Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
10/01/2012 to 12/31/2012
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section) :
-  Projects Occurring Nationwide
-  Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Butte Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Dillon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Jefferson Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Madison Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Pintler Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Wisdom Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R1 - Northern Region, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,  Wise River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

Projects Occurring Nationwide  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Gypsy Moth Management in the United States: A Cooperative Approach
EIS
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 09/19/2008
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 09/2012  		Expected:10/2012
  		01/2013 Noel Schneeberger
610-557-4121
nschneeberger@fs.fed.us 
Description: The USDA Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are analyzing a range of strategies for controlling gypsy moth damage to forests and trees in the United States.
Web Link:  http://www.na.fs.fed.us/wv/eis/
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. Nationwide.
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Projects Occurring in more than one Region (excluding Nationwide)  

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Mountain States Transmission Intertie
EIS
 - Special use management  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 08/20/2008
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 01/2012  		Expected:12/2012
  		03/2013 Patty Bates
406-683-3979
pbates@fs.fed.us 
Description: Issue easement to Northwestern Energy to construct and maintain a 500 KV electricity transmission line on National Forest System lands in Montana and Idaho. BLM is lead agency and Forest Service is cooperating agency.
Location: UNIT - Butte Ranger District, Jefferson Ranger District, Pintler Ranger District, Dubois Ranger District, Dillon Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana. COUNTY - Clark, Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Silver Bow. Various locations depending upon the alternative route locations.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Greater Sage-grouse Management Direction
EIS
 - Land management planning
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants 		 In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 12/09/2011
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2013  		Expected:08/2014
  		09/2014 Glen Stein
801-625-5281
gstein@fs.fed.us 
Description: The purpose of this project is to prepare environmental impact statements (EISs) and supplemental environmental impact statements to incorporate greater sage-grouse conservation measures into Bureau of Land Management land use plans and Forest Plans.
Web Link:  http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/eastern.html
Location: UNIT - Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest All Units. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead, Deer Lodge. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Dillon, Wisdom, Wise River Motor Vehicle Use Map
EA
 - Recreation management
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2012  		Expected:03/2013  07/2013 Alex Dunn
406-683-3864
adunn@fs.fed.us 
Description: NEPA analysis for designating motorized use on the Dillon, Wisdom and Wise River RD of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=28553
Location: UNIT - Wise River Ranger District, Wisdom Ranger District, Dillon Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow. LEGAL - T4-1N and T1-16 S, R7-19W. On the Dillon, Wisdom and Wise River RD of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.
Montana 4X4 Ride
CE
 - Special use management  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Jocelyn Dodge
406-494-0246
jdodge@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Montana 4x4 Association proposes to sponsor a statewide family ride July 24-29, 2012 on the Jefferson and Madison Ranger Districts. The Association would lead up to 15 vehicles on roads and one trail that are open to fullsize motorized vehicles.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39504
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District, Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson, Madison. LEGAL - Various. Forest Service routes to be used include 78289, 125, 965, 8695, 125A, 8596, 8600, 160, 1579, 1007, 9377, 173, 19722, UR7-20, 8599, 9605, 1009, 86, 222, 5158, 82, and Trail No. 7227.
North Butte Land Exchange
EA
 - Land ownership management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/02/2004
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		07/2012 Gary Howard
406-494-0228
gehoward@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project would exchange Federal lands north of Butte for private lands near Delmoe Lake.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=3379
Location: UNIT - Butte Ranger District, Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson, Silver Bow. LEGAL - Federal land is located in T3N,R8W;T4N,R8W;T4N,R7W. The federal land is located about 5 miles north of Butte, and the non-federal land is located in the Boulder Mountains around Delmoe Lake.
Northand West Big Hole Allotment Mangement Plans
EIS
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 08/17/2012
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2013  		Expected:09/2013
  		12/2013 Russell Riebe
208-756-5246
rriebe@fs.fed.us 
Description: Updating the allotment management plans for 11 grazing allotments.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37978
Location: UNIT - Wise River Ranger District, Wisdom Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead, Deer Lodge. On the Wisdon and Wise River Ranger Districts of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF.
Roadside Hazard Tree Removal #6
CE
 - Road management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012  09/2012 Cheryl Martin
406-287-3223
cmartin@fs.fed.us 
Description: Remove dead, dying, or structurally unsound trees determined to pose a hazard along several system roads on the Madison and Pintler Ranger Districts. Method of removal will likely involve commercial timber sales.
