RAF OPENS NEW AIRSTRIP IN MICHIGAN’S UP

West Virginia’s Cheat River Island (56WV) was the site of a May 2026 work party coordinated by RAF West Virginia Liaison Robert Miller. RAF Virginia Liaison Paul Kosubinsky and WV Ambassador Kevin Rudisill assisted, along with a dozen other volunteers. The airfield is just outside Rowlesburg, West Virginia, about 68nm SSE of Pittsburgh, and is owned by Dave and Pam Graybill. With the help of Dave's excavator and the volunteer crew helping by hand, about 1,500 feet of brush and trees were cleared along the runway.

Thanks to the efforts of RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair and dedicated volunteers, an abandoned, overgrown airstrip on BLM land has been reclaimed from encroaching vegetation. Now known as Walker Ridge, this northern California airstrip offers a remote, secluded experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento/Central Valley and San Francisco Bay regions. Camping at the south end of the 1,800-ft strip offers a gorgeous view of the valley — and after dark, with no artificial lighting for miles, the night sky turns breathtaking. The recreational opportunities at this airstrip are plenty. Hunting is allowed in the area, which includes deer, wild boar, turkey, and quail. Along with this, biking and hiking trails surround the area, with a main trail that is located right next to the airstrip. Not far from Walker Ridge is Wilbur Hot Springs, a natural hot mineral spring centered within a nature preserve, and open to the public on a reservation basis. Lumgair’s organized work parties have been described as “magical” — as the stunning setting makes a deep impression on everyone. Pitch your tent and enjoy the valley overlook— beautiful at any time of day, especially because no structures are visible. Lumgair prepared a detailed work proposal for the BLM, and monitored the request throughout the agency's approval process. By October 2025, the RAF obtained approval to reclaim and rehabilitate the airstrip for increased safety and recreational access. The initial work on the overgrown strip proved challenging, beginning with the rough drive to the site and throughout the arduous removal of protruding boulders right in the runway. Now, the strip is usable by most backcountry-suitable aircraft, and pilots comfortable with a narrow runway. Please see the Airfield Guide for more information on Walker Ridge and videos. Note that there are no water or bathroom facilities available on site. Read more about Walker Ridge and how the RAF is Expanding The Map here . Submitted June 1, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray

This year, the RAF is Expanding The Map - and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in our history. Beginning in 2026, the RAF plans to announce the opening and reopening of more than 15 airstrips across the country! We are expanding backcountry access like never before, and we are excited for aviators to explore the growing number of destinations where you can share the joys of recreational aviation with family and friends. This nationwide initiative is focused on opening, improving, and restoring access to airstrips across the United States, helping connect aviators to more of the places they love to explore. The Expanding the Map initiative begins with the reopening of Walker Ridge Airstrip . RAF volunteers, led by RAF California Liaison Doug Lumgair, have reclaimed northern California's Walker Ridge, a once-abandoned BLM airstrip featuring underwing camping and magical views. Walker Ridge airstrip offers a remote, secluded backcountry airstrip experience within easy reach of pilots in the Sacramento / Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area regions. There are very few opportunities like this for pilots in these large metropolitan areas to fly out to a genuinely remote location and camp with their airplane just a few hours from home. The combination of dark skies, sweeping valley views, dispersed camping right at the airstrip, and true seclusion makes Walker Ridge a rare and special destination. Nestled within the protected landscape of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Walker Ridge offers an experience that is both uniquely accessible and remarkably wild. This is the first Expanding the Map airstrip announcement of many, so stay tuned for the next one coming soon ! We have dedicated a new section of our website to highlight the RAF's Expanding the Map initiative. You can also find a wealth of information about Walker Ridge and the RAF’s efforts to reopen the airstrip here . Walker Ridge now appears in the RAF Airfield Guide , an important resource where pilots find helpful airstrip information and safety briefings. Submitted April 1, 2026

Ryan Field, 2MT1, remains CLOSED temporarily. In October, the runway was closed to begin restoring bare areas with new soil and grass. After the Montana winter and spring seasons, the new grass is coming in nicely; however, the field will remain closed until the turf has had adequate time to fully establish. We will keep you updated, but as of June 1, 2026, Ryan Field remains CLOSED to operations. Submitted May 28, 2026