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Projects
Schedule of Proposed Actions
The Schedule of Proposed Actions details all projects on the Tonto that are scheduled for environmental analysis and decisions. The purpose of this schedule is to provide information regarding the nature and location of proposed projects and their status in the analysis process.
Review the Schedule of Proposed Actions for the Tonto National Forest and all other national forests and grasslands.
Please visit the Projects and Plans page for the Southwest Region.
Decisions
Forest Service line officers issue many resource management decisions each year, some of which are accompanied by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents (i.e. Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions). Only decisions based on an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental Assessment are subject to an opportunity for administrative review of individuals’ or entities’ unresolved issues. Reviews conducted prior to a final decision are called an objection and are open to those that made specific written comments in a timely manner on a project. Only these with use permits (i.e. ranger permittees and mining plans) are able to appeal after a decision is signed and they may only appeal the conditions of their permit. The public's rights and responsibilities to file an objection are defined in specific predecisional administrative review regulations.
Land and Resource Management Plans
Certain decisions related to the development, amendment, or revision of Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMPs) are subject to the same objection and appeal procedures as outlined above.
How does Administrative Review Work?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires all federal agencies, including the Forest Service, to evaluate the effects that any federal action may have on the human environment. NEPA provides for three different levels of environmental analysis which will be documented in different ways. Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are prepared for projects which will or may have a significant effect on the human environment. This is the most stringent level of NEPA analysis and usually applies to large scale Forestwide projects. Environmental Assessments (EA) are more common and prepared for projects not expected to significantly affect the human environment.
NEPA also provides for specified comment periods, or opportunities for the public to submit specific written comments about the proposed project which must be considered by the agency before making a decision. When the Forest Service proposes to make a decision as a result of either an EIS or an EA, that decision is subject to a pre-decisional administrative review called an objection process as described in 36 CFR 218. The purpose of the objection process is to address any unresolved concerns that the public does not feel were adequately addressed in the EIS or EA.
The third level of NEPA analysis is called a categorical exclusion (CE). These are categories of actions that the agency has established that do not typically have a significant effect on the human environment and that the agency is not required to document in an EIS or EA. While the public is still given opportunity to provide input on many of these types of projects, any decisions made by the agency for categorically excluded actions are not subject to the objection process.
Individuals or organizations that have submitted specific written comments for the project being considered may file written objections after an environmental analysis document is completed and before a final decision document can be signed. Those concerns raised in objections are then considered and responded to by a Forest Service official (Reviewing Official) at the agency’s organizational level above that of the individual who will sign the proposed decision (Deciding Official). The Reviewing Official will work directly with the entity who is objecting and the Deciding Official to resolve outstanding issues.
How do Appeals Work?
Some Forest Service decisions are subject to a post decisional review process called an appeal. The Forest Service can authorize certain uses of forest land by issuing a permit which is the instrument used to define the terms of that particular authorization. Permits may be issued for uses such as livestock grazing, mineral operations, or other special uses. These permits are subject to appeal as described in 36 CFR 214. However, only the permittee may appeal these types of decisions.
FOIA
For info on the Freedom of Information Act, please visit our FOIA page.
CERCLA
Red Bluff Uranium Mine Site EE/CA
Tonto National Forest officials are requesting public comment on the draft report of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) for the Red Bluff Uranium Mine Site, located on the boundary between the Pleasant Valley and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts, Arizona. All public comments are due by close of business, Thursday, August 16, 2018. The purpose of the EE/CA report is to present a detailed analysis of remediation (cleanup) alternatives that can be used for decision-making. In addition, the analysis presented in this EE/CA includes discussion of background information, waste characteristics, applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements (ARAR), a risk assessment, and the development and screening of cleanup alternatives.
Documents
Copies of the EE/CA and Administrative Record are available at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor's Office (2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ) and the Payson Ranger District Office (1009 Highway 260, Payson, AZ), or can be reviewed online.
Comments may be submitted mail or be hand delivered (weekdays, 8 am – 4:30 pm):
Red Bluff Uranium Mine On-Scene Coordinator
Anne Fischer, P.E.
Tonto National Forest
2324 E. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Or submit by email.
Tonto National Forest Current and Recent Projects
Under Analysis
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Arizona National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan
The comprehensive plan will establish the administrative objectives, policies, processes, and management guidelines necessary to fulfill the legislative requirements for national scenic trails under the National Trails System Act.
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Bathtub Corral
The purpose of this project is to add a small corral with a trigger gate that allows livestock to use the water trough at this location while in the pasture but then can be trapped in the corral and hauled out of the pasture when required.
