CALL TO ACTION: BEARS EARS NATIONAL MONUMENT – WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE 18 OF UTAH’S SCENIC BACKCOUNTRY AIRSTRIPS

The BLM has progressed in the process of revising its Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) and invites public comments to guide their final decision .

The BLM is proposing that aircraft only be allowed to take off and land at the Bluff Airport and the Fry Canyon Airstrip. By placing this limitation, it serves to essentially close the other 16 airstrips in the Bears Ears NM until someday when the BLM puts together their implementation-level travel plan and perhaps these airstrips might be reopened. All 18 of the airstrips have existed and been in use for the past 40-70 years and we request that none of them be closed or banned arbitrarily without first evaluating the merits of each. 

RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots board member Wendy Lessig says, “It is essential that we submit positive comments about preserving these recreational assets. Your voice counts!”

Please submit your BENM comments directly via this button:

The deadline to submit public comments is JUNE 11, 2024 .

Here are talking points for reference. Please submit your own individualized comments, and include positive, personal reasons for allowing access by private, non-commercial, fixed-wing aircraft:

·   Access by GA aircraft for private, non-commercial use protects the objects and values of the National Monument.

·   In addition to Bluff Airport and Fry Canyon, access should be provided for the other 16 airstrips by private, non-commercial, fixed-wing aircraft for recreational use, the same use that has been ongoing for the past 40-70 years. 

·   These existing airstrips are recreational assets, and provide for dispersed primitive camping, especially with increased use of the backcountry by “boondocking” road vehicles.

·   Aviation has a very small environmental footprint, the lightest footprint form of access to these lands.

·   Access by air requires NO road, nor infrastructure like bridges or corrals.

·   Access by air eliminates miles of dusty road traffic.

·   Most Utah backcountry airstrips predate the 1964 Wilderness Act. Access and use of these airstrips should be retained.

·   Noise from aircraft is transient and of short duration.

·   Airstrips are situated on natural flat land features, such as level, open meadows with little occurrence of soil disturbance or erosion.

·   Airstrips provide vital access to aid Search and Rescue, emergency response, and firefighting.

·   Airstrips offer possible life-saving options when small aircraft encounter mechanical problems or deteriorating weather conditions while flying over the relatively unforgiving terrain in southern Utah.

·   Peer-reviewed research substantiates that small aircraft noise has no detrimental impact on wildlife.

·   Backcountry airstrips offer recreational access to the disabled and those with limited mobility and without the need for strenuous physical activity to enjoy our public lands.

·   Airstrips are trailheads: aviators are non-motorized recreationists, participating in hiking, camping and other low-impact activities. These users practice “Leave No Trace” ethics.

·   The Recreational Aviation Foundation and the Utah Backcountry Pilots work in collaboration with the BLM and USFS to provide cooperative maintenance of backcountry airstrips, saving administrative resources that can be used elsewhere.

Your public comments count. Please click the button above to officially submit comments to the BLM. Comments need to be submitted personally via the button and not in the comments section of this article. We are unable to forward comments on your behalf.

Thank you for helping preserve these unique and priceless backcountry aviation assets.

These 18 airstrips are in the BENM and could potentially be affected:

Airstrip Latitude Longitude Documented Existence Year
Brown’s Rim 37.854 -110.299 1952
Fry Canyon South 37.613 -110.139 1952
Sipapu Bridge 37.6255 -110.034 1952
Deer Flat 37.6654 -110.027 1954
Dry Fork Canyon 38.0933 -109.616 1954
Hammond-Kigalia Point 37.6843 -109.773 1954
Bluff 37.2535 -109.636 1962
Mule Canyon 37.4739 -109.71 1962
Red House Spring 37.4815 -110.184 1963
Dark Canyon North 37.89585 -110.089 1980
Dark Canyon South 37.8242 -110.09 1980
Fry Canyon 37.6515 -110.171 1980
Long Canyon 37.7817 -110.159 1980
Clay Hills Crossing 37.317 -110.367 1987
Lockhart Basin 38.3268 -109.706 1987
Lockhart Road 38.3292 -109.681 1987
Polly Mesa 37.3877 -110.124 2006
Valley of the Gods 37.2531 -109.92 2006

