CUSTER-GALLATIN CALL TO ACTION

Your help is needed! Custer-Gallatin National Forest has released its Draft plan. The public comment period ends Thursday, June 6, 2019.

This Forest encompasses more than three million acres in SW Montana and South Dakota. There are six mountain ranges within the Forest complex.

Montana Liaison Ron Normandeau says this Draft “portrays a prejudice against airstrips and aircraft access.” We need to provide positive input advocating airstrips before the comment deadline on June 6.

Ron has excerpted the following relevant language regarding Airfields. Please refer to it before commenting:

2.4.12 Airfields, Aircraft Landing Strips (AIRFIELDS)

Introduction

The Custer Gallatin National Forest does not manage any public or administrative airfields as part of the transportation system. The forest owns taxiways and tarmacs at the West Yellowstone Airport in support of the smokejumper and air tanker base. No public sites have been designated or authorized on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Desired conditions under general recreation apply to public recreational motorized aircraft landing strips.

Standards (FW-STD-AIRFIELDS)

01 Public recreational motorized aircraft landing and take-off shall only be allowed at designated and authorized sites.

02 Any new landing and take-off locations shall be constructed, maintained, and operated by the holder of a special use authorization.

Suitability (FW-SUIT-AIRFIELDS)

01 Backcountry aircraft landing strips are not suitable in designated wilderness, the Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area, the Cabin Creek Recreation Wildlife Management Area, National Natural Landmarks, the Wild Horse Territory, research natural areas, special areas, recommended wilderness areas, within ¼ mile each side of eligible wild rivers, within ½ mile each side of the Continental Divide Trail, riparian management zones, areas of primitive or semi-primitive nonmotorized recreation opportunity spectrum, or within the grizzly bear recovery zone. Backcountry aircraft landing strips are suitable in areas of rural, roaded natural and semi-primitive motorized recreation opportunity spectrum, outside of the designated areas listed in the preceding sentence.

Alternative D: Backcountry aircraft landing strips are not suitable anywhere on the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Talking points to use in your comments.

1. Airstrip section portrays a forest prejudice against aircraft access.

2. Airfields Desired conditions under general recreation does not provide adequate guidance to future planners for the establishment of forest access by aircraft.

3. Desired conditions do not meet Planning Directives standards for presentation of the plan component; Desired Condition.

Excerpt from Plan Directive:

Desired conditions must be described in terms that are specific enough to allow progress toward their achievement to be determined, but do not include completion dates. (36 CFR 219.7(e)(1)(i)) Forest Service Handbook FS1909.12, Chapter 20, Sec 22.11 page 22

4. The airfields section does not address the five plan components: Desired Condition, Objectives, Standards, guidelines, and suitability. The directives require all five components to define an activity.

5. Excerpt from Plan Directive:

Plans must include the following plan components (36 CFR 219.7): desired conditions (sec. 22.11), objectives (sec. 22.12), standards (sec. 22.13), guidelines (sec. 22.14), and suitability of lands (sec. 22.15). Goals may be included as an optional plan component (sec. 22.16). Forest Service Handbook FS1909.12, Chapter 20, Sec 22.1 page 20

6. Under Suitability the list of areas “unsuitable for aircraft landing strips” is unsupported by law accept for designated wilderness and research natural areas.

7. Draft Environmental Impact Statement does not present any data on aircraft operations impact on the environment.

It’s easy to comment —Here’s how:

• Online at: https://tinyurl.com/caracgnf

• Email to cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us. Use Subject line “Comment – draft plan – CGNF”

By Mail to Custer Gallatin National Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 130, (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771
The RAF has participated respectfully in previous Forest Plans with success. Please take a moment to comment. Your voice matters!