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Forest Service Road 287 Partial Realignment Project
This project would realign a portion of FSR 287 from the private mine property to National Forest System land west of Pinto Valley Mine to provide a safer route for Forest users visiting the area away from mining vehicles, equipment, and activities.
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Globe Wildland Urban Interface Project
Project would use prescribed fire, wildfire, and mechanical vegetation treatments across a total of 80,437 on the Globe Ranger District in collaboration with the San Carlos Apache Tribe who is treating adjacent tribal lands.
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Holder Well and Corral Expansion Project
A new well will be drilled to provide adequate water for livestock in an allotment.
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Picket Post Improvements Project
Project would improve two existing undefined parking areas by delineating a boundary with pipe rail fence and designating them as overflow parking sites, the north lot would be for equestrian use and the south lot would be for single vehicles.
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Salt River Fuels Project
Project would use prescribed fire, wildfire, and/or mechanical vegetation treatment across a total area of approximately 115,684 acres of the Globe Ranger District in coordination with San Carlos Apache Tribe who is treating adjacent tribal lands.
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Seventy-Six Ranch Project #2
New water storage tank and troughs
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State Route 88 (Apache Trail) Road Repair Project
The purpose of this project is to authorize ADOT to repair and mitigate damage to approximately one and a half miles of SR 88 to allow the roadway to be reopened by ADOT to four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles, and UTVs.
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Tonto East Abandoned Mine Lands Project
Project would close identified abandoned mine features by blocking the openings using various methods including warning signs, fences, sealed mine openings with bat gates, expanding foam, or backfill.
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West Verde Firescape Project
In addition to the continued use of naturally occurring unplanned ignitions when conditions permit, this project proposes the use of planned prescribed fire and different types of mechanical vegetation treatments, such as thinning and mastication.
Analysis Completed
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4FRI Rim Country Project
Landscape-scale restoration on the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, and Tonto National Forests of ponderosa pine ecosystems, designed to maintain, improve, and restore ecosystem structure, pattern, function, and resiliency.
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Charley Johnson Small Tracts Act Land Sale
Parcel of National Forest System lands with private facilities located on it - qualifies for the Small Tract Act Authority.
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Desert Vista Area Improvement Project
Proposal is a staging area improvement and access road construction project. The goal of this project is to address the high level of demand and use, disperse use over the greater Desert Vista area, and improve access along the forest bound
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Registered Pasture Pipeline on Pinto Creek Allotment
The Globe Ranger District proposes to extend an above ground pipeline from private land to a new storage tank and two new troughs on the Pinto Creek Allotment.
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Superior Fuel Break Project
The purpose of this project is to cooperate with the Town of Superior to create a defensive fire line to the southwest of the community (approximately 2.2 miles long & 100 feet wide). It would follow existing roads from Highway 60 to State Route 177.
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Tonto National Forest Motorized Travel Management
The Tonto National Forest is completing the analysis for the Travel Management Rule which calls for establishing a system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motorized vehicle use and determining suitable locations for dispersed camping.
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Tonto National Forest Plan Revision
A collaborative effort to revise the Land and Resources Management Plan for the Tonto National Forest in Arizona
On Hold
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AT&T Signal Peak Antenna Collocation onto an Existing Tower
Trench from APS building to AZDPS tower for the purpose of collocating antennas on AZDPS's tower.
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Hicks-Pikes Peak Allotment Grazing Authorization
Authorization of livestock grazing on the Hicks-Pikes Peak Allotment in a manner that is consistent with the goals, objectives, and standards and guidelines of the Tonto National Forest Plan.
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North Zone 2019 Range Betterment Project
New water sources and handling facilities to improve livestock management
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Prescott College Academic Outfitter and Guide Priority Use (2015-2025)
The Forest Service proposes to authorize Prescott College to conduct academic field courses year-round across forests in Arizona including adventure education, biology, human ecology, natural history, physical geography, & field ecology.
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Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange
The Tonto National Forest is preparing an environmental impact statement(EIS) to disclosure the environmental effects from: 1) a mining proposal submitted by Resolution Copper; 2)the exchange of land between Resolution Copper and United States.
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South Green Valley Parkway Project
Providing a Right-of-way for a new road on Forest Lands.
Cancelled
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13 Ranch New Tanks 2015 Project
The Tonto National Forest proposes to authorize the permittee to construct four new tanks on the 13 Ranch allotment. All the tanks will be adjacent to existing system roads and will collect run-off from the roadways.
