Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
04/01/2021 to 06/30/2021
Chequamegon / Nicolet 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
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Eagle River-Florence Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Great Divide Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Lakewood-Laona Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Medford-Park Falls Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)
-  R9 - Eastern Region, Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,  Washburn 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

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  Completed  Actual: 11/28/2012  01/2013 Susan Ellsworth
775-355-5313
susanellsworth@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. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Nationwide.
Locatable Mining Rule - 36 CFR 228, subpart A.
EIS

           *UPDATED* 		- Regulations, Directives, Orders  In Progress:
NOI in Federal Register 09/13/2018
Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 03/2021  		Expected:12/2021
  		12/2021 Sarah Shoemaker
907-586-7886
sarahshoemaker@fs.fed.us 
Description: The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes revisions to its regulations at 36 CFR 228, Subpart A governing locatable minerals operations on National Forest System lands.A draft EIS & proposed rule should be available for review/comment in late 2020
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57214
Location: UNIT - All Districts-level Units. STATE - All States. COUNTY - All Counties. LEGAL - Not Applicable. These regulations apply to all NFS lands open to mineral entry under the US mining laws. More Information is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/geology/minerals/locatable-minerals/current-revisions.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Forestwide Oak Wilt Disease Management
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Vegetation management (other than forest products)  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/24/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 05/2021  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Nicole Molitor
715-634-4821 x2327
nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov 
Description: We propose to allow prompt treatment (using a variety of tools) of oak wilt infection centers wherever found as soon as possible following discovery to slow and control the spread of oak wilt on Forest lands.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57903
Location: UNIT - Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forestwide.
Recreation Facility Strategy
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management
- Facility management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 10/30/2017  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Timothy Vetter
715-362-1373
timothy.vetter@usda.gov 
Description: The Recreation Facility Strategy prioritizes developed recreation site investments. Proposal has varying actions at 82 sites (from increased amenities to decreased maintenance) and removal of amenities at 22 sites to convert them to general forest.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55748
Location: UNIT - Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest All Units. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Developed recreation sites on all ranger districts across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide)  

