Planning

Managing the use of the natural resources across the national forests takes a lot of planning. Plans for specific projects move the condition of the forest closer to the desired future conditions described in the Forest Plan.

Participants in a recreation trails meeting raise hands to vote on an item of discussion.

Stay Connected with Forest Projects

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SOPA Quarterly: The Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) is published quarterly on the first of January, April, July, and October.

What is Project Planning?

Project planning follows direction from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 USC 43231 et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508), USDA Regulations (7 CFR Part 1b), and Forest Service Regulations (36 CFR 220).

How do I get involved?

We want to hear from you! The 36 CFR 218 process builds on early participation and collaboration efforts, with the intention of resolving concerns before a decision is made.

218 Guide: Simple and easy answers to some of the most common questions such as who can comment, what is an objection and what can a reviewing official do?

The Land and Resource Management Plan

The Forests Land and Resource Management Plan establishes the primary management direction for the entire forest, providing a framework for what we do and where we do it.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Forest Plan Implementation

Climate Change and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Forest Plan Amendments

The Forest Plan is designed to be adaptable and can be amended at any time. Amendments are intended to be used to keep plans current and help the Forests adapt to new information or changing conditions.

Facilities Co-location: December 13, 2004

Managing Recreation Uses in the Upper Segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor: January 31, 2012

Beasley Knob OHV Trail Improvement Project: February 28, 2013
- Amendment #2
- Environmental Assessment
- Decision Notice/Finding of Non Significant Impact

Disposal of the Toccoa Work Center Complex: December 5, 2014
- Amendment #3
- Decision Memo

Revised Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment Updating Standards for Federally Listed Bat species: May 9, 2017

Administrative Change 2012 Planning Rule Monitoring Program Transition
- Amendment #5
- Decision Memo

Travel Analysis

A 2016 Travel Analysis Report analyzes the existing National Forest road system and identifies opportunities to achieve a more ecologically and economically sustainable road system on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Features

Watershed Assessments

The Forest Service is assessing watersheds as a way to systematically analyze ecosystem conditions. This will help us plan projects in the field that will carry out the direction provided by our Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

View Feature

Oconee Forest Health & Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project - OFHWHIP

***Annual Public Meeting to be held January 25, 2024*** The purpose of the Oconee Forest Health & Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project is to maintain or improve forest health in pine stands with high stem density to improve forest resiliency and resistance to natural disturbances, disease infestations and insects, particularly southern pine beetle. Meeting these forest plan objectives will also help maintain critical habitat for the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.