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District, Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite, Madison. LEGAL - T. 3 S., R. 3 W.; T. 4 S, R 2 W.; T. 5 S, R 2 W; T. 3 N., R. 15 W.; T. 4 N., R. 14 & 15 W.; T 5 N., R 14 W. Several roads in the Meadow Creek, Alder Gulch, Madison River-Ennis Lake, and Willow Creek watersheds; several roads in the East Fork Rock Creek and Middle Fork Rock Creek watersheds.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Butte Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Boulder River Recreation Sites
EA
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2012  		Expected:12/2012  02/2013 Jocelyn Dodge
406-494-0246
jdodge@fs.fed.us 
Description: Upgrading and expanding a developed camp ground and some dispersed camp sites
Location: UNIT - Butte Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - TN 5 and 6, RW 7 and 8,. Located on the Butte Ranger District, north of the city of Butte and about 8 miles west of Interstate 15.
Butte Highland Mine Road Use
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/18/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 10/2012  		Expected:12/2012
  		03/2013 Steve Kelley
406-494-0222
slkelley@fs.fed.us 
Description: Butte Highlands JV, LLC of Butte, Montana has submitted a Plan of Operations (POO) to use National Forest System roads for activities that are incidental to their mining operations on private land.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35069
Location: UNIT - Butte Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Silver Bow. LEGAL - Township 1 North, Range 8 West, section 20. Approximately 8 miles west along Forest Service road #84 (Highland Road) to the National Forest boundary.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Dillon Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Birch-Willow-Lost
EIS
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Watershed management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. NOI in Federal Register 03/2012  		Expected:06/2013  09/2013 Alex Dunn
406-683-3864
adunn@fs.fed.us 
Description: Vegetation management treatments to meet Forest Plan desired conditions including removing encroaching conifers in Sagebrush, Aspen, Mountain Mahogany, thinning Douglas-fir, regenerating Whitebark Pine.
Location: UNIT - Dillon Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead. Birch, Willow, and Lost Creek Watersheds in the East Face Management Area of the Pioneer Landscape.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Jefferson Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Boulder River Salvage and Vegetation Management Project
EIS
 - Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 03/30/2012
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 05/2013  		Expected:05/2014
  		06/2015 Karen Gallogly
208-756-5103
kgallogly@fs.fed.us 
Description: Salvage by clearcut regeneration harvest, and conduct biomass removal, commercial thinning, prescribed fire, and quaking aspen restoration on 24,939 acres (346 units) of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest System Lands north of Whitehall, MT.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38747
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. North of Whitehall, MT.
Brown's Gulch Division Fence Relocation
CE
 - Special area management  Completed  Actual: 08/24/2012  09/2012 Don Despain
406-846-1770
ddespain@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal will relocate and reconstruct fences resulting in the removal of 4000 ft of buck and wire or 4-strand barbed wire femce in the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area and replacing it with 2400 ft of 3-strand wildlife friendly fence.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37508
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T6N, R3W, Sections 30 &31 and T6N, R4W, Section 36. Elkhorn Wildlife Management Area.
Bull Mountain Game Range Conifer Reduction
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/09/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		08/2012 Kevin Smith
406-287-3223
kjsmith@fs.fed.us 
Description: Selective slashing or burning of non-merchantable conifers encroaching into sage/grass communities to restore forage production for wildlife on 5,010 acres on the Bull Mountain Game Range. Project involves no road building or commercial harvest.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37637
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T3N, R4W, Sec(s) 17, 18, 19, 20, 29 and 30. Jefferson River Landscape, Pipestone Management Area, 8 miles northwest of Whitehall, Montana on Little Whitetail Creek.
Homestake Conifer Slashing
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/09/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Joseph Sampson
406-287-3223
jsampson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal to cut down non-merchantable conifers across 7 units, (600 acres) where they overtop aspen along the boundary between open sagebrush parks and lodge pole pine dominated forest. The proposal requires no road construction or commercial harvest
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37641
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T2N, R6W, Sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19. 7 miles southeast of Butte, Montana, Jefferson River Landscape, Pipestone Management Area.
Homestake Trail #7071 Relocation
CE
 - Heritage resource management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/01/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Jocelyn Dodge
406-494-0246
jdodge@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal to relocate two segments of Homestake Trail #7071 in the Whitetail-Pipestone Area move it off of the the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Tracks.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33521
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T2N, R6W, Sections 17 and 18. Upper Clark Fork Landscapae, Pipestone Management Area.
