The Manti-La Sal National Forest has proposed a recovery plan to repair roads and trails damaged by the Babylon Fire, according to a BlueRibbon Coalition report published November 2, 2026. The plan aims to restore access to areas in the Abajo Mountains following the lightning-caused fire that burned more than 107,000 acres.
The Babylon Fire began June 26, 2026, in the Abajo Mountains, roughly 25 miles southwest of Monticello. The fire burned across parts of Elk Ridge, Dark Canyon Wilderness, and Bears Ears National Monument, eventually being 100 percent contained. While the Monticello Ranger District rescinded its closure order on August 20, 2026, the area remains hazardous to travel through the massive burn scar.
Under the proposed recovery plan, Forest Service crews would perform several tasks, including clearing brush and small trees through methods such as chipping, mastication, and piling. The plan also includes harvesting dead or damaged timber, repairing or rebuilding fire-damaged trails, bridges, and boardwalks, and grading and rebuilding roads. Additionally, the forest would utilize planting, seeding, and natural regeneration to restore tree cover. The Forest Service intends to build temporary roads only where required for treatments, which would then be removed and recontoured.
The recovery project is an emergency action under the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allows it to skip the standard objection period. Forest Supervisor Barbara Van Alstine is the responsible official, and a draft decision states that work would begin no sooner than November 6, 2026. The Forest Service's draft finding of no significant impact relies on a national Post-Fire Recovery Environmental Assessment completed June 26, 2026.
BlueRibbon Coalition is encouraging the public to submit comments regarding the plan. Comments are due by 11:59 PM MST on November 3, 2026, as the organization notes that anonymous or late comments may lack standing.
