State of Utah, Forest Service launch $18M post‑fire recovery effort

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and the State of Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced, at the Beaver County Courthouse in Utah, an $18 million funding agreement to support recovery from fire and flood impacts following the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history.

The Cottonwood Fire burned more than 97,000 acres in June and July near Beaver, Utah, followed by heavy monsoon thunderstorms that caused extensive flooding. The damage has affected livestock producers, timber operators, wildlife and hunting areas, recreation and tourism sites, road access, and other critical uses across the region.

“The Cottonwood Fire and subsequent monsoon flooding have deeply disrupted the communities who call these forests home,” said Chief Tom Shultz. “Local families, ranchers, and small businesses continue to face damaged roads, limited access, and daily challenges. Today’s investment helps us respond quickly and with care—reducing further harm, repairing critical infrastructure, and restoring access to the places people rely on for their livelihoods, traditions, and wellbeing. This partnership reflects our commitment to stand alongside Utah communities as they begin to heal and rebuild.”

The Forest Service has committed $9.2 million to begin recovery. These funds address urgent needs including stabilization, impacts to critical infrastructure, and short-term recovery after a wildfire. Reflecting a shared commitment, the State of Utah will match the federal investment dollar-for-dollar.

“The Cottonwood Fire didn’t end when the flames were extinguished. Utahns are still living with the consequences, from damaged watersheds and washed-out roads to impacts on ranchers, recreation, and local economies,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “This partnership allows us to move quickly to stabilize these landscapes, restore access, and reduce the risk of future flooding and erosion. I’m grateful to Chief Schultz and the Forest Service for matching Utah’s commitment and standing with the communities working to recover.”

Federal, state, and local partners are already moving quickly to identify the most critical on‑the‑ground needs and begin implementing rehabilitation projects with the ultimate goal of protecting communities from further hardships due to the wildfire. The joint funding will support efforts to stabilize soils and rehabilitate severely burnt land. It will also support projects that restore access, get permittees and operators back on the landscape, recover critical recreation facilities, prevent erosion, flooding, and sedimentation that threaten water quality and infrastructure; restore native vegetation, control invasive species; and support wildlife and fish habitat recovery.

Building on shared commitment, the Forest Service and the State of Utah signed a statement of intent outlining joint priorities for rehabilitation. With that foundation in place, the agencies plan to move quickly to execute a Good Neighbor Agreement, paving the way for rehabilitation work to begin as early as fires are controlled. State agencies with specialized expertise will lead project development and implementation across affected lands, ensuring a unified and community‑focused approach.

With fire‑damaged watersheds, roads and communities at heightened risk, agencies are preparing to begin immediate work and accelerate long‑term recovery. The Forest Service and the State of Utah will share regular updates to keep residents informed as recovery operations ramp up.

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.