S. 3785: North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act of 2026

This legislation is known as the North Rim and Kaibab National Forest Restoration Act of 2026. It aims to facilitate the recovery and restoration of areas within the Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest that were damaged by two significant wildfires: the Dragon Bravo Fire and the White Sage Fire. The bill grants special authority for emergency contracting, allowing quicker and more flexible contractor approvals for restoration efforts.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill includes several significant measures:

• Emergency Contracting Authority: The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, and the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to use emergency acquisition flexibilities. This includes higher limits for micro-purchases and simplified procedures for obtaining contractor services necessary for recovery efforts.
• Scope of Recovery Activities: Recovery activities covered under this bill include:
• Forest management and restoration activities.
• Rebuilding and designing structures affected by the wildfires.
• Improvements to the grounds and facilities.
• Additional recovery endeavors essential for the economic and ecological well-being of the affected area.
• Reporting Requirements: The Secretary concerned must report every 180 days on expenditures, progress in recovery efforts, and any issues such as cost overruns or detected fraud during the recovery process.
• Engagement with Indian Tribes and Local Stakeholders: The bill mandates that Indian Tribes and relevant local stakeholders be invited to participate in planning and reconstruction activities. It encourages prioritizing contracts to Tribal and local businesses where feasible.
• Noncompetitive Contracts with Concessioners: The Secretary may enter into noncompetitive contracts with existing concessioners who operate in the covered area to coordinate recovery efforts.
• Study and Report on Recovery Costs: The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture are required to conduct a study and report on the costs associated with recovery efforts authorized by this bill.

Definitions of Key Terms

• Covered Area: Refers to any area within the Grand Canyon National Park or Kaibab National Forest impacted by the two wildfires.
• Dragon Bravo Fire: A wildfire that occurred in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, damaging extensive areas from July to September 2025.
• White Sage Fire: A wildfire that affected the region near Fredonia, Arizona, also spanning a similar timeframe in 2025.
• Forest Management Activities: Includes tasks such as tree removal, erosion control, wildlife rehabilitation, and reseeding efforts with native plants.

Timeline and Duration of Authority

The emergency contracting authority provided by this bill will expire either 5 years after enactment or after the Secretary determines that recovery efforts are complete, whichever comes first. In the event of new wildfires impacting recovery efforts, the Secretary can request a one-year extension of this authority, subject to Congressional approval.

Relevant Companies

• HRB (H&R Block): Could be impacted through tax-related services for local businesses involved in recovery efforts.
• SEAS (SeaWorld Entertainment): May see fluctuations in tourism related to the Grand Canyon as recovery efforts are undertaken.