Howard Private Road Use
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/11/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Jocelyn Dodge
406-494-0246
jdodge@fs.fed.us 
Description: Gary and Sharon Howard have applied for a private road special use authorization to construct approximatel 150 yards of road from the Toll Mountain Road across NFS lands to their private land.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33497
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T1N, R6W, Section 9. Backyard Butte Management Area.
Monforton Private Road Special Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/27/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Don Despain
406-846-1770
ddespain@fs.fed.us 
Description: Mr Monforton requests we renew a private road special use permit, authorized since 2001, for a mile behind a locked gate on FS Road #173. His property is surrounded by National Forest System lands.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38322
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T3N, R5W, Sec(s) 10, & 3. Jefferson River Landscape, Whitetail & Pipestone Management Areas.
Pride J Placer Exploration
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  Completed  Actual: 07/23/2012  08/2012 Steve Kelley
406-494-0222
slkelley@fs.fed.us 
Description: Joel Silver of Butte, Montana has submitted a Plan of Operations (POO) to explore for minerals on unpatented mining claims. His proposal includes excavating eight placer exploration test pits using an excavator to test for valuable minerals.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38476
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T6N, R7W, sections 1 and 2. South Fork Red Rock Creek, approximately 8.5 miles northwest of Basin, Montana.
Rawhide Trail #7073, Maintenance and Reconstruction
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/27/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		07/2012 Jocelyn Dodge
406-494-0246
jdodge@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project involves maintenance and reconstruction along 3.7 miles of the existing trail tread in the Elkhorn Mountain Range. New trail tread shall be 48 inches in width. No changes in travel managment are proposed. The trail is open to ATVs.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38324
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T6N, R3W, Sections 8,9, and16, T6N, R4W, Sections 7,8,17, and 18. Elkhorn Management Areas C6 and C7.
Seeded Pasture Pipeline Extention
CE
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/03/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Robert McCray
406-287-3223
rlmccray@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposed action is to bury 1600’ of 1 ½” plastic pipe, from the existing water tank in Section 6 to a new water tank located on BLM ground in Section 7. Approximately 1200’ of the pipeline is located on National Forest.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33504
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T2N R5W Sec. 6 and 7. Jefferson Landscape: Whitetail and Pipestone Management Areas.
Tebay Pasture Pipeline Extension
CE
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 09/03/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Robert McCray
406-287-3223
rlmccray@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal would bury 3000’ of 1 ½” plastic pipe from the existing water tank (Section 15) to a new water tank on BLM land (Section 14). Approximately a 2800' of pipeline would be buried on National Forest.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33509
Location: UNIT - Jefferson Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Jefferson. LEGAL - T2N, R6W, Sections 14 and 15. Jefferson Landscape: Whitetail and Pipestone Management Areas.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Madison Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2011 Aspen Release
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/23/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		09/2012 Paul Roose
406-682-4253
plroose@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project proposes treatment of 507 acres of conifer encroachment to improve health and viability of aspen clones comprising 21 units of 2 to 56 acres.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34720
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - multiple legal descriptions, see map under Supporting Documents. Gravelly Landscape, Antelope Basin, Chain of Lakes, Upper Ruby, West Fork Madison, Mill Creek Corridor, Ramshorn management areas.
Aspen and Douglas-fir Resiliency Demonstration
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/16/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		07/2012 Damian Lunetta
406-682-4253
dlunetta@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal is for a multifaceted treatment to enhance aspen and large diameter Douglas-fir trees on the Cliff Lake Bench. area encompasses approximately 150 acres.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34984
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T12S, R1E, Section 3. Gravelly Landscape, West Fork Madison Management Area.
Bartoletti Private Road Special Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/20/2012  07/2012 Gene Hardin
406-821-1222
ghardin@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal would authorized a private road special use permit to Louis Bartolleti for access across approximately 350 feet of National Forest System lands on an existing road in the Bear Gulch area.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37926
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T3S, R4W, Sec 8 SW. Tobacco Root Landscape, Tobacco Root Peaks Management Area.
Beaver Dam Ranches Special Use Permit
CE
 - Special use management  Completed  Actual: 07/09/2012  07/2012 Gene Hardin
406-682-4253
ghardin@fs.fed.us 
Description: The proposal would issue a special use permit to authorize structures on National Forest System Lands that have been in place for over 20 years. They include fences, a water diversion ditch, well, and buried water and electrical lines.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38962
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T4S, R2W, Section 28. Meadow Creek Managment Area in the Tobbacco Root Landscape.
