RAF FUNDS FOUR-LEGGED PROJECT AT SCHAFER

RAF grants are used typically to purchase building materials, with much of the labor provided by RAF volunteers. Occasionally professionals must be engaged to complete specialized tasks. When Montana’s Schafer Forest Service airstrip (8U2) needed serious grounds work this summer, RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower outlined the need, and an RAF grant was awarded for the project. The professionals required for this task was a team of mules and experienced mule skinners.

Schafer lies entirely within the Great Bear Wilderness Area, and as such, motorized equipment is not permitted. So in August, a team of mules was trailed in to plow and grade a 2,500-ft parallel turf runway that had fallen into disuse. The project reestablishes a proven management plan of two parallel turf runways. Using one runway for several years, then switching to the alternate, allows the “fallow” land to recover its health and natural appearance.

Teresa Byrd, reporter for the Pulitzer Prize-winning Hungry Horse News was on site during the work, covering the picturesque and anachronistic task.

Byrd reported, “The project . . . finally materialized this summer through the collaboration of the Forest Service, a group of volunteers, the Montana Pilots Association and the Recreational Aviation Foundation.” Byrd reported that Jeremy Rust, Wilderness Trails Manager for the Spotted Bear Ranger District; and Guy Zoellner, Wilderness Trails Manager for Big Prairie in the Bob Marshall Wilderness took on management of the project. “The two also recruited the help of volunteers Fred Flint and Colin Milone, both seasoned packers with decades of work experience for the Forest Service,” she added in her report. Newpower was in frequent contact with Forest Service personnel, and monitored the work as well.

Rust told Byrd that he appreciates the airstrip for the recreational possibilities it opens up for the public. “The airstrip allows this area of remote wilderness to become just another trailhead for recreators to base out of,” Rust is quoted as saying.

“If it requires a team of mules, we see that simply as part of airstrip improvement,” RAF Chairman John McKenna said. “I’m just glad I’m not the one spending all day in the dust behind a team of mules on a hot August day,” he added.

Byrd’s delightful story includes descriptions of the antique machinery, and how the fellows restored all of it for rugged service, in spite of quirks typical of hundred-year-old iron and wood. See her complete story here.
Although the men behind the harness referred to the pair of mules as “Bella” and “Bull”, Scott continues to refer to the team as “Beech” and “Cessna.”

To learn more about Schafer Meadows, visit the Airfield Guide.

Submitted September 14, 2020

Posted in News

    Recent Posts

WORTH THE READ: BRENT BLUE GUEST EDITORIAL

July 28, 2026
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This guest editorial is by Brent Blue, a Senior AME and RAF Supporter.

VOLUNTEERS USE RAF GRANT TO BUILD LEAN-TO AT PARLIN

July 24, 2026
RAF New Hampshire and Vermont Liaison John Meade was awarded a second grant for additional camping amenities at New Hampshire’s Parlin Field, 2B3. This time, the RAF has helped fund a covered camping shelter built by local volunteers for use in case of inclement weather. The shelter will soon have a roll-down tarp for use when occupied. Campers will also soon find solar shower bags and portable charging stations available at the campsites, as part of the grant. Pilots have enjoyed the six campsites with picnic tables and fire rings funded by a 2019 RAF grant, with local pilots providing the volunteer labor. “Over the past few years, the Parlin campsites have served pilots flying into New Hampshire to camp. I know that many visitors use this as a hub of operation to see all of New England,” Meade said. He points out that the FBO can be opened with a key code for access to a restroom and conference table. There are bicycles if one wishes to tour the Sugar Hill Trail System or ride the two miles to town for groceries – including local maple syrup – and restaurants. There is self-serve 100LL available. The field is both paved and has two turf runways. In May, Meade had organized volunteers to provide seasonal cleanup, in cooperation with Heath Marsden, part-time airport manager.  Find out more about Parlin in the Airfield Guide .

JOE WALTZ

By lellington • July 24, 2026
TX Ambassador

GOING TO OSHKOSH? CELEBRATE OUR BIG NEWS WITH US!

July 16, 2026
We have a BIG announcement planned for AirVenture this year, and you're invited to join us to celebrate the news. Put these special events on your AirVenture schedule for Tuesday, July 21: 8:30 - 10:30 am: Donuts & Coffee at the Redbird Booth, #301 11:30 am - 12:45 pm: RAF Forum - Beyond The Pavement by Mike Goulian, Forum Stage #10 We can't wait to share what our volunteers have been working on. Submitted June 15, 2026

MONACHE MEADOWS, CA RESTORED: RAF CONTINUES TO EXPAND THE MAP

By Carmine Mowbray • July 14, 2026
“It's hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov of the restoration of Monache Meadows airstrip, on the Kern Plateau south of California’s Mount Whitney. This High Sierra airstrip had been accessed for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area; it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses. The RAF is thrilled to announce that Monache Meadows is officially charted as L80, and has been brought back into safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors. RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 80s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach became an RAF Liaison in 2011, and determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use after being abandoned. Persevering for 15 years with respectful communications with a series of District Rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts. "After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again," said Lach. Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock. The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow. Barilov said, “We appreciate everyone's help. The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.” The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows. The RAF's Expanding the Map initiative is a nationwide effort focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. Learn more about Monache Meadows Airstrip and how the RAF is Expanding The Map . Submitted July 15, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray