Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2012 to 06/30/2012
Prescott 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
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Prescott National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Prescott National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Prescott National Forest,  Bradshaw Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Prescott National Forest,  Chino Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R3 - Southwestern Region, Prescott National Forest,  Verde 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 12/2011  		Expected:03/2012
  		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.
Land Management Planning Rule
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  Completed  Actual: 03/23/2012  12/2011 Brenda Halter-Glenn
202-260-9400
bhalterglenn@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Department of Agriculture proposes to promulgate a new planning rule, which will set out the process for development, revision, and amendment of National Forest System land management plans.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. Agency-wide Rule.
Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on National Forest System Lands.
EIS
 - Regulations, Directives, Orders  Completed  Actual: 12/13/2011  01/2012 Glen Stein
801-200-2703
gstein@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service will prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement for the continued nationwide aerial application of fire retardant on National Forest System lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/index.html
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. Nationwide.
Back To Top

R3 - Southwestern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide)

 
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
APS Sycamore 69kV Powerline Permit Reissuance
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Tamarya Pike
480-595-3370
tpike@fs.fed.us 
Description: Update and re-authorize Arizona Public Service 69-kV power transmission line across approximately 17 miles of NFS lands
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District, Cave Creek Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. East of I-17 from Dugas south to Black Canyon City.
CAMP TATIYEE LAND EXCHANGE - 0100
EIS
 - Land acquisition  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 03/25/2010
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 12/2012  		Expected:03/2013
  		06/2013 Randall Chavez
928-368-2100
rchavez02@fs.fed.us 
Description: Exchange of private parcels in the A-S, Coronado, Prescott, & Tonto NFs for Federal lands in Pinetop-Lakeside (T9N, R22E). Would provide land for children's camps currently under spec. use permit & result in consolid. of isolated parcels on Forests.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=5004
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District, Lakeside Ranger District, Mesa Ranger District, Sierra Vista Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Navajo. LEGAL - T9N, R22E, sec.16, G&SRBM. Along State Highway SR260 within existing Pinetop-Lakeside town limits.
Show Low South Land Exchange
EIS
 - Land ownership management  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 04/28/2009
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 05/2012  		Expected:09/2012
  		12/2012 Randall Chavez
928-368-2100
rchavez02@fs.fed.us 
Description: A proposal to exchange 1028 acres Federal Land (Apache-Sitgreaves NFs & Coconino NF) for 1555 acres of non federal lands (Apache-Sitgreaves, Prescott and Coconino NF).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District, Alpine Ranger District, Lakeside Ranger District, Black Mesa Ranger District, Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Clifton Ranger District, Red Rock Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, Navajo, Yavapai. LEGAL - T6N R29E Section 34, T10N R22E Section 31 & #2. Exchange private parcesl in the A-S, Coconino & Prescott NFs for Federal lands on the Apache (Alpine RD) T6N R29E Sec 34 (Sacr & Lakeside RD) T10N R22E Sec 31 &32 (900 acres) and Coconino (50 acres).
Back To Top

Prescott National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Airbase Expansion at Prescott Fire Center
EA
 - Facility management  Completed  Actual: 02/28/2012  04/2012 Dan Salcido
928-443-8167
dsalcido@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Prescott National Forest is proposing to expand and update its facilities at the Prescott Fire Center at 2400 Melville Drive.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36702
Location: UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. 2400 Melville Road, Prescott, Arizona.
Prescott National Forest Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan
EIS
 - Land management planning  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 01/19/2010
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 06/2012  		Expected:02/2013
  		04/2013 Mary Rasmussen
928-443-8265
mcrasmussen@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Prescott National Forest will be revising its land and resource management plan.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/plan-revision/index.shtml
Location: UNIT - Prescott National Forest All Units. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Coconino, Yavapai. Entire Prescott National Forest.
Back To Top

Prescott National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Aboriginal Living Skills School Term Permit
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/14/2012  		Expected:04/2012
  		04/2012 Susan Johnson
928-443-8075
sajohnson@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to issue a term permit for up to 10 years to Aboriginal Living Skills School, LLC, to conduct teaching Fundamental and Advanced Backcountry, Primitive, and Modern Survival Skills to the public.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38482
Location: UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District, Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. The training courses would occur along the Upper Verde River, the south fork of Walnut Creek, and Upper Wolf Creek.
Wildlife Water Development Projects
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/08/2011  		Expected:04/2012
  		05/2012 Noel Fletcher
928-443-8020
nfletcher@fs.fed.us 
Description: Reconstruction of six existing water catchments and one new water catchment.
Location: UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District, Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 18-19 N, R 2-3 W; T 17 N, R 6 W. Black Mesa area and Hyde Mountain area.
Back To Top