Crockett Lake Whitebark Pine Demonstration
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/15/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Paul Roose
406-682-4253
plroose@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project is intended to remove all conifers and slash (except limber pine) from the understory in identified whitebark pine stands in order to reduce competition and increase sunlight so that the WBP reproduces fully and faster.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34987
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T9S, R2W,Section 5. Gravelly Landscape, Upper Ruby and Wigwam-Cherry Managment Areas.
Crow Creek Hardened Crossing
CE
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/16/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:08/2012
  		09/2012 Kevin Suzuki
406-682-4253
ksuzuki@fs.fed.us 
Description: Install grade control structures on each side of an exising creek crossing. Lower the banks to a 1:4 grade and spread cobble and gravel on the approaches to stabilize soil. Install a jackleg fence to keep cows from walking up or down the creek.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34185
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T12S, R4W, Section 35. Centennial Foothills Managment Area in Gravelly Landscape.
Lazyman Repeater Shelter and Tower Replacement
CE
 - Facility management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/14/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		09/2012 Bill Given
406-683-3909
bgiven@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal would replace the existing repeater facility with a new 6 x 6 x 8 foot steel radio shelter and 40 foot tower at a new site 2000 feet south of the current location.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37929
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T10S, R2W, Sec 9. Gravelly Landscape Bighorn Mountain Management Area.
Madison FY12 Trails Project
CE
 - Recreation management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jonathan Klein
406-682-4253
jklein@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal covers three trail projects in one construction package, new construction of a non-motorized trail, and rerouting and reconstructing 2 motorized trails.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37931
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - Horn Creek: T13S, R2E, Sec 30; Meridian Creek: T13S, R1E, Sections 5, 4, & 3; and Brimstone: T13S, R1E, Sections 16 & 17. Gravelly Landscape, Chain of Lakes, Antelope Basin, and West Fork Madison managment areas.
Mill Creek Streambank Stabilization
CE
 - Facility management  Completed  Actual: 07/24/2012  08/2012 Darin Watschke
406-682-4253
dwatschke@fs.fed.us 
Description: This project would remove the remaining streambank and vegetative material that sloughed into Mill Creek last year and stabilize the banks with rocks, root wads, and native plants to protect the existing bank from further erosion and scouring
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38403
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T4S, R5W, Sec 26. An administrative site on Mill Creek in the town of Sheridan, MT.
Noble Lake Dam Repair
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 09/06/2012  09/2012 Kevin Suzuki
406-682-4253
ksuzuki@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Noble Lake Dam was damaged in the spring of 2011 due to heavy runoff and ice plugging the spillway. The owners have proposed repair of the dam by restoring the structure to the original construction design parameters.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39883
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T3S, R4W, Section 22. Noble Fork drainage in the Tobacco Root Mountains.
Romey Creek Crossing
CE
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/07/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		07/2012 Arthur Hall
406-842-5432
athall@fs.fed.us 
Description: We propose to cut Douglas-fir trees encroaching on 0.78 acres of riparian area to use as a barrier along Romy Creek. A strategic opening will funnel them to the historic road crossing and reduce trampling on about 60 yards of streambank.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38402
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T9S, R3W Sections 32 &33. Snowcrest Recommended Wilderness Management Area, Gravelly Landscape.
Wall Creek / Hyde Creek Pipelines
CE
 - Grazing management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Kevin Suzuki
406-682-4253
ksuzuki@fs.fed.us 
Description: Construction of two 1.25 inch livestock pipelines and troughs. The Wall Creek Pipeline Extension is .5 miles long off an existing pipeline. Hyde Creek Pipeline extends 0.1 mile from a spring.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33397
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Madison. LEGAL - T10S, R1W, Sec. 7 and T9S, R1W, Sec. 32. Gravelly Landscape, Wall Creek Management Area.
West Fork Blacktail Deer Creek Hardened Crossing
CE
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/07/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:08/2012
  		09/2012 Arthur Hall
406-842-5432
athall@fs.fed.us 
Description: We propose to harden an existing eroding livestock crossing a by installing grade control structures and using compacted gravel over cobble on approaches. Jackleg fences will keep stock in the crossing.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38400
Location: UNIT - Madison Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead. LEGAL - T12S, R4W, Section 30. Southwest of Antone Cabin, in the Snowcrest Recommended Wilderness Management Area, Gravelly Landscape.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Pintler Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Berkeley Timing Cable
CE
 - Special area management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/13/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		06/2012 Jennifer Blake
406-859-3211
jbblake@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Discovery Ski Team proposes to bury 3000 feet of cable for electronic timing equipment for nationally sanctioned ski races. The computer network cable would be encased in 1 inch conduit bured 6 inches underground by a ditchwitch.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37792
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T6N R13W, Sections 20 and 21. Discovery Ski Area in the Clarkfork Flint Landscape, Georgetown Lake Management Area.