Photo credit: Bureau of Land Management

Posted in News

Recent Posts

RAF FRIEND AND SUPPORTER CHARLIE KUYK REMEMBERED

By Taylin Trafton • December 31, 2025
The RAF has some remarkable friends, and among them was long time generous RAF supporter Charlie Kuyk, retired USAF Major-General. Folks may remember that Charlie and USAF Colonel and NASA Astronaut Frank Borman were good friends, dating back to their time together at West Point in the late '40s. Charlie went into bombers, and Frank went into fighters, but they stayed fast friends through their lives. Frank passed away in 2023 in Billings, MT, and we regret to report that Charlie passed away this December in Gig Harbor, WA, at age 99½. “We were fortunate to reunite these two a couple of times as they told stories of their lifetimes, with then-RAF Director Pete Bunce graciously acting as moderator,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. “The joke was that everyone understood why Charlie became a three-star general, while Frank remained a colonel. Frank's retort was that he logged more flight hours than Charlie by flying around the moon.” Charlie had an amazing 36-year military career spanning the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base and an Air Force Wing Commander, and a general officer in the R&D division of the Air Staff at the Pentagon, where he oversaw the development of the Cruise missile systems and stealth aircraft technology. “Most importantly, Charlie stood out as a good friend and an avid aviator, never losing his enthusiasm to climb into airplanes like ours, and go fly with someone,” McGlynn said, adding, “Blue skies and tailwinds, Charlie. You are remembered fondly.” Submitted December 31, 2025.

PODCASTS HIGHLIGHT THE PEOPLE AND PROJECTS OF THE RAF

By Taylin Trafton • December 31, 2025
When RAF friends gather around the fire hub at an airfield, there’s always a good story to be told. We have brought that love of storytelling into digital format with RAF Podcasts, and hope you enjoy hearing the variety of perspectives shared on the topic of recreational aviation. Each podcast is hosted by RAF President Bill McGlynn, whose easygoing interviewing style naturally brings out some wonderful stories from our interviewees. Enjoy listening on theraf.org under the News tab, or search for “The RAF and Backcountry Flying” on your favorite podcast app, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts .  Submitted December 31, 2025.

HARTZELL EXTENDS $1,000 SAVINGS TO RAF SUPPORTERS THROUGH 2026; BOOSTS RAF MISSION WITH EACH SALE

By Taylin Trafton • December 30, 2025
For the sixth year, our friends at Hartzell Propeller have generously extended their popular $1,000 discount for RAF supporters on four backcountry propellers designed for short takeoffs, climb-out power, and short landings in rugged environments. In addition, Hartzell contributes $250 to the RAF for each new Hartzell prop sold due to this special offer now through 2026! “We are so very proud to continue our support for the RAF and backcountry flying,” said JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propeller, a Signia Aerospace company. Hartzell Propeller is a global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing. With more than a century of experience, the company designs next-generation propellers with innovative blended airfoil technology. “We love this partnership. It’s a real benefit to current RAF supporters, and a welcome incentive to becoming an RAF supporter,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said. Details on the four propellers can be found here . “Hartzell Propeller’s ongoing commitment directly benefits pilots and helps protect the airstrips that make backcountry flying possible. This is a win for the entire aviation community,” McKenna added. Submitted December 30, 2025.

FEATURED AIRSTRIP: BLACKWATER, FL

By Taylin Trafton • December 29, 2025
It’s flying season in Florida, and with mild seasonal temperatures and plenty of clear weather, it’s the perfect time to visit Blackwater Airfield, 8FD3 near Munson, FL. About 39 nm northeast of Pensacola, you can roll out on the smooth 4,000-ft turf airfield in the peaceful mixed pine State forest near Krul Lake Recreational Area. For years, the RAF has been especially proud of the many improvements brought about by hardworking volunteers with the help of RAF grants. Dedicated volunteers have worked together to preserve and improve this destination in cooperation with the Florida Department of Forestry. A scenic trail off the south end of the field takes you to 6.5-acre spring-fed Krul Lake for a refreshing dip. Wander a bit farther along the Sweetwater trail to the Sweetwater suspension bridge. Keep going eastward another hour to 107-acre Bear Lake, where a well-maintained trail circles the lake. To facilitate “leave no trace” use, you’ll find dumpsters in the campground. History buffs might enjoy exploring the nearby historic grist mill and Frick sawmill. As the sun dips low, your campfire comes to life, and so might the camaraderie with any others camped there. People gather for friendship and flying stories, and sometimes acoustic music breaks out beneath the starlight. If you happen to have your instrument, you’d be invited to join in! A team of RAF and other local volunteers recently spent a weekend refreshing the amenities, barbecue grills, and runway markings. “Arriving in twenty-one aircraft, it was an impressive turnout and a testament to the draw of Blackwater Field and the RAF community,” RAF Florida Ambassador Shane Hartman said, adding, “The sense of community that defines the RAF was on full display. From shared meals and campfire conversations to new friendships and lasting memories, Blackwater Field once again proved why it is such a special place.” For more information about Blackwater, and the required pre-arrival permission and safety briefing, see the Airfield Guide. Submitted December 29, 2025.

IF WE COULD . . .

By Kodi Myhre • December 23, 2025
At about this time, every year, we have this conversation at the RAF about what our year end letter (code for asking for your financial support) should say to you, and about the RAF and the accomplishments of the past year.