Prescott National Forest,   Bradshaw Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Bradshaw Vegetation Management Project
EA
 - Fuels management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/05/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:05/2012
  		06/2012 Kurt Wetzstein
928-443-8042
kwetzstein@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing vegetation treatments on areas within a 55,554 acre analysis area. Treatments are intended to improve the resiliency of fire adapted ecosystems while reducing hazardous fuels.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30153
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Prescott Basin.
Buckhorn Grazing Allotment Management
EA
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
215 Comment Period Legal Notice 02/27/2012  		Expected:04/2012
  		06/2012 Chris Thiel
928-777-2211
cathiel@fs.fed.us 
Description: Continuation of livestock grazing authorization.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=31799
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. 23 miles W of Prescott, Arizona.
Camp Charles Pearlstein Land Sale
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Land ownership management  Completed  Actual: 03/09/2012  03/2012 Kenneth Simeral
928-443-8010
ksimeral@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Prescott National Forest is proposing sell to the Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) of Scottsdale, Arizona, approximately 55 acres of National Forest System land.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38215
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T. 13 N., R. 3 W. sections 12 and 13. The sale land is located within Yavapai County and the PNF, approximately 4 miles southwest of downtown Prescott.
Golden Lobo Lode Claim
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Frances Alvarado
928-443-8014
falvarado@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to permit mining operations by trenching along an ore vein with use of a backhoe. Ore removed will be processed offsite.
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 13 N, R 2 W, Sec 14. East of Goldwater Lake and off the Senator Highway.
Hassayampa Grazing Allotment Management
EA
 - Grazing management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/13/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 03/2012  		Expected:05/2012
  		07/2012 Chris Thiel
928-474-7900
cathiel@fs.fed.us 
Description: Continuation of livestock grazing authorization.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=31797
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. 11 miles SW of Prescott, Arizona.
Milkmine Plan of Operations
EA
 - Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/31/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:06/2012
  		08/2012 Frances Alvarado
928-443-8014
falvarado@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to approve a plan of operations for a placer gold mining proposal on approximately 100 acres of land within the Prescott National Forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=37710
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 11 N, R 2 W, Section 8, Gila Salt Meridian. The mine will be located on a site approximately ¼ mile west of Milk Creek, approximately 7 miles south and east of the town of Wilhoit off Forest Road 94, also known as the Wagoner Road.
Wagoner Allotment Grazing Management
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 01/2012  		Expected:06/2012  08/2012 Chris Thiel
928-474-7900
cathiel@fs.fed.us 
Description: Continue authorization of livestock grazing
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Southwest corner of Bradshaw Ranger District.
Western Resources Development Placer Operation
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Minerals and Geology  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/24/2012
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 04/2012  		Expected:05/2012
  		05/2012 Frances Alvarado
928-443-8014
falvarado@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Prescott National Forest is proposing to approve a plan submitted by Western Resources Development to operate gold placer exploratory and bulk testing operation.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38259
Location: UNIT - Bradshaw Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T12N, R2W, Sec 11, 14, and 15. The project would occur within the Hassayampa River drainage roughly 4 miles SE of Wilhoit, AZ.
Back To Top

Prescott National Forest,   Chino Valley Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
K Four Allotment Grazing Management
EA
 - Grazing management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2012  		Expected:08/2012  09/2012 Chris Thiel
928-474-7900
cathiel@fs.fed.us 
Description: Continue authorization of livestock grazing
Location: UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Northeast portion of the Chino Valley Ranger District.
LDS Mesa East Stake Pioneer Trek
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2012  		Expected:03/2012  05/2012 Susan Johnson
928-443-8075
sajohnson@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service proposes to issue a permit to LDS Mesa East Stake Pioneer Trek to conduct a Pioneer Trek in the Camp Wood, Brushy Mountain area of the Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest in late May-early June 2012.
Location: UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 16 & 17 N, R 5 & 6 W. In the Camp Wood, Brushy Mountain area of the Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, the Trek is proposed to start at the junction of CR68 and NFSR95, and continue around on a loop.
Yavapai Ranch Reciprocal Rights-of-Way Project
EA
 - Land ownership management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 08/09/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 02/2012  		Expected:04/2012
  		04/2012 Richard Della Porta
928-443-8013
rdellaporta@fs.fed.us 
Description: Exchange reciprocal easements on approximatley 18 mile of road.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=29905
Location: UNIT - Chino Valley Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. Northwestern corner of Prescott National Forest in the.
Back To Top