Christain #1 Minerals Exploration Project
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/18/2011  		Expected:08/2011
  		09/2011 Steve Kelley
406-494-0222
slkelley@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service received a Plan of Operation to explore for minerals on unpatented mining claims located in T8N, R12W, section 11 approximately 16 miles northwest of Deer Lodge, Montana in the Master Mine area.
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T8N, R12W, section 11. The proposed mineral exploration project is located within the Flint Foothills Management Area of the Clark Fork Flint Landscape and is consistent with the January 2009 Beaverhead-Deerlodge National F.
Collins Access Road
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 05/30/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 08/2012  		Expected:09/2012
  		10/2012 Steve Kelley
406-494-0222
slkelley@fs.fed.us 
Description: Tom Collins of Missoula has submitted a Plan of Operations (POO) to build an access road across National Forest System (NFS) lands to explore for minerals on his patented mining claim (private land).
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39507
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T8N, R12W, sections 13 and 14. Approximately 16 miles northwest of Deer Lodge, Montana, in the Gold Creek Lakes area.
East Deer Lodge Valley Landscape Restoration Management
EIS
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/05/2010
Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 05/2012  		Expected:05/2012
  		01/2013 Brent Lignell
406-494-2147
blignell02@fs.fed.us 
Description: Restore Terrestrial and aquatic conditions, respond to 2008 landscape assessment, capture economic value of dead/dying trees.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=25807
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Deer Lodge. In Southwest Montana, bounded by the Clark Fork River along I-90 on the west and the continental divide on the east.
East Fork Fish Screen
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/22/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Cheryl Martin
406-287-3223
cmartin@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Pintler Ranger District proposes to issue a special use permit to DNRC for the construction of a vertical fixed panel fish screen designed to accommodate a 200 cfs flow.
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T5N, R15W, section 6. Rock Creek drainage on the East Fork Rock Creek, 15 miles south of Philipsburg, Montana.
Emerine Repeater Project
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/06/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		07/2012 Jennifer Blake
406-859-3211
jbblake@fs.fed.us 
Description: Remove the existing tower and base at the Emerine Lookout and install a new 6’ x ‘ x 8’ steel radio shelter 100 ft west of the Emerine Lookout Cabin.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38191
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T5N, R16W, Sec 8. Upper Rock Creek Landscape, West Fork Rock Creek Management Area.
Flint Creek Campground Rehabilitation
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/08/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Jenni Blake
406.859.3211
jblake01@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal includes redesign of campsites, replacement of all furniture, barriers, fire rings, and wooden valut toilets. Maintenance or repair of driving surfaces, relocation of some sites, and a new well with accessible hanpump are also included.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36779
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T6N, R14W, Sec. 36 and parts of Sections 26 and 35. Clark Fork Flint Landscape, Georgetown Lake Management Area.
Flint Foothills Vegetation Management Project
EIS
 - Land management planning
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products) 		 In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 06/02/2011
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 04/2012  		Expected:09/2012
  		01/2013 Charlene Bucha Gentry
406 859-3211
CGentry@fs.fed.us 
Description: 1) Salvage beetle dead and dying lodgepole pine 2) Commercial thin ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir 3) Use prescribed fire in low and mid-elevation mixed conifer stands to promote resiliency 4) Pre-commercial thin young stans
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=33238
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Deer Lodge, Silver Bow. Flint Foothills and Flint Uplands Management Areas located south of Interstate 90 between Drummond and Deer Lodge.
Georgetown Lake Campground Concession Permit Reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/04/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Jennifer Blake
406-859-3211
jbblake@fs.fed.us 
Description: Big Sky Recreation seeks renewal of their special use authorization to operate and maintain campgrounds, developed sites, and facilities at Georgetown Lake. No changes to the operation, authorized facilities or increase in the scope are proposed.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38192
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Deer Lodge, Granite. LEGAL - T5N, R14W to T6N, R13W, and T5Nk R13W. Developed sites around Georgetown Lake in the Clark Fork Flints Landscape, Georgetown Lake Management Area.
