Don’t be fooled into thinking fixing asphalt is quick and easy. While we may take the ground we travel upon for granted, pavement repairs can make all the difference in the safety, accessibility and beauty of our national forests.  To get the work done right, the perfect mix of national funds and a new business model helped expedite repairing two roads and three heliport pads on the Sierra National Forest in central California.

The Legacy Restoration Fund, established by the Great American Outdoors Act, and the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funded the work. In the bigger picture, the Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service received just over $35.6 million from the Great American Outdoors Act to support 35 projects across 16 of the 18 national forests in California for fiscal year 2024.

And with this funding, the Legacy Restoration Fund addresses the growing $8.6 billion backlog of deferred maintenance across the nation’s forests and grasslands.

Let’s see how these funds and updated contracting tools are creating better roads and safer wildfire-fighting conditions on one of our national forests.

A Faster Way to Repair Our Roads

First up, road repairs via the Sierra Vista Byway Rehabilitation Project. The Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway treats travelers to over 87 miles of high county road on the way to California’s Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park.

But before repair work could start on this byway, the forest was working to update their contracting processes. Their forward thinking would directly impact the speed and use of Great American Outdoor Act and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds.

“About four years ago, the forest looked into developing better ways to handle our contracting. We even have access to the Department of Interior’s contractor tools,” said Forest Supervisor Dean Gould. “Now, what used to take three to four months to get suppliers can often be done in 30 days.

“This new way of working also allows us the time and resources to help other forests speed up their projects.”

With contracts in place, the forest’s Project Lead Antonio Cabrera and Project Coordinator Pablo Gonzalez moved the repairs ahead.

Repair crews got to work stripping, double chip sealing, and deep patching sections of Beasore and Minarets roads. They finished by laying down new asphalt and fog sealant. They even cleared vegetation for better roadway visibility for those travelling the beloved byway.

“The Sierra Vista Byway Rehabilitation Project accomplished more than just an infrastructure overhaul,” Cabrera said. “It also nurtured a stronger bond between the residents and the breathtaking landscapes defining their surroundings.

“Particularly along the northwest stretch of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, near Sky Ranch Road, there was an enhanced focus on preserving the natural aesthetics, echoing community values and aspirations.”

The Great America Outdoors Act committed $1.85 million to the overall project as part of a broader $9.9-million initiative set to revitalize scenic byways across the region.

And despite the challenge of unpredictable weather, the team remained hyper focused while working with states, counties and partners to achieve the best results. The project started in 2023 and met its target completion timeframe in July 2024.

Smoother Heliport for Safer Firefighting

Next up, the Creek Fire Heliport Repairs project revitalized vital heliports on the Sierra National Forest, including heliports at Batterson, Trimmer and Dinkey Mill work centers that provide integral forest response to emergencies, including the 2020 Creek Fire.

Wildfire response uses all the tools in the fire toolbox — on the ground and in the sky. That requires repairs to heliports for safer landings and crew support.

Helicopters play an important role in fighting wildfires. Most people think of aircrafts carry and drop water on fires, but helicopter crews also play a key role in surveying the ground to locate a fire or monitor its movement from above. Helicopter crews are also essential to quick responses in search and rescue missions and delivering supplies to remote areas during wildfire response.

That’s why it’s so important that heliports — air strips where helicopters take off and land — are kept in good condition. But heavy use throughout the year leads to natural wear and tear.

Once again, the forest’s new way of doing contracts paired with Disaster Supplemental funding sped up repairs.

This project fixed asphalt surfaces on access roads, parking areas, and heliports to provide safer, faster access routes.  The new asphalt also cuts down on dirt, dust and debris that can clog an engine intake and impact the operation of helicopters over time.

Crews using the heliports already mention the ease of use from the new pavement, especially during a heavy fire season.

“I’m excited that funds from the Disaster Supplemental funds for this project and the Great American Outdoors Act funds for the scenic byway made all this possible,” said Cabrera. “Communities and visitors all benefit from these urgently needed repairs.”