HELP SAVE UTAH’S TAYLOR FLAT AIRSTRIP
The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day period to receive public input on a proposal to re-open 2,500 feet of the dirt Taylor Flat Airstrip. The comment period ends April 3, 2025 .
The airstrip lies outside the Green River Wild and Scenic River corridor and the right-of-way would allow public aviation use for 30 years with a renewal option.
RAF Utah Liaison and Utah Back Country Pilots (UBCP) Board Member Wendy Lessig said, “Taylor Flat offers superior recreational opportunities that rival the Idaho and Montana backcountry airstrips, and is worth saving for several reasons. It offers camping under the dark Utah sky in a wilderness-type setting. It’s a quarter-mile walk to the Green River for catch and release fishing in a wild and scenic river that is incredibly difficult to get to, except by air.”
The BLM is obligated to conduct an Environmental Assessment. Public comments should cover all points for why this airstrip is beneficial to the public and the environment, potential resource issues, and alternatives. It’s likely there will be comments opposing this proposal. Please use these talking points and submit substantive comments in your own words here before April 3, 2025. Once you click the link, select the green “Participate Now” section on the left to enter your comment. Please be patient while the Participate Now link loads.
- Resources : Taylor Flat is a previously established but abandoned airstrip, on previously disturbed ground. No new construction or alteration of this primitive airstrip is needed.
- Historical/Cultural Resources : Takeoffs, landings, and dispersed use will not create any new impact to cultural and historical artifacts.
- Alternatives : Dutch John Airport (33U) is only a 7 minute flight (an hour by ground) from Taylor Flat, but has no access to the Green River without ground transportation. No other Utah airstrip in Utah offers catch-and-release fishing in the Green River a short hike from the airstrip.
- Airstrip Maintenance : Volunteer pilot organizations have committed to maintaining Utah’s backcountry airstrips, at no cost to the BLM or taxpayers.
- Impacts to wildlife and water resources : Surface and groundwater, and fisheries are not affected by this airstrip. Pilots may access the airstrip for hunting season. Bird strikes by small aircraft are incredibly rare, even in migratory bird corridors. The portion of the airstrip under consideration is purposely outside of the environmentally sensitive area and the Green River wild and scenic river corridor.
- Noise impacts : Noise from aircraft is short-term and transient. There is scientific evidence that recreational aircraft do not adversely impact wildlife.
- Visual Impact : Taylor Flat Airstrip is not conspicuous due to natural vegetation surrounding the airstrip.
- Cumulative Impacts : Taylor Flat Airstrip will provide for dispersed, primitive camping, and will relieve use on nearby campgrounds. Visitors may access nearby Jarvie Historical site.
- BLM Consultation : BLM should consider UBCP and RAF input as they advance decisionmaking on Taylor Flat Airstrip. These pilot groups have a wealth of knowledge and can help the BLM retain compatibility with the surrounding environment.
- Recreation : This backcountry airstrip adds opportunity for recreational enjoyment, it has added meaningful personal experience … (your personal remarks here.)
Comment deadline: April 3, 2025. Please take a moment and act now to save this recreational gem. Your voice counts!
Submitted March 10, 2025
By Carmine Mowbray
Posted in News
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Cody Koch grew up in Truckee, California, where he developed a love for aviation and the outdoors at a young age. Growing up around airplanes and flying with his dad sparked his interest in becoming a pilot. He went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school and is now studying aviation at Gallatin College through Montana State University, working toward additional ratings with hopes of pursuing a career in aviation. Outside of flying, Cody enjoys camping, off-roading, and just about anything that gets him outdoors. Music is also a big part of his life, whether he’s playing it himself or catching a live show. He has always enjoyed working with his hands and has a particular passion for working on the cars passed down to him by his grandfather. One of Cody’s longtime dreams is to own a Super Cub and explore the backcountry by air. He hopes to one day visit some of the remote airstrips that the RAF works to protect and is glad to be part of an organization that helps keep these places accessible to pilots. Submitted on November 3, 2026
Did you know the RAF can earn Delta rewards when you fly, without affecting your personal SkyMiles or other rewards? Simply add the RAF to your Delta SkyMiles account as your business loyalty program. The RAF will earn points on eligible flights, which we can use for travel to RAF events and other benefits. You keep all your personal SkyMiles! Step 1: Add the RAF to Your SkyMiles Account You only need to do this once. We recommend using Delta.com in your web browser, rather than the Fly Delta app. Log in to your SkyMiles account at Delta.com . Under your Name in the top right corner, select Profile . Under My Profile , select Other Loyalty Programs . Find Business Loyalty Programs , click +Add under Business Travel Program , and select Delta SkyMiles for Business . Enter the RAF's loyalty number, US0056924 , and click Save . Step 2: Select "Business" Before Booking Each time you log in to Delta.com, select "Business" when prompted. This allows the RAF's loyalty number to automatically populate on the Passenger Info page when booking your flight.
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