Jubilee Trail
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/13/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		10/2012 Jenni Blake
208-727-5005
jblake01@fs.fed.us 
Description: This proposal would add a winter ski trail at Discovery Ski Area from the Sapphire to the Jubilee run in order to reduce conflict and congestion below the lodge. This route will be about 350 feet and require removal of about 100 trees.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37774
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T6N, R13W, Secs 21 & 28. Discovery Ski Area in the Clark Fork Flint Landscape, Georgetown Lake Management Area.
Reconstruction of the Lost Creek #8133 and Foster Creek #8045 Trails
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/06/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		09/2012 Jennifer Blake
406-859-3211
jbblake@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Lost Creek and Foster Creek Trails are accessible from the Lost Creek State Park and the Warm Springs Road. Both trails need work to bring them up to trail standards.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38193
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Deer Lodge, Granite. LEGAL - T5N, R11W, Sections 6 and T6N, R12W, Section 16, 17, 21, 27, 28, 35, 36. Clark Fork Flint Landscape, Flint Uplands Management Area.
Smart Creek Minerals Exploration #2
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 05/22/2012  		Expected:07/2012
  		08/2012 Steve Kelley
406-494-0222
slkelley@fs.fed.us 
Description: Frank Antonioli of Butte has submitted a Plan of Operations (POO) to explore for minerals on unpatented mining claims located in T8N, R13W, section 6, approximately 10 miles north of Philipsburg, Montana.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=39358
Location: UNIT - Pintler Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Granite. LEGAL - T8N, R13W, section 6. Smart Creek drainage approximately 10 miles north of Philipsburg, Montana.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Wisdom Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Chief Joesph Cross Country Ski Trail Hazard Tree Removal
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/23/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:08/2012
  		10/2012 Nathan Gassmann
406-784-2344
ngassmann@fs.fed.us 
Description: Remove hazard trees over the course of 10 years, to reduce the risk posed to skiers and hikers on this trail system (over 7000 visitors annually) by commercial means if possible. Force account or service contracts will be employed otherwise.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36827
Location: UNIT - Wisdom Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana. COUNTY - Lemhi, Beaverhead, Ravalli. LEGAL - T 2S, R 19W, Sections 2, 3, 35, 36,. Trail Creek Management Area, Big Hole Landscape.
Chief Joesph Ski Trail Maintenance & Construction
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/23/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 07/2012  		Expected:09/2012
  		04/2013 Nathan Gassmann
406-784-2344
ngassmann@fs.fed.us 
Description: Project would re-shaping the existing road prism on the old log hauling routes used as ski trails and dig stumps on approximately 32 kilometers of cross country ski trails and construct a connector trail between Moose and Sentinel Meadow trails.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36828
Location: UNIT - Wisdom Ranger District. STATE - Idaho, Montana. COUNTY - Lemhi, Beaverhead, Ravalli. LEGAL - T 2S, R 19W, Sections 2 and 3. Trail Creek Management Area, Big Hole Landscape, a small portion of the trails overlaps on the Bitterroot and Salmon/Challis National Forests.
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Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,   Wise River Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R1 - Northern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Gold Creek Trail Reconstruction
CE
 - Recreation management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/29/2012  		Expected:08/2012
  		09/2012 Nathan Gassmann
406-784-2344
ngassmann@fs.fed.us 
Description: Relocate 2 miles of trail and restore 4 miles of existing trail along Gold Creek in the East Pioneers to meet the needs of hikers and stock users. Work includes rolling dips, switchbacks climbing turns, signs and rock blasting.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=34197
Location: UNIT - Wise River Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Beaverhead. LEGAL - T3S R12W S3. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway and Torrey Mountain Recommended Wilderness Management Areas in Pioneer Landscape.
Mount Haggin Aspen Release
CE
 - Vegetation management (other than forest products)  On Hold  N/A  N/A Matthew Nelson
406-832-3178
mlnelson@fs.fed.us 
Description: Proposal to treat seven aspen units for a total of 160 acres to enhance the health and viability of aspen clones along the Lower Dry Creek road.
Web Link:  http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36818
Location: UNIT - Wise River Ranger District. STATE - Montana. COUNTY - Deer Lodge. LEGAL - T3W, R12N, Sections 29,31,32. Fishtrap-Mount Haggin Management Area in the Big Hole Landscape.
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This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.