Projects
The Projects page shows current and proposed projects on the Rio Grande National Forest for watershed restoration, habitat improvement, recreation sites, timber sales, roads, and more. Projects on the Rio Grande National Forest follow guidelines under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This act was signed into law on January 1, 1970.
Each national forest and grassland are governed by a management plan in accordance with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). These plans set management, protection, and use goals and guidelines. Monitoring conditions on a forest or grassland ensures projects are done in accordance with plan direction and determines effects that might require a change in the management plan. Scroll down to view current & recent projects.
Visit the Over Snow Travel Management Planning Supplemental Page
Get Involved
To reduce costs, lessen environmental impacts, and further outreach planning information, the Rio Grande National Forest is transitioning to the use of electronic mailings, rather than postal mail, for all updates regarding forest management projects. Beginning in 2022, the forest may start using the GovDelivery email notification system, on a project by project basis, to send updates to those interested in being involved in the planning process for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects on the forest.
Sign up for GovDelivery and take advantage of new electronic notifications! You can elect to receive forest project information directly to your email inbox. To sign up for updates or to access your subscriber preferences, follow the link.
Commonly Requested Documents
On December 5, 2012, the Rio Grande National Forest accepted part of Wolf Creek Ski Area’s new master development plan (MDP). The portions of the MDP pertaining to expansion onto the San Juan National Forest were not accepted and won’t be considered until after the completion of the San Juan National Forest’s Land Management Plan Revision. Acceptance of the MDP does not mean the Forest Service has approved the development proposals. Every development proposal must go through an environmental analysis as required by the National Environmental Policy Act before any decisions are made as to whether the proposals will be implemented.
The ski area is currently permitted to operate on 1,581 acres of land managed by the Rio Grande National Forest. The MDP is required for the special use permit the ski area holds with the forest and serves as a guide for the next 10 to 15 years for the ski area’s proposed future development. The MDP concerns only the ski area and has no connection to Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture’s proposed Village at Wolf Creek.
Click on the following links to view the documents.
Wolf Creek Ski Area Master Development Plan
- Appendices
- Survey Responses by County
- Figure 1: Vicinity Map
- Figure 2: Property Ownership
- Figure 3: Existing Conditions
- Figure 4: Fall Line Analysis
- Figure 5: Slope Gradient Analysis
- Figure 6: Aspect Analysis
- Figure 7: Upgrade Plan
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) show the roads and trails that are authorized for motorized use. Roads and trails not shown on these maps are not authorized for public motorized use. There is an MVUM associated with each Ranger District on the Rio Grande National Forest.
The Roads Analysis Report documents the information and analyses used to identify concerns and opportunities for the management of the Rio Grande National Forest road system. This report was published in 2004 and remains a useful tool.
- Dear Reviewer Letter 02/05/2024
- Roads Analysis Report
- Appendix A - Watershed Ratings Assessment
- Appendix B - Sensitive Soils Assessment
- Appendix C - Roads Matrix Table
- Appendix D - Wildlife and Aquatic Species Assessment
- Appendix E - Engineering Road Information
- Appendix F - Road Glossary
- Appendix G - References
- Appendix H - Public Comments
Maps produced as part of the 2024 Forest Roads Analysis:
- Map 1 - Inventoried Road Systems
- Map 2 - Forest Plan Management Areas
- Map 3 - Watersheds
- Map 4 - Soils
- Map 5 - Deer Winter Range
- Map 6 - Elk Winter Range
- Map 7 - Fisheries and Lynx Habitat
- Map 8 - Land Ownership and Road Right-of-Way
- Map 9 - Recreational Opportunity Spectrum
- Map 10 - Suitable Timber and Range Allotment Boundaries
- Map 11 - Fire/Fuels
- Map 12 - Road Segments within Mapped Backcountry/Roadless Areas
Note: Not all projects may appear on map. See list below for complete list of projects with more information or documentation.
SOPA Reports
The Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) contains a list of proposed actions for Rio Grande National Forest that will soon begin or are currently undergoing environmental analysis and documentation. It provides information so that you can become aware of and indicate your interest in specific proposals. We encourage your early and ongoing involvement in any proposals of interest to you.
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Rio Grande National Forest Projects
Project Archive
Some of our older projects can be accessed in our Project Archive.