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APS 69kv Power Line Permit for Childs-Irving Line
Issuance of a permit to replace the expired Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hydropower License. Existing 69 kV line that was part of the Childs Irving Power operation and covered under the old license. Has been in continuous operation.
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Cragin-Payson TSA Water Treatment Plant
Sell approximately 7 acres to the Town of Payson for a water treatment plant to implement the Decision Notice and FONSI for the Cragin Water Pipeline and Treatment Plant Project signed 11/2/2011
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Dagger, Poison Spring, Black Mesa and A-Cross Grazing Allotment Management Plans
Authorize grazing on the Dagger, Poison Spring, Black Mesa and A-Cross Grazing Allotments.
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Deer Creek/Rubber Watershed Water Project
Project incorrectly identified as new actions. A review of the original decision notice and analysis will determine if additional NEPA will be necessary.
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Devil's Hole and Telegraph Trail Road Maintenance and Reconstruction Project
This project would repair and reconstruct roads near two popular recreation areas, Devil's Hole and Telegraph Trail. It would also include educational signs and boulder placement to protect surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitat.
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Diamond Point Lookout Tower Project
Relocate a fire lookout tower
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Flying V and Flying H Allotment Management Plans
Update and reauthorize two allotment management plans.
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Goose & Stewart Tank Maintenance
It is proposed by the Forest Service and the permittee to conduct maintenance activities on Goose and Stewart Tanks.
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Greenback Pipeline Water System
Installation of HDPE pipe, water storage tank and trough
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Haigler Fuels Analysis
Manage timber and other woody vegetation to help maintain forest health, reduce forest fuels, and improve wildlife habitat and range conditions on approximately 43,435 acres of the Tonto National Forest.
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New Delph Tank & Bear Tank Maintenance
The purpose of this project is to create new water developments that capture and store water for authorized livestock and wild ungulates.
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Pinal County Pinal Peak Comm Site Improvement
Improve radio communications at this site in support of public safety for Pinal County and the region. Primary use of this site is 2-way radio communications for Pinal County Sheriff Office and the Arizona Department for Public Safety.
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Pinaladera WUI Fuels Management
Fuels reduction on approximately 83,558 acres south of Globe. Area includes the Pinal Mountain Recreation Area.
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Pleasant Valley Northwest Grazing Allotments Analysis
This analysis covers five grazing allotments and will address actions needed to formalize an adaptive management livestock grazing strategy to maintain or move resources toward desired conditions in the project area as in the Tonto NF Plan.
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Red Creek, Six Bar, and Skeleton Ridge Grazing
To improve ecological conditions within three grazing allotments using tools such as adaptive grazing and wildlife habitat improvement and by maintaining or replacing aging structural range improvements such as fences, water developmements.
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Roosevelt's Cottonwood
Construction of Shipping Corral, access and Holding Pasture
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Salt River Project (SRP) SB Cove Staging Area
The purpose of this project is to permit SRP and its contractor to use Forest Service land at SB Cove to facilitate the work necessary to maintain and repair Bartlett Dam.
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Schoolhouse 2019 Fence Project
To ease the management of livestock on the schoolhouse allotment
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Sonoran Desert Ecosystem Restoration
The Tonto National Forest is proposing to obliterate approximately 145 miles of unauthorized and uninventoried user created motorized routes in the Desert Vista and St Claire areas in the Cave Creek.Routes currently being analyzed in the Travel Mgmt
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Sonoran Desert Ecosystem Restoration
Obliterate approximately 145 miles of unauthorized and uninventoried user created motorized routes in the Rolls, Bulldog Canyon, and Hewitt Canyon areas in the Mesa Ranger District.
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Tonto Basin NW
Add Structural Range Improvements to three areas
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Walnut Water Haul Number 2
Installing a HDPE pipeline and 2 livestock troughs
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Western Area Power Administration Glen Canyon-Rogers 230/345kV Integrated Vegetation Mgmt Program
Western is proposing to implement a operation and maintenance (O&M) and Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program on the Rogers-Glen Canyon section of the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) Transmission System. Includes use of herbicides.
Project Archive
Some of our older projects can be accessed in our Project Archive.
Alerts & Warnings
- EVACUATIONS: 136th Street to 144th Street to Dove Valley Rd to Tonto Boundary
- NEVER Bring or Use Fireworks on Federal Lands. It is Illegal.
- 03-12-01-24-29 Riverside Fire Closure Order
- 03-12-03-24-26 Adams Fire Emergency Closure Revision
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- 03-12-00-24-24 Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Entire Forest
- 03-12-01-22-26 Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Fishing Dock Closure
- 03-12-01-24-28 Wildcat Safety Recovery Closure Order
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure