Angeles National Forest

Projects & Plans

Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)

The Forest Service now has an on-line, web-based SOPA located on the national website. This program will allow anyone with access to a computer to view all SOPAs produced at all forests within the agency.

The current SOPA Report contains a list of proposed actions that will begin or are currently undergoing environmental analysis and documentation. Questions and comments regarding projects listed in the SOPA should be directed to the Project Contact shown in the SOPA.

Click on the following link for current and past Angeles Quarterly SOPA Reports.

For access to all SOPA reports, click on the National SOPA Website link to begin your search.

Acton Clay Quarries Twenty-Year Plan of Operation — North Star Minerals, Inc.

The United States Forest Service has conducted an environmental analysis and prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to disclose the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects that would result from approving a 20-year plan of operations for the continuation and expansion of mining operations at the Acton Clay Quarries by North Star Minerals, Inc. (NSM).

The purpose for this action is to make locatable mineral material available, as provided by statute. The statutes authorizing this use of National Forest System lands and resources include the 1872 Mining Law, as amended (30 U.S.C. 21-54), and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR part 228; the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970; the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, and Forest Service policy as described in Forest Service Manual 2800.

Decision Notice & Finding of No Significant Impact

KCAL Facility Improvement

Proposed Action:   KCAL proposes to improve its facility at Mt. Wilson to comply with the February 17th, 2009 deadline to convert all television transmission to digital. KCAL is requesting authorization to improve the transmission facilities located at 1 Mt. Wilson Road, Building #9, Mt. Wilson, California, 91023 in accordance with a directive from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Digital Television (DTV) transmission. The scope of work is comprised of improvements to the facility electrical systems, HVAC, emergency power systems, site access gate and television transmission systems. The majority of the improvements are internal to the building structures. There will not be any addition of square footage to existing structures, modifying the television tower or changing the size of the fenced area where the buildings are located. The proposed improvements will be in accordance with the "Mt. Wilson Communications Site Management Plan." Licensed, bonded and insured professional tradesman will perform all site work.

Decision Memo   (PDF, 320kb)

Richland Towers Facility Replacement Project

Since the mid-forties, Mt. Wilson has been the location for broadcast facilities for the greater Los Angeles and southern California region. The Richland Towers Facility has been in use since the plans for construction were developed in 1948. Richland Towers purchased the facility from KCOP-TV (Channel 13) in 2004. As broadcast technology has changed over time, so has the equipment and function of the broadcasting facilities at Mt. Wilson.

Decison Memo   (PDF, 605kb)

Shortcut Saddle SST Installation

Proposed Action:   The Los Angeles River Ranger District, in partnership with the California Trail Users Coalition (CTUC), proposes to install a Sweet Smelling Toilet (SST) transmission. The scope of work consists of the installation of a SST within the already developed area for the Shortcut Saddle Trailhead. Construction of the new SST will include the excavation of an area approximately 10 feet x 20 feet with the pit approximately 8 feet deep. All excavated material will be either used on site or placed in an approved disposal area. Exterior work will involve hardened surfaces that will make the SST ADAcompliant. The activities proposed for the SST construction will be confined to existing parking lot and disturbed areas.

Decision Memo   (PDF, 574kb)

Whitaker Peak Condor Habitat Improvement Project

The Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District of the Angeles National Forest is proposing to improve habitat conditions for the federally endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) in the Whitaker Peak area to comply with the Endangered Species Act and the Forest Land Management Plan of 2005. The decision memo was approved and signed. Implementation of the action can now begin.

Decision Memo   (PDF, 98kb)

Bear Divide Condor Habitat Improvement Project

The Decision Memo for the Bear Divide Condor Habitat Improvement Project was approved and signed on August 27, 2008. Implementation of the action can now begin.

Decision Memo   (PDF, 4MB)

30-Day Comment Period on an Environmental Assessment (EA)
for a proposed 20-year Plan of Operations for the Acton Clay Quarry

The Forest Service is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed 20-year Plan of Operations for the Acton Clay Quarry operated by North Star Minerals, Inc. on National Forest System lands.

The EA can be viewed at the district office located at 28245 Avenue Crocker, Suite 220, Valencia, CA 91355, or on line (documents are listed below).

Comments must be received within 30 days from the publication date of this notice. This comment period provides interested parties, including those affected by the proposal, an opportunity to make their concerns known prior to the decision being made. Comments may be mailed to John F. Capell, District Ranger, Santa Clara/ Mojave Rivers Ranger District, 28245 Avenue Crocker, Suite 220, Valenica, CA 91355. For more information please call 661-296-9710.

