Editor’s note: This is from a U.S. Forest Service press release.

The U.S. Forest Service is preparing to reissue powerline permits to Southern California Edison for infrastructure serving local communities adjacent to and within the San Bernardino National Forest. The existing Special Use Authorizations have exceeded their expiration dates and updated authorizations are needed for continued use and occupancy of national forest lands.

The Forest Service will be allowing SCE to continue maintaining the grid in a safe and reliable manner while continually managing and mitigating effects to plants, animals, aquatic features, endangered species habitats, areas of resource concern or any other area of potential affect. SCE is required to maintain the grid to, and be in compliance with, several state and federal laws and regulations, including the California Public Utility Commission requirements.

The likelihood of power outages and wildfires caused by downed lines when hazard trees strike them or when degraded power poles fail is reduced when maintenance activities are completed in a timely and sound manner.

All authorizations will be consolidated into Master Permits and Easements with an attached Master Operation and Maintenance Plan, which will identify best-management practices for all activities.

This action does not authorize any changes to facilities, alignments or capacity of the electric grid. Facilities considered in this analysis have been previously authorized with various special use permits, easements or statutory rights and are eligible for continuance.

If one would like to comment on this proposal during the 30-day scoping period, or has any questions, email is the preferred means for submitting comments. Comments should be sent to Jason Collier at [email protected]. These should be received by Thursday, April 12. The words “SCE MSUP” should be in the subject line.

If unable to send comments electronically, they may be sent to: SCE MSUP, Jason Collier, USFS Supervisor’s Office, 602 South Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408

For more information about this project, including the proposed action and maps, visit https://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/nepa_project_exp.php?project=53348

For any questions, write or call Jason Collier at [email protected] or 909-382-2869.

This U.S. Forest Service map displays the location of Southern California Edison’s power lines throughout the San Bernardino National Forest. Forest staff are working on reissuing a new master permit to SCE.
Map courtesy U.S. Forest Service