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2021 Watershed Improvement Project
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Watershed management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/08/2021  		Expected:04/2021
  		05/2021 Jennifer Maziasz
715-373-2667
jennifer.maziasz@usda.gov 
Description: Watershed improvement projects: culvert replacements to reduce erosion and improve fish/aquatic passage, installation of a hardened trail crossing, road reconstruction with improved drainage, and replacement or rehab of road and trail bridges.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59261
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District, Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, Medford-Park Falls Ranger District, Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield, Forest, Oconto, Price, Sawyer, Vilas. LEGAL - Approximately 30 locations across the seven counties. See website for project descriptions, exact locations, and map. Watershed improvement projects are scattered across the four districts.
North Country Trail Dispersed Campsite Development and Improvements
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 04/12/2019  		Expected:05/2022
  		05/2022 Katherine LeMoine
715-634-4821 x2326
katherine.lemoine@usda.gov 
Description: Eight to 10 backpacker campsites would be developed or improved to provide long-distance hikers a consistent experience when they hike the North Country Trail in Wisconsin.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55297
Location: UNIT - Washburn Ranger District, Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Multiple sites along the North Country Trail in Great Divide and Washburn Ranger Districts.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Eagle River-Florence Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2020 Eagle River- Florence HWY 55 West Blowdown
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 Completed  Actual: 03/17/2021  03/2021 Steve Janke
715-276-6333 x4229
steve.janke@usda.gov 
Description: In early August 2020, a derecho (blowdown) occurred on the ERFL Ranger District. Significant timber damage occurred leaving many trees dead, dying, or damaged. This resulted in safety and fuels concern. Recently, a new pocket of ~36 acres was found
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59164
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West side of HWY 55 near Rogers Lake in Argonne, Wi.
2021 Brule Controlled Burn CE
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 01/08/2021  		Expected:04/2021
  		05/2021 Steve Janke
715-276-6333 x4229
steve.janke@usda.gov 
Description: To maintain a wildlife opening by the Brule River and extend fire boundaries to the Brule River to act as a natural fire line instead of creating dozer dug control lines. Using the Brule River as a fire control line will better protect firefighters.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59328
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Florence. LEGAL - Not Applicable. The maintenance of a large wildlife openings at the Brule River Opening (T41NR15E, Section 24 and T41NR16E Section 19). The area is a remnant farm field near the Brule River in Florence County, Wi.
Aspen-Spruce-Fir Restoration Project
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Fuels management 		 In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/17/2020
Est. Comment Period Public Notice 05/2021  		Expected:12/2021
  		01/2022 Chad Kirschbaum
715-479-2827
chad.kirschbaum@usda.gov 
Description: The Aspen-Spruce-Fir Restoration Project (ASFR) proposes to treat pockets and areas of dead, dying, diseased, and other hazard trees across the entire ERFL district. Up to 9,200 acres are proposed for active management actions.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59159
Location: UNIT - Eagle River-Florence Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Florence, Forest, Oneida, Vilas. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Spread across the entire Eagle River-Florence Ranger District.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Great Divide Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Forest Lodge Nature Trail Trailhead Parking Area and Traffic Circulation
CE
 - Watershed management
- Facility management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2021  		Expected:12/2021  04/2022 Debra Proctor
715-580-0412
debra.proctor@usda.gov 
Description: Improve Forest Lodge road and trail infrastructure to accommodate increased use of Forest Lodge and the Nature Trail - parking, road and trail capacity, drainage, stormwater treatment, traffic sight lines within the complex and ingress and egress.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58868
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Forest Lodge is located about eight miles east of Cable, Wisconsin.
Habitat Improvement through Prescribed Burn Treatment Management Areas 8E, 8F, and 8G
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants  In Progress:
Scoping Start 02/15/2021  		Expected:07/2021
  		07/2021 Nicole Molitor
715-638-0272
nicole.g.molitor@usda.gov 
Description: Low-intensity prescribed fire will be used to meet goals and objectives for management areas 8E (Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas), 8F (Special Management Areas), and 8G (Old Growth and Natural Feature Complexes).
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59539
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Several locations scattered throughout the district.
Veikko Cross-Country Trail Improvement and Development
CE
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 04/2021  		Expected:08/2021  09/2021 Katherine LeMoine
715-634-4821 x2326
katherine.lemoine@usda.gov 
Description: The Veikko Trail, an old cross-country ski trail in the St. Peter's Dome area developed by a local ski group, will be improved and realigned to fix drainage issues. Additional trail will be developed to connect to the St. Peter's Dome Trail network.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58459
Location: UNIT - Great Divide Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - Not Applicable. St. Peter's Dome area.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Lakewood-Laona Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2021 WPS Faulted Line and Pole Replacement Hwy 32
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  Completed  Actual: 03/04/2021  03/2021 Joan Stanfield-Smith
715-362-1300
jstanfieldsmith@fs.fed.us 
Description: WPS would replace a faulted line along side of Hwy 32.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59460
Location: UNIT - Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Forest. LEGAL - Not Applicable. West side of Hwy 32, south of Laona.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Medford-Park Falls Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
John's Creek Gravel Pit Expansion
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Minerals and Geology  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 05/2021  		Expected:10/2021  11/2021 Greg Knight
715-748-4875 ext 7484826
greg.knight.3@usda.gov 
Description: This project consists of expansion of an existing gravel pit to meet road construction, re-construction, and maintenance needs in the project vicinity. This is an existing pit that has an additional source of gravel that has not been developed.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54736
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Town of Grover, Township 31 North, Range 2 West, Section 7, Taylor County, Wisconsin.
Kidrick
EA