Prescott National Forest,   Verde Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R3 - Southwestern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
APS Gray Wolf/Waste Management 12 kV power line.
EA
 - Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/19/2011
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 06/2012  		Expected:12/2012
  		01/2013 Richard Della Porta
928-443-8013
rdellaporta@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to issue a permit to Arizona Public Service to install an underground power line to supply the Gray Wolf Regional Landfill. This underground power line will be within an ADOT right-of-way for State Highway 169.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36781
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - G&SRM T. 13 N., R. 2 E., secs. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12; T. 13 N., R. 3 W., secs. 7and 8. Along the south side of State Highway 169 from Orme Road to the private land at the Gray Wolf Regional Landfill.
Black Canyon Trail # 114 relocation
CE
 - Recreation management  Completed  Actual: 01/09/2012  02/2012 Jason Williams
928-777-2220
jwilliams@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to relocate a portion of the Black Canyon Trail #114 and its associated parking area, which will require approximately 2 miles of new non-motorized trail construction.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreation/trails/verde/blackcan114.shtml
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 15N. R 3E. Sections 28 and 29. The main access to the Black Canyon Trail #114 is off of Highway 260 out of Cottonwood.
East Ash Spring Exclosure
CE
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  Completed  Actual: 08/10/2011  02/2012 Albert Sillas
928-567-1124
asillas@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Prescott National Forest proposes to construct a 0.5 acre exclosure and install a 10- to 2-foot pipeline extension from existing spring development to a small water drinker.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=36033
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T15N. R2E, Sec. 22, Hickey Mt quad. East Ash Spring, Mingus Mountain area, Verde Ranger District.
Gila Chub Habitat Improvement Project
EA
 - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 07/23/2010
Est. 215 Comment Period Legal Notice 09/2012  		Expected:11/2012
  		12/2012 Albert Sillas
928-567-1124
asillas@fs.fed.us 
Description: Improve pool habitat by sediment removal, instream structures, exclosure fences, and removal of juniper tree encroachment in three sites.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30425
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 11 N, R 4 E, sections 4, 16, 20. Near Sycamore Historic Site/Dugas area.
Nita Eagle Lode Claim
CE
 - Minerals and Geology  Cancelled  N/A  N/A Frances Alvarado
928-443-8014
falvarado@fs.fed.us 
Description: Project is to clean up a portal for prospecting. An excavating machine (5.5 ton) will be used to help remove loose rocks/earth from the mouth of the tunnel. Area to be cleared is 20 sq ft and ~30 tons of material will be removed from the portal.
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T 13 N, R3W, Sections 5 & 8. Located within Racetrack wash, 4 ½ - 5 miles south of Cherry, AZ.
Permit reissue to the Verde Watershed Association’s stream flow gauge
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 03/06/2012  03/2012 Sheila Sandusky
928-214-2455
ssandusky@fs.fed.us 
Description: The first special use permit was issued to the Verde Watershed Association in 2001 for the purpose of monitoring low stream flows near the Verde Falls on the Verde River. The gauge is maintained through a partnership with the Salt River Project.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38373
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T12.5, R5E, Section 36. Guage is locted on the Wild and Scenic portion of the Verde River, Verde Ranger District.
Reissuance of ADOT stockpiling permit for mineral materials
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 02/2012  		Expected:02/2012  03/2012 Sheila Sandusky
928-214-2455
ssandusky@fs.fed.us 
Description: This is an administrative action to reissue a special use permit for the existing materials pit off Dugas Rd. No new activities or improvements are involved. The ADOT pit has been in continuous use since 1978.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38180
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T12N R3E Sect(s) NW ¼ SW ¼ Section 27, SW ¼ NW ¼ Section 27, NE ¼ SE ¼ Section 28, SE ¼ NE ¼ Section 28, GSRM. Off Dugas Road at I-17.
Reissue 10-year Special Use Permit to Arizona Hang Gliders Association (AGHA)
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Recreation management
- Special use management 		 Completed  Actual: 02/07/2012  03/2012 Sheila Sandusky
928-214-2455
ssandusky@fs.fed.us 
Description: The AHGA has been under permit for a hang gliding launch at this location since 3/23/1984. There are 2 developed launches on site, and one campground with camping pads, fire rings and one toilet. One emergency landing zone downslope of the launch.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38392
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. LEGAL - T15N, R2E, Sect(s) SE ¼ SE ¼ of Section 2, GSRBM. Vicinity of Mingus Mountain communications site.
Verde Ditch Infrastructure Improvements
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/20/2012  		Expected:03/2012
  		04/2012 Sheila Sandusky
928-214-2455
ssandusky@fs.fed.us 
Description: The Forest Service is proposing to provide Resource Advisory Committee funding for infrastructure improvements in the Verde Ditch. These improvements will enhance management of water in the Verde Ditch to benefit fish, wildlife, and people.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=38229
Location: UNIT - Verde Ranger District. STATE - Arizona. COUNTY - Yavapai. The Verde Ditch runs 18 miles on the west side of the Verde River through Camp Verde. It originates upstream of HWY 260 and parallels the river through Camp Verde and down Salt Mine Road.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.