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

CAMP ON THE LAKE AT OHIO'S NOBLE COUNTY AIRPORT

June 8, 2026
RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine and Noble County Airport Board members hosted a work party on May 31 at the Wolf Run Fly In Campground, Noble County Airport (I10). Volunteers cleared downed trees to generate plenty of firewood for four fire rings: one located at each of the three tent platforms, and the RAF-branded fire ring in the large gathering area by the new pilot shelter/storage shed. The two outhouses were cleaned, leaves were raked away from the tent platforms, and volunteers created a raised kindling area. “The Noble County Airport Board provided a full cookout lunch, complete with homemade potato salad and chocolate chip cookies,” Mortine said. “We sat at the picnic tables and shared ideas about new RAF projects sparking in Ohio and gave a heartfelt thank you to the board members, who have contributed a tremendous amount of support with materials and their skills to Wolf Run Fly-In campground.” To celebrate and enjoy this unique destination in Ohio, a fly-in has been scheduled Friday-Sunday, September 11-13, 2026. Mark your calendars for the opportunity to land on the 3,800-ft paved runway, and explore the large forested camping area along the lake nearby. RAF carts are available to haul your gear to the perfect camping spot. Watch the RAF Event Calendar for more details. Find more about Noble County Airport in the Airfield Guide . Submitted June 8, 2026

PARLIN FIELD WELCOMES AVIATIORS TO CAMP AND EXPLORE

June 8, 2026
A source of community pride, New Hampshire’s Parlin Field Airport (2B3) is now more appealing than ever. An RAF volunteer crew of eight met on May 23 and set out picnic tables at each of the six campsites; cleared trees and brush from the south windsock and replaced it to make it highly visible. A volunteer also weeded around the flagpole and planted blooming flowers that RAF New Hampshire Liaison John Meade had purchased. “Airport manager Heath Marsden was extremely appreciative of the progress made and spring cleanup,” Meade said. Parlin was one of the RAF’s earliest grant beneficiaries, thanks to Meade’s goal to add improvements for visitors to access. Visitors landing on either the 1,981-ft turf, or 3,450-ft asphalt runway may access the “base ops” building for shelter and restrooms. Nearby the airfield camping area is the Sugar River, known for trout, and the local Sugar Hill Recreation Trails can be accessed across the historic covered bridge with use of airport loaner bicycles. Find more about Parlin Airfield in the Airfield Guide . Submitted June 8, 2026

WHY ORANGE?

June 8, 2026
In 2003, when the newly formed RAF Board of Directors decided to put the RAF logo on shirts, they turned to local Bozeman outdoors apparel and wader manufacturer Simms. Their fishing shirts were known for their proven outdoors-tested quality. The short list of colors came down to two: an earthy, moss green and an almost iridescent orange. They decided to try both colors, and the choice was made at Florida’s Sun ’n Fun that year when RAF attendees discovered that they could see each other quickly in the large crowd wearing the orange shirts. RAF then-Director Tim Clifford said, “Obviously, the orange is our color. We can own it.” The RAF adopted orange, and from that point forward, the orange brand color became woven into the RAF culture. RAF attendees turned heads when they showed up for local, state, and federal land use and planning meetings. The RAF became known and respected as “the guys in orange.” The RAF orange is also a sensible choice for outdoors activities we enjoy, especially flying. Consider a scenario where you want to spot, or be spotted. It’s definitely noticeable. To illustrate, we asked RAF supporter and videographer Charley Voorhis and RAF President Bill McGlynn to take to the air and help us prove that RAF orange really does stand out (photo below). Whether you are in a crowd at Sun ’n Fun, Oshkosh, or out flying the backcountry — if you want to be seen, wear RAF orange! 

RAF GRANTS FUNDS FOR FIRE RING AT BEECHCRAFT MUSEUM

June 4, 2026
RAF Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis has been awarded an RAF grant for the installation of a new RAF fire ring on the grounds of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport (KTHA). “The RAF fire ring will provide a centralized location for visiting pilots to gather and share aviation experiences while visiting the facility, and will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. The fire ring will have a three-bladed propeller set in a twenty-foot-diameter permanent concrete base; the concrete is being provided by a private donor. Each ten-foot-long propeller blade extends from the three-foot diameter hub. The metal structure is being fabricated by RAF Supporter Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana. The Museum offers visitors space for airplane and RV camping while visiting the Museum or attending various fly-ins. On-site, there are opportunities for picnicking, and there is an overnight camping bunkhouse that will be up and running this summer. “The Parish family and the Beechcraft Heritage Museum are enthusiastic supporters of the RAF,” Lewis added. The installation is scheduled to be completed in time for the October 6-10, 2026, Beech Party event at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. Museum President Charles Parish said, "We are privileged to partner with the RAF in advancing backcountry aviation preservation, a mission that reflects the Museum’s dedication to preserving aviation history and education." For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted June 4, 2026

RAF OUTFITTER JUNE FEATURED COLLECTION

June 3, 2026
FEATURING: THE RAF ORANGE COLLECTION The RAF’s signature orange is more than just a color—it’s a symbol of preparedness, visibility, and community. Chosen in part for its high visibility in the backcountry, RAF orange serves as a reminder that being prepared starts with the gear you carry and the clothing you wear. As we head into the busy summer flying season, that visibility can make all the difference. Over the years, RAF orange has come to represent something even greater: a community of pilots and backcountry enthusiasts who share a passion for aviation, adventure, and preserving access to the places we love. When you spot someone wearing RAF orange, chances are you've found a friend—or are about to make one. Join the community and show your support for backcountry aviation. Get your piece of the RAF Orange Collection.