RAF INKS COST SHARE AGREEMENT FOR USFS SOUTHWEST REGION

The RAF is pleased to announce the signing of a new five-year Cost Share Agreement with the US Forest Service. Similar to the existing agreement on the Gila National Forest, this contract covers the Southwestern Region, primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Initial focus will be on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, including Arizona’s Double Circle Ranch (Z66), and on other USFS-managed backcountry airstrips in Region 3 where maintenance is needed. 

RAF President Bill McGlynn signed for the RAF, and said, “One of the great attributes of these Forest Service Challenge Cost Share Agreements is the ability to budget for several years, giving the Forest Service, and RAF volunteers adequate time to make project plans spanning a broad time frame for a successful outcome.”

The document states, “In recent years, the RAF and USDA FS [Forest Service] have worked closely together to address needs at backcountry airstrips from maintenance to planning.” Work includes required heritage and engineering assessments of Double Circle Lodge, and more broadly authorizes RAF volunteers to continue to organize work parties in the Region to provide airstrip maintenance, such as removal of encroaching vegetation, and replacing windsocks. 

“This agreement makes for better utilization of the congressionally allocated rural airstrip funds. We would like to formalize these kinds of agreements with every Forest in the System,” McGlynn added, giving a nod to RAF Arizona Liaison Mark Spencer, and New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller for their exemplary cooperation and work with their regional Forest Service personnel.

Submitted on October 28, 2024
by Carmine Mowbray.