FIVE HELLS CANYON AIRSTRIPS GET ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

RAF Oregon Liaison Bill Ables reports that in May, thirty volunteers completed another successful work party on five airstrips within Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge. “This has been a long-standing Idaho Aviation Association work party, and they provide food and drinks for the volunteers,” Ables said. “Nineteen aircraft arrived at Dug Bar at eight a.m. with some thirty folks who’d come with a let’s get ‘er done attitude,” he added. 

After brief introductions and safety briefing, pilots dispersed to their choice of airstrips. In addition to the maintenance conducted at Dug Bar, Salmon Bar, Pittsburg Landing, Big Bar and Sluice Creek each was maintained with weed eaters, rakes, weed sprayers, walk-behind weed eaters, tractor mowers and riding lawn mowers.  

Everyone met back at Dug Bar for a prepared lunch and friendly conversation. “This was one of the most productive one-day work parties we’ve had,” Ables exclaimed, adding, “Some of the folks came in a day early and camped out and were treated to a beautiful viewing of the northern lights.”

Ables also serves as co-chair of the Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative, (HCRC), a broad group of motorized and non-motorized recreation advocates who promote sustainable recreation through involvement and stewardship. They make recommendations to the US Forest Service to maintain and improve recreation access into the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes was an early proponent of the RAF’s involvement in HCRC, and was awarded an RAF grant toward its steering committee to clarify the RAF mission within HCRC goals.

The RAF also recently supported the HCRC with a grant for a used four-wheeler, for use by volunteers conducting maintenance at Dug Bar.

All these airstrips lie within the wild and scenic river corridor of the Hells Canyon National Recreation area. Please be aware of your noise impact out of respect for other backcountry users in this heavily visited corridor.

For more information on Dug Bar, OR8, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted on June 24, 2024
by Carmine Mowbray