           *UPDATED* 		- Forest products
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Road management 		 Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 03/2021  		Expected:02/2022  02/2022 Leesha Howard-McCauley
715-748-4875 x37
leesha.howard-mccauley@usda.gov 
Description: This project is primarily a vegetation management project with focus on mid to late successional hardwood forest. Primary purpose is to maintain forest health and diversity. Project will also include a transportation analysis.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50889
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located in the northwest portion of the Forest within Taylor County in T32N, R2-3W and T33N, R1-3W.
Lake Eleven TS Snowmobile Trail Reroute
CE
 - Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 06/2021  		Expected:08/2021  09/2021 Gabriel Esquibel
715-762-5188
gabriel.esquibel@usda.gov 
Description: Permanently move the snowmobile trail to the Lake 11 Timber Sale haul road location to address wet areas that don't always freeze over.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57940
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project located in T31N, R2W, near Lake 11, and about 3 miles south of Perkinstown, WI.
Round Lake Fish Passage and Water Level Control
CE
 - Watershed management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Jason Krebill
715-362-1300
jason.krebill@usda.gov 
Description: **On hold until water modelling/engineering plans are complete** The project will consist of reestablishing a two-way fish passage and reconnect the ecosystems of the Pike Lake Chain of Lakes and the South Fork Flambeau Rive
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55358
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T40N, R3E, Sections 23-26, Price County, WI.
Taylor County Hydrogeology Survey
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/30/2021  		Expected:05/2021
  		06/2021 Greg Knight
715-748-4875 ext 26
gknight@fs.fed.us 
Description: USFS and WGNHS propose to study the hydrogeology of the North Fork Yellow River Watershed near the Bend ore deposit in Taylor to better understand the geology and groundwater connections in this area.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59449
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - Not Applicable. T33N, R2W, Sections 34 & 35; T32N, R2W, Sections 2 & 3.
Winter Sports Road Electric Line Burial
CE
 - Special use management  On Hold  N/A  N/A Kelly Scarbrough
715-362-1314
Kelly.Scarbrough@usda.gov 
Description: This is a proposal by Clark Electric Cooperative to convert about 4 1/4 miles of overhead electric line to underground electric wires within their existing utility corridor in order to provide a safer and more reliable electric service.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51504
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Taylor. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located in the Town of Grover (T32N, R2W) along Winter Sports Road (FR 119)starting at Spruce Lake Road going north to Beaver Creek Road (FR 121) and then a short distance east.
Wintergreen Snowshoe Trail Construction
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Recreation management  Developing Proposal
Est. Scoping Start 10/2021  		Expected:12/2021  01/2022 Ann Dassow
715-748-4875 ext. 7484824
ann.dassow@usda.gov 
Description: Designation of a snowshoe trail system within the area of the Wintergreen Ski Trail area. Construction consists of clearing forest debris from marked trail.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=57939
Location: UNIT - Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Price. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Within the Wintergreen Ski Trail System just north of State Hwy 70.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
2021 Xcel Pole Replacement NGLVC
CE

           *NEW LISTING* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 03/01/2021  		Expected:04/2021
  		04/2021 Kelly Scarbrough
715-362-1314
Kelly.Scarbrough@usda.gov 
Description: Xcel Energy has requested to upgraded transmission line infrastructure within existing permitted area by replacing the single-circuit 34.5kV line on single-circuit poles with new double-circuit 34.5kV/34.5kV lines on double-circuit poles.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59577
Location: UNIT - Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Bayfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project is located along Terwilliger Rd. near the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Bayfield County, WI at T. 47 N., R. 5 W., section 2.
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Chequamegon / Nicolet National Forest,   Washburn Ranger District (excluding Projects occurring in more than one District)

R9 - Eastern Region  
Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Expected Implementation Project Contact
Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership SUP
CE

           *UPDATED* 		- Special use management  In Progress:
Scoping Start 12/07/2016  		Expected:09/2021
  		10/2021 Jennifer Maziasz
715-373-2667
comments-eastern-chequamegon-nicolet-washburn@usda.gov 
Description: The proposal is to re-issue a special use authorization for a new term for Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership's existing pipeline system, pumping station, and associated improvements.
Web Link:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44889
Location: UNIT - Washburn Ranger District. STATE - Wisconsin. COUNTY - Bayfield. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Project includes 11.5 miles of existing pipeline system, the pumping station, and associated improvements on Forest Service lands north of US Highway 2.
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