RAF Timeline

6 guys around the fire

 

 

In 2001, six guys sat around a campfire in the backcountry and asked, “If not us who? If not now when?”
Those two questions were the basis for founding the Recreational Aviation Foundation.

2002

  • A grassroots group called Backcountry Aviation Foundation begins to transition to a new identity,
    the Recreational Aviation Foundation.
  • Recreational Use Statute (RUS) for New Hampshire encourages landowners to open their land for public use.

 2003

The RAF organization is created.

  • Bylaws for the organization were written by Jerry Cain and Chuck Jarecki.
  • Incorporated and successful filing of 501(c)(3) by Jerry Cain and John McKenna.
  • The first RAF website was built by RAF supporter Dan Lilja.
  • Idaho Airstrip Network was formed; RAF Director, Rol Murrow was a key supporter.
  • The RAF was invited to participate in the Travel Planning process for the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
  • The organization begins with 7 supporters.
First RAF Logo

2004

  • Published the First Edition of the “Land Manager's Guide” and "Advocates Guide", both written by Chuck Jarecki.
  • Ben and Butchie Ryan gift Ryan Field to the RAF.
  • First State Liaison is Ron Normandeau from Montana.
  • The RAF has 53 supporters.
Ben and Butchie at Ryan Field
Ron Normandeau
Ft. Kent Airfield, Maine
Ft. Kent Airfield, Maine
Stovepipe Wells Airstrip, Death Valley
Stovepipe Wells Airstrip, Death Valley

2005

  • First RAF Newsletter is created by Carmine Mowbray.
  • The RAF boasts 1000 supporters.

2006

  • Fort Kent, Maine airstrip is re-opened.
  • Process began to specifically include the word “aviation” in Recreational Use Statutes.

2007

  • Travel Plan for the Lewis and Clark National Forest was approved for Russian Flat Airstrip.
  • First Strategic Plan in Missoula, MT with Gary Burnett.
  • RAF website was rebuilt.
  • US National Parks Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) for the maintenance of three Death Valley, CA airstrips.
  • Aviation included in Idaho and Montana Recreational Use Statutes (RUS).

 

2008

  • RAF pilot shelter completed at Ryan Field - built by Chuck Jarecki.
  • Construction of Russian Flat Airstrip began - first new airstrip on Forest Service land in over 45 years.
  • The RAF goes to Washington D.C.
Pilot Shelter at Ryan Field
RAF on Capitol Hill
RAF display at Sun n' Fun
RAF display at Sun n' Fun
Russian Flat Airstrip opens
Russian Flat Airstrip opens

2009

  • RAF attends Sun n’ Fun for the first time, as well as the AOPA Summit in Tampa, Florida.
  • Abigail Kimbell of USFS sends letter to the USFS field that “recreational aircraft and backcountry airstrips can be an integral part of a balanced and effective transportation system.”
  • Missouri River Breaks Monument management plan is finalized, includes approval of six airstrips.
  • Aviation language included in Maine RUS.

 

 

 

 

 

2010

  • Strategic Planning Meeting - Teton Summit in Driggs, Idaho.
  • Tornado touches down at Sun n’ Fun – the Tornado Husky was born.
  • Russian Flat Airstrip is opened to the public.
  • Congressional Resolution honoring backcountry airstrips.
  • Aviation included in Tennessee RUS.

2011

  • Founding Director Jerry Cain retired.
  • Executive Assistant position created - fulfilled by Tricia McKenna.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico and Pennsylvania.

2012

  • Glacier Summit - First full gathering of Team RAF in Kalispell, MT.
  • RAF established caretakers for Ryan Field.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for Vermont, Utah, South Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington.
  • RAF has 4,500 supporters.
Ryan Field
Ryan Field
RAF celebrates 10th Anniversary at Ryan Field Fly-In
RAF celebrates 10th Anniversary at Ryan Field Fly-In
Team RAF at the Red Rock Roundup, St. George, UT
Team RAF at the Red Rock Roundup, St. George, UT

2013

  • At 10 year anniversary the RAF boasts 5,000 supporters.
  • RAF creates an Endowment.
  • Founding Directors Chuck Jarecki and Dan Prill retire.
  • RAF began work with Walton Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for Wyoming, Oklahoma and Alaska.

 

 

 

2014

  • The Red Rock Roundup - Team RAF gathers in St. George, UT.
  • AOPA and Montana Dept of Transportation grant obtained for the Wildlife and Aviation Study.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
  • RAF has 6,200 supporters.
North Fox Island, MI
North Fox Island, MI

2015

  • North Fox Island Airstrip in Michigan is reopened.
  • Volunteer Coordinator position created made possible in part with a grant.
  • Memorandums Of Understanding signed with US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for Oregon, Wyoming, and Missouri.
  • RAF has 7,000 supporters.

2016

  • Ragmuff Airstrip in Maine reopened.
  • The RAF has 43 State Liaisons and 9 Directors in 35 States.
  • First edition of “RAF Guide for Airstrip Owners” written by John Nadeau became available.
  • Funding announced by U.S. Congress for Backcountry Airstrips on USFS land.
  • U.S. Congress instructs USFS not to close backcountry airstrips.
  • Aviation included in the RUS for Maryland.
  • RAF has 8,000 members.
  • The Razorback Rendezvous - Team RAF gathers in Bentonville, AR.
  • RAF Grant Committee created to assist State Liaisons in funding projects.
  • Two new recreational airstrips opened in AR - Trigger Gap and Sugar Creek.
  • RAF hosted first work party on North Fox Island Airstrip in Michigan.
Trigger Gap Airstrip, AR
Trigger Gap Airstrip, AR
Team RAF at Razorback Rendezvous
Team RAF at Razorback Rendezvous

2017

  • MT U.S. Senator Jon Tester holds press conference to discuss aviation issues in RAF hangar.
  • RAF works with National Park Service for the first time in Alaska: Jake's Bar work party in Wrangell - St Elias National Park and Preserve.
  • Work begins on Two Hearted airstrip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
  • Sunrise Valley Airstrip in Oregon opens.
  • Launch of RAF Ambassador program.
  • RAF partners with AOPA's Air Safety Institute to administer aviation safety survey.
Construction begins on Two Hearted Airstrip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Construction begins on Two Hearted Airstrip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Mountain Views Airfield, OR
Johannesburg Airstrip, CA
Team RAF at the Keystone Conference
Team RAF at the Keystone Conference

2018​

  • The RAF now has 9,000+ supporters, 42 State Liaisons, 37 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, and 8 Vice Presidents of Appreciation.
  • Launch of RAF Backcountry Boutique.
  • