Division spotlights North Wash boat ramp and American Fork Canyon road repairs as priority projects

Division staff told the Utah Outdoor Adventure Commission that two department priorities will be presented for funding consideration at the November meeting: restoration engineering at the North Wash boat ramp (Cataract Canyon) and repairs to Forest Road 085 in American Fork Canyon.

North Wash boat ramp (Cataract Canyon): staff described how declining Lake Powell elevations and canyon terrain now make the historic ramp effectively unusable and said the Utah Guides & Outfitters Association has advocated for engineering work for two decades. Staff intend to request funds for engineering to identify long‑term solutions and said Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has opened communications with state staff about partnerships.

American Fork Canyon — Forest Road 085 (the Narrows): Chase Pealey described a sloughed section of Forest Road 085 that has closed a county D road and cut motorized and snowmobile access between Utah County and Wasatch County. Estimated bids for repair are just under $800,000; Pealey said $350,000 has been approved/recommended by the OHV advisory council and that Utah County will lead the project in partnership with the Forest Service.

Commissioners emphasized public safety, search‑and‑rescue access and wildfire response as reasons to prioritize the American Fork Canyon repair. A commissioner noted that the closure has limited SAR access and that the site is dangerous for users attempting to pass the section.

Both projects will return to the commission in November with requests for funding or engineering support.