Posts by Carmine Mowbray

There are two fly-in public use cabins on Heckman Lake on Revillagigedo Island in Tongass National Forest, within the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District. They have fallen victim to deferred maintenance and seasonal damage, and due to limited USFS funding, were in jeopardy of being decommissioned. “Loss of these fly-in, and marine access cabins would…

RAF Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest and his wife Kari – who serves as an RAF VP of Appreciation – have the privilege of accessing many of Southeast Alaska’s US Forest Service lakefront cabins available for rent. They are enthusiastic about promoting and preserving the experience for others who wish to visit the Alaskan wilderness and…

The official word from the FAA is that Red Pine airport located within The Nature Conservancy’s Saint John River Forest in northern Maine now has an FAA identifier. RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe and the Nature Conservancy were notified on January 31 by the FAA that, “Your airport has been created and assigned airport ID:…

RAF Wisconsin Director Jeff Russell tells of his epic winter flight to Alaska to watch the legendary Iditarod sled dog race in this new RAF podcast #12. Hosted by RAF President Bill McGlynn, it may just inspire you to plan a similar journey – or then again, you may prefer to enjoy this amazing story…

Our friends at Hartzell Propeller are continuing to offer a $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers. In addition, Hartzell is contributing $250 to the RAF mission for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer through 2024! “We love this partnership. It’s a real benefit to current RAF supporters, and a welcome incentive to becoming an RAF supporter,”…

RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine used an RAF grant in 2020 to initiate improvements at this airport near Caldwell, Ohio. It is a desirable recreational destination that provides walking access to Noble County’s Wolf Run State Park campground. Pilots can tie down and follow a wooded trail to the lake. The outhouse was improved, and…

RAF Idaho Liaison Bruce “Sparky” Parker reports major improvements at Cavanaugh Bay airstrip, (66S), near Priest Lake, Idaho. The RAF continues to provide grant funds toward projects, with a second grant of approximately $10,000.  Parker points out that Idaho Aeronautics has completed major investments in the airport campground including more tie-downs, interior bathrooms, a new deck,…

A contribution of appreciated stock or mutual funds can result in significant tax savings for the Donor, allowing them to make a more significant gift than they thought possible.  The Donor receives two immediate tax benefits, one is a charitable deduction of the fair market value of the security, the second a tax exemption from…

A January 2, 2024 US Forest Service news release commends its partnership with the RAF for the rehabilitation of Gila National Forest’s Sacaton Airstrip. RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller organized volunteers for a series of work parties that resulted in reestablishment of the long-abandoned runway, and installation of a new vault toilet there, which…

Dug Bar Airstrip (OR8) lies along the Snake River in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the USFS. Access to Dug Bar is easiest by aircraft, jet boat, “Or you can arrive there after a two-hour drive on a primitive road from the town of Imnaha, Oregon,” RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables says. Ables…