Dear Interested Citizen Letter   (PDF, 19kb)
North Star Minerals Environmental Assessment   (PDF, 2339kb)
Mitigation Monitoring Program   (PDF, 1348kb)
Project Changes/Conditions   (PDF, 1200kb)

30-Day Comment Opportunity on Boquet Canyon Recreation Residence Analysis

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposal to continue recreation residence use within the Boquet Canyon Recreation Residence Tract will have until August 25, 2008 to submit written comments. For more information on submitting comments, please read the Dear Interested Citizen letter below.

Dear Interested Citizen Letter   (PDF, 18kb)
Boquet Canyon Purpose and Need Statement   (PDF, 20kb)
Boquet Canyon Recreation Residence Analysis Area Map   (PDF, 1882kb)

30-Day Comment Opportunity on Texas Canyon Fire Station Relocation

Anyone wishing to comment on the Forest Service proposal to relocate the Texas Canyon Fire Station will have until August 23, 2008 to submit written comments. For further information, please contact George Farra, Assistant Forest Engineer, at (626) 574-5301.

The Angeles National Forest proposes to relocate and construct the Texas Canyon Fire Station at 30800 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clara, California. This action is needed because the existing station at 31250 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clara, California, has conflicts with cultural and physical resources.

In addition to the proposed action, the Forest Service also evaluated the No-Action alternative, under which the fire station will indefinitely remain at its current address.

Relocation of Texas Canyon Fire Station Environmental Assessment   (PDF, 283kb)

30-Day Comment Opportunity on New District Office Proposal

Anyone wishing to comment on the Forest Service proposal to construct a new office in Acton, CA for the Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District will have until May 1, 2008 to submit written comments. Please see the scoping letter below for instructions on how to comment. For further information, please contact George Farra, Assistant Forest Engineer, at (626) 574-5301.
Acton Office Scoping Letter   (PDF, 105kb)

Angeles NF Land Management Plan

The 2005 Land Management Plan (Forest Plan) for the Angeles National Forest will provide strategic guidance for the next 10-15 years.

Barren Ridge—Castaic Transmission Project EIS/EIR

The Forest Service, together with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power (LADWP), is preparing a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a proposal to construct, upgrade, and add facilities to a new and existing 230-kV electric transmission system known as the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project (BRRTP).

The proposed BRRTP includes the following:

1. Construction of approximately 60 miles of a new 230-kV double circuit structure system from Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon (13 miles on National Forest System lands; 4 miles on BLM managed lands)
2. Installation of approximately 12 miles of a 230-kV circuit onto existing double circuit transmission line structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plan (4 miles on National Forest System lands; 300 feet on BLM managed lands)
3. Upgrade approximately 75 miles of the existing 230-kV transmission system that runs from Barren Ridge Switching Station to Rinaldi Substation (13 miles on National Forest System lands; 4 miles on BLM managed lands)
4. Construction of a new Haskell Switching Station on LADWP-owned lands north of Santa Clarita

The Forest Service and BLM published a Notice of Intent to prepare the joint EIR/EIS in the Federal Register on April 7, 2008. Public scoping comments are requested by May 7, 2008.

Notice of Intent:   http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2008/April/Day-07/i6897.htm

For Further Information

For additional information related to the project on National Forest System lands, contact Marian Kadota, Project Manager, Forest Service, 1072 Casitas Pass Road, #288, Carpinteria, CA 93013; phone: (805) 220-6388. Complete and updated information about BRRTP can be viewed online at www.ladwp.com/barrenridge.

30-Day Comment Period on Leona Divide Fuels Treatment Draft Decision Memo

The Forest Service is seeking public comment on the draft decision memo below that describes a proposal to reestablish the existing Leona Divide fuelbreak and enhance the protection of the community of Green Valley from the threat of wildfire. The proposed project would utilize a combination of hand, mechanical and prescribed fire treatments to reduce wildland fire behavior characteristics adjacent to the community. Copies of the Decision Memo are also available at the District Office (see address below).

The 30-day comment period provides those interested or affected by these proposals an opportunity to make their concerns known prior to a decision being made by the District Ranger. Those who provide substantive comments will be eligible to appeal the decision as described in Forest Service appeal regulations (36 CFR part 215).

Written comments must be received by May 29, 2008 and may be mailed to John Capell, District Ranger; Attn: Karen Bauman; Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District; 28245 Avenue Crocker, Suite 220, Valencia, CA 91355. Comments may also be sent electronically to kbauman@fs.fed.us. For more information, call 661-296-9710.

