This legislation grants the National Park Service and Forest Service emergency contracting authority to facilitate the recovery of areas within the Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest severely impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire and White Sage Fire in 2025. These fires collectively burned over 200,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, necessitating urgent restoration efforts. The bill permits the use of streamlined acquisition flexibilities, such as increased micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds, for essential services. These services include forest management and restoration activities like hazard tree removal and reseeding, as well as the rebuilding, planning, and design of damaged structures and general improvements to the affected grounds. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Secretary concerned must submit semi-annual reports to Congress detailing all expenditures, contractor information, potential conflicts of interest, and progress of recovery efforts. The authority is set to expire five years after enactment or upon completion of recovery, with a possible one-year extension if new wildfires impede progress. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the engagement of Indian Tribes and other local stakeholders, including businesses and community groups, in planning and reconstruction activities. It also prioritizes contracting with Tribal and local businesses to the maximum extent practicable, and allows for noncompetitive contracts with existing concessioners to coordinate recovery efforts.
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Timeline
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-3785| Senate
| Updated: 2/5/2026
This legislation grants the National Park Service and Forest Service emergency contracting authority to facilitate the recovery of areas within the Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest severely impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire and White Sage Fire in 2025. These fires collectively burned over 200,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, necessitating urgent restoration efforts. The bill permits the use of streamlined acquisition flexibilities, such as increased micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds, for essential services. These services include forest management and restoration activities like hazard tree removal and reseeding, as well as the rebuilding, planning, and design of damaged structures and general improvements to the affected grounds. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Secretary concerned must submit semi-annual reports to Congress detailing all expenditures, contractor information, potential conflicts of interest, and progress of recovery efforts. The authority is set to expire five years after enactment or upon completion of recovery, with a possible one-year extension if new wildfires impede progress. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the engagement of Indian Tribes and other local stakeholders, including businesses and community groups, in planning and reconstruction activities. It also prioritizes contracting with Tribal and local businesses to the maximum extent practicable, and allows for noncompetitive contracts with existing concessioners to coordinate recovery efforts.