For years, Forest Road 085 — the backcountry mountain road that connects Utah County and Wasatch County through American Fork Canyon — deteriorated after heavy winters and storm damage left critical sections washed out and unsafe for travel. By 2025, the Narrows portion of the road had sloughed to the point that the U.S. Forest Service ordered it closed for public safety, cutting off years of continuous access for recreation, camping, trail riding, and scenic travel along this iconic Wasatch Back route. Local riders and residents feared the closure might be permanent as bureaucratic delays and funding hurdles stood in the way of repairs.

Seeing the canyon’s connection — and the communities it serves — at risk, Mark Allen, then serving as a state and county delegate representing both Wasatch and Utah County interests, stepped forward to lead a grassroots initiative to get the road fixed. Allen organized a field tour for elected officials, bringing together advocates, infrastructure stakeholders, and user groups to spotlight firsthand the need for action. On that tour, motorized clubs and outdoor recreation supporters helped host the visit and demonstrate just how vital this road was to access and safety for locals and visitors alike.

With political focus sharpened and community partners energized, Allen helped navigate the coordination between citizens, off-highway vehicle clubs, the Utah County Public Works Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and funding entities. Through those collaborative efforts, funding was secured to rebuild the damaged sections of FR 085, including tens of thousands of dollars in grants and vehicle registration-based outdoor recreation support that made the reconstruction possible.

By fall of 2025, after months of construction and stabilization work, Forest Road 085 was reopened, reconnecting Utah County and Wasatch County and restoring the beloved route for generations of hikers, bikers, climbers, equestrians, and OHV riders. What was once a road on the verge of permanent closure became a powerful example of citizens working with elected officials and agencies to preserve access and protect the canyon’s vibrant outdoor culture

Press Release on Road Repair
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nG_-hAlrJoCbEpWIBccNGzL0s4EpzsTE/view?usp=sharing