Leona Divide Fuels Treatment Draft Decision Memo
Dear Interested Citizen Letter

30-Day Comment Period on 8 Fuels Treatment Draft Decision Memos

The Forest Service is seeking public comment on eight draft decision memos below that describe proposals to reduce hazardous fuels in and around administrative sites throughout the San Gabriel River Ranger District. This work would create defensible space, and provide for public, employee, and firefighter safety in the event of a wildfire. Copies of the Decision Memos are also available at the District Office.

The 30-day comment period provides those interested or affected by these proposals an opportunity to make their concerns known prior to a decision being made by the District Ranger. Those who provide substantive comments will be eligible to appeal the decision as described in Forest Service appeal regulations (36 CFR part 215). Please specify in your written response which decision memo your comments refer to.

Written comments must be received by June 1, 2008, and may be mailed to L'Tanga Watson, District Ranger, San Gabriel River Ranger District, 110 N. Wabash Ave., Glendora, CA 91741. Comments may also be faxed to 626-914-3790, or sent electronically to lwatson02@fs.fed.us . For more information, call 626-335-1251.

Final Decision Memos:

• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Coldbrook
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Crystal Lake
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: East Fork
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Glen Trail Camp
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Lower San Antonio
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Oaks Picnic
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: Rincon
• Administrative Site Defensible Space: San Dimas

»   Decisions Issued for Fuels Treatment Projects on the San Gabriel River Ranger District

Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) EIR/EIS

The Forest Service, together with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), is preparing a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in response to applications received from Southern California Edison (SCE) for construction of a series of transmission system improvements to deliver electricity from new wind energy projects in eastern Kern County in an area referred to as the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area. The proposed TRTP would include rebuilding three existing transmission lines within two existing SCE rights-of-way in the Angeles National Forest:

• Segment 6: A rebuild of approximately 32 miles of existing 220-kV transmission line to 500-kV standards from existing Vincent Substation to the southern boundary of the Angeles National Forest (ANF). This segment includes the rebuild of approximately 27 miles of SCE’s existing Antelope-Mesa 220-kV transmission line and approximately 5 miles of the existing Rio Hondo-Vincent 220-kV No. 2 transmission line.
• Segment 11: A rebuild of approximately 19 miles of existing 220-kV transmission line to 500-kV standards between SCE’s existing Vincent and Gould Substations. This segment includes the removal of approximately 4 miles of the existing Vincent-Pardee No. 1 220-kV transmission line and approximately 15 miles of the existing Eagle Rock-Pardee 220-kV transmission line.

The Forest Service published a Notice of Intent to prepare the joint EIR/EIS in the Federal Register on September 7, 2007. The public scoping period for the project ended on October 8, 2007.
— Notice of Intent

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For additional information related to the project on National Forest System land, contact George Farra, Project Manager, Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006, phone: (626) 574-5301. Complete and updated information about TRTP can be viewed online at ftp://ftp.cpuc.ca.gov/gopher-data/environ/tehachapi_renewables/TRTP.htm

Recreation Facility Analysis

Many of the forest's developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed. Some sites are in poor condition, do not meet visitor's expectations, and are not used to capacity. This analysis serves as a working tool to help National forests align their developed recreation needs, and all forests should be completing the process by the end of 2008.   more »

The Angeles National Forest has prepared a 5 year program of work (POW) for developed recreation sites. This POW is the result of a National seven step process know as Recreation Facilities Analysis which was designed to help forests evaluate and align their recreation sites with each forest's unique characteristics, projected recreation demand, visitor expectations and revenue. It helps establish priorities for operations, maintenance and investment in existing recreation facilities and plan for future needs. Public involvement is a critical part of the process and the forest is actively seeking review and comment on this proposed POW.

Many of the forest's developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed. Some sites are in poor condition, do not meet visitor's expectations, and are not used to capacity. This analysis serves as a working tool to help National forests align their developed recreation needs, and all forests should be completing the process by the end of 2008.

The goals of the Recreation Facility Analysis are to:

• Focus resources on the most appropriate recreation opportunities to meet changing public desires and demands
• Maintain or enhance visitor satisfaction with the sites and services provided
• Meet quality health and safety standards at all developed recreation sites
• Be financially sustainable
• Be environmentally sound
• Maintain community sustainability

Seven Step Process —
The Recreation Facility Analysis process involves seven steps, each bringing the Angeles National Forest&339;s developed recreation sites in closer alignment with the forest's unique characteristics, projected demand, visitor expectations and revenue.