Submitted on May 28, 2019

Posted in Calls to Action

Recent Posts

RAF OUTFITTER MARCH FEATURED ITEM

March 5, 2026
These ALL-NEW Stio Pinion Down Vests are the perfect addition to your backcountry wardrobe. This ultralight, packable down layer provides unstoppable core warmth and comfort for a chilly spring day. These vests feature a 100% recycled, lightweight, abrasion-resistant ripstop shell that blocks wind and responsibly sourced 800-fill down. With an athletic fit, these are as comfortable in the backcountry as they are around town, and their compressible design makes them easy to pack in the airplane. Available in Men’s (green) and Women’s (orange) sizes. - $199 Get your RAF Stio Vest today and stay warm wherever your adventures take you! If you have questions, please email contact@theraf.org or call 406-582-1723. Your RAF Outfitter purchase is greatly appreciated and furthers the mission to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access. You can support the RAF mission all year by shopping at the RAF Outfitter online store. Products are being added regularly, and items are thoughtfully selected for durability and suitability for pilots, by pilots. We welcome photos of supporters using RAF gear! Please send your images to ewhite@theraf.org , and let us know if we have permission to post them on social media or our website. Submitted March 5, 2026.

WORTH THE READ: JEFF SMITH GUEST EDITORIAL

March 3, 2026
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Jeff Smith, a pilot and an RAF Supporter.

RAF EVENT CALENDAR LISTS ACTIVITIES NEAR YOU

February 27, 2026
Looking for a way to participate with like-minded RAF supporters? Like to roll up your sleeves on an airfield project? The RAF makes it easy for you to learn about and plan for upcoming 2026 RAF events, work parties, and other activities. Events are added all the time, and the calendar will begin filling up as summer approaches, so we encourage you to make a habit of checking it often. Scroll down on the RAF homepage or go directly to the Calendar page here . Due to the number and variety of aviation activities, only those with RAF involvement will be listed on our calendar. We encourage you to check your own state’s pilot and aeronautics resources, and type-club social media for other activities. Submitted February 27, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

USE THE RAF AIRFIELD GUIDE TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

February 27, 2026
Have you explored the RAF Airfield Guide ? If discovering new places and adventures excites you, the Airfield Guide is the place to begin planning your next destination! You can filter airfields by amenities, runway length and type, and geographic region to get a tailored list of destinations perfect for your next flying adventure. You can also create flying routes to plan a longer trip. If you come across an airfield listed in the Guide that you've been to, submit a comment to share your experience with others. The Airfield Guide is a high-quality tool to help you discover special places around the country. It's fast and easy to sign up for, and is free, without ads. If your head is in the clouds, dreaming about where to fly this summer, the Airfield Guide is the place to find your inspiration. Submitted February 27, 2026

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: ALTON BAY, NH

February 27, 2026
This month, we are featuring a most unique destination, Alton Bay, New Hampshire, B18, located on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s a busy seaplane base during summer, and when winter chill descends on the countryside, the watercraft get stored, and eager pilots await New Hampshire’s DOT Aeronautical Division’s go-ahead for ice landings when they deem the ice is a safe thickness. Local volunteers get involved and mark the runway with cones, and keep the ice field, taxiway, and parking apron graded, typically through March. The RAF, alongside other local organizations, has played a role in keeping Alton Bay open and maintained over the years—helping fund fuel and equipment parts, and supporting the dedicated volunteers who work hard to keep the runway in excellent condition. Pilots enjoy the experience of landing on pure ice on New Hampshire’s largest lake – skis not required – and locals report a fantastic season this winter, logging more than last year’s record 764 landings. “Pilots eager to practice this New England winter tradition come from as far as New Jersey, Michigan, and the New England states to land, socialize, or walk the short distance to town for shopping, dining, and the surrounding amenities,” said New Hampshire Liaison John Meade. Alton Bay businesses warmly welcome visitors to their annual February Winter Carnival that draws large crowds for sleigh rides, ice skating, beer and chili bar, a chowder cook-off, and food and swag vendors. Find Alton Bay Ice Runway on the Airfield Guide and bookmark the Alton Bay Facebook page to check out photos, reels, reviews, and of course, current dialog. Those who pay a visit to B18 receive a coveted Ice Wing certificate and Ice Chip. Submitted February 27, 2026 Photo Credit: Greg Delp