
Appendix I - Project Design Criteria [PDF, 1 page, 22 KB]
Appendix J - Trail Signing Standards/Guidelines [PDF, 1 page, 71 KB]
Appendix K - Environmental Educational Programs [PDF, 3 pages, 92 KB]
Appendix L - Closure Orders/Seasonal Restrictions [PDF, 2 pages, 33 KB]
Appendix M - Correspondence Regarding Alternative B [PDF, 10 pages, 318 KB]

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The Pagosa Ranger District is seeking public comment on a proposal to continue grazing on the Trail Creek, Drift Fence, Williams Creek, Weminuche, Mesa and Sheep Creek Allotments. The pre-decisional Environmental Assessment [PDF, 96 pages, 2.88 MB] is now available for public review. To be eligible to appeal the subsequent decision on this project, an individual or group must provide comment or otherwise express interest in the proposed action during the comment period. The comment period ends 30 days after publication of the opportunity to comment legal notice in the Durango Herald.

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The Dolores Public Lands Office has released the Torrey Pines 3D Seismic Project Environmental Assessment (EA) [PDF, 111 pages, 3.19 MB] for public review and comment. Bill Barrett Corporation filed a Notice of Intent with the BLM on February 6, 2008, with the BLM to conduct an exploratory three-dimensional seismic survey of the proposed Torrey Pines project area. The proposed project area encompasses approximately 22 square miles (13,905 acres) of BLM and private surface in the Disappointment Valley on the north and south sides of Highway 141 about four miles east of Slick Rock, Colorado, in San Miguel County.

Environmental Assessment [PDF, 111 pages, 3.19 MB]

News Release [PDF, 1 page, 63KB]

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Travel Management

On April 1, 2008, Steve Beverlin, Manager, Dolores Public Lands Office, signed the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (DN/FONSI) [PDF, 17 pages, 138 KB] for the Mancos-Cortez Travel Management Plan (MCTMP). The DN/FONSI includes the selection of Alternative C with modifications (referred to as Modified Alternative C). The selection of Modified Alternative C complies with the Forest Service’s 2005 Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212) and with BLMs current motor use policies by restricting motorized cross-country travel throughout the analysis area and designating routes open for summer motorized and non-motorized uses on approximately 157,000 acres of federally owned public lands. The DN/FONSI identifies a total of 179 miles of recreational trail opportunities, of which, 60 miles are exclusively designated for non-motorized uses. In addition, implementation of Modified Alternative C also addresses other issues such as dispersed camping and parking for day use.

Decision Notice
Cover Letter [PDF, 1 page, 109 KB]
Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact [PDF, 17 pages, 138 KB]
Appendix A, Mancos-Cortez TMA Vicinity Map [PDF, 1 page, 472 KB]
Appendix A, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 383 KB]
Appendix A, BLM Lands, Phil's World, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 1.26 MB]
Appendix A, BLM Lands, Mud Springs, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 508 KB]

Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment [PDF, 32 pages, 305 KB]
Appendix A, Alternative B [PDF, 1 page, 347 KB]
Appendix A, Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 374 KB]
Appendix A, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 374 KB]
Appendix A, Phil's World, Alternative B [PDF, 1 page, 1.08 MB]
Appendix A, Phil's World, Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 1.26 MB]
Appendix A, BLM Lands, Phil's World, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 1.26 KB]
Appendix A, Mud Springs, Alternative B [PDF, 1 page, 472 KB]
Appendix A, Mud Springs, Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 490 KB]
Appendix A, BLM Lands, Mud Springs, Modified Alternative C [PDF, 1 page, 508 KB]
Mancos-Cortez TMA Vicinity Map [PDF, 1 page, 472 KB]
Appendix B, Mancos-Cortez TMA [PDF, 1 page, 426 KB]
Appendix B, forest Plan Management Areas and Resource Management Plan Emphasis Areas [PDF, 1 page, 18 KB]
Appendix C, System Trails with Mileages [PDF, 1 page, 40 KB]
Appendix D, Project Design Criteria [PDF, a page, 20 KB]
Appendix E, system Roads and Unauthorized Routes to Decommission and/or Close [PDF, 1 page, 19 KB]
Appendix F, Opportunities and Future Trails and Parking Areas [PDF, 1 page, 19 KB]
Appendix G, Trail Signing Standards/Guidelines [PDF, 1 page, 75 KB]
Appendix H, Environmental Education Programs [PDF, 3 pages, 103 KB]
Appendix I, Closure Orders/Seasonal Restrictions [PDF, 1 page, 25 KB]
Appendix J, changes Made from Preliminary EA to Final EA [PDF, 1 page, 15 KB]

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USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest
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Page last modified October 9, 2009