STEP 1:   Prepare Site Inventory & Financial Data
Forest recreation-site facility inventory and associated financial data is updated. Participants determine preliminary operation and maintenance, and deferred maintenance estimates for each recreation site.

STEP 2:   Identify Unit Recreation Program Niche
Recreation-visitor use and market data are examined to determine the focus of the forest's recreation program. Participants develop map that displays the forest's recreation settings and summary paragraph that characterizes the forest's unique recreation program "niche."

STEP 3:   Identify Operational Efficiencies
Recreation sites are examined to determine if efficiencies can be undertaken to further reduce site expenditures or eliminate deferred maintenance. Participants determine a proposed set of management options for each site to reduce costs.

STEP 4:   Rank Recreation Sites
Recreation sites are rated through the use of a series of questions involving the sites' conformance with the forest recreation program niche; their financial and operational efficiency; their effects on environmental sustainability; and their effects on community stability.

STEP 5:   Propose 5-year Program of Work to Stakeholders
The proposed 5-year program of work for recreation sites is prepared based upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Broader discussions with stakeholders are sought to explore alternative ways of operating sites or building new partnerships.

STEP 6:   Finalize 5-year Proposed Program of Work
The 5-year program of work for recreation sites is refined, based upon the broader discussions with stakeholders.

STEP 7:   Implementation
Annually, site-specific steps are proposed to implement the 5-year program of work for recreation sites. Prior to implementation, National Environmental Policy Act and other agency coordination requirements are completed.

Public Participation
Although the official comment period is over, we recognize the importance of these sites and welcome your ongoing comments and suggestions. Since this is a Program of Work, we believe that your continued input is essential to ensure that the results of the Recreation Facility Analysis process continues to meet visitor needs and offer the best recreation opportunities in places important to a variety of forest users. Copies of the Program Of Work are available at the Angeles National Forest Supervisor's Office, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 or you can view the document on line. If you have comments or suggestions, please submit them through this website, in person or by mailing them to:

RFA — Angeles National Forest

701 N. Santa Anita Avenue

Arcadia, CA   91006

 

» mailroom_r5_angeles@fs.fed.us or if you have specific questions please feel free to contact George Farra (626) 574-5301.

 

Program of Work

Decision Issued for Antelope-Pardee 500-kV Transmission Project EIS/EIR

The USDA Forest Service and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) have prepared a joint Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIR/EIS) concerning Southern California Edison's application to build and operate a 25.6-mile 500 kV transmission line between the existing Antelope and Pardee Substations in northern Los Angeles County, CA. The proposed project would include replacing an existing 66 kV line across approximately 13 miles of National Forest System lands on the Angeles National Forest.

Angeles National Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron, the Responsible Official, signed the Record of Decision for this project on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, authorizing the implementation of a combination of Alternatives 2 and 4 as analyzed in the Final EIR/EIS. The Record of Decision can be viewed online by clicking on the link below. The legal notice for this decision was published in the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, August 23, 2007 and the appeal period closes the first federal working day following 45 days from this publication (October 9, 2007). Specific information (including details of the decision and the appeal process) can be found in the Record of Decision.

The Notice of Availability for the Final EIR/EIS was published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2007. The Final EIR/EIS describes the proposed project and six alternatives, evaluates and describes the potential environmental impacts, and presents mitigation measures which could avoid or minimize adverse impacts. Complete information about the project, as well as a copy of the Final EIS/EIR , can be viewed online at http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/info/aspen/antelopepardee/antelopepardee.htm

Cover letter announcing Decision

Antelope-Pardee Record of Decision

Legal Notice, Los Angeles Times (published August 23, 2007)

The California Public Utilities Commision (CPUC) manages a website that provides weekly monitoring reports of activities for the SCE Antelope-Pardee Transmission Project both on and off National Forest lands:   http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/info/aspen/antelopepardee/reports.htm

PCT Bridge at Cooper Canyon

The Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District proposes to build a bridge for hikers and pack animals along the Pacific Crest Trail where it crosses Little Rock Creek in the vicinity of Cooper Canyon. The Forest Service requested public comments in August 2006, and is currently evaluating the impacts of the proposal on the environment and on recreation activity in the area. Questions can be directed to Jonathan Schwartz at 661-296-9710, extension 226.

Cooper Canyon Scoping Letter
Cooper Canyon Project Map

USDA Forest Service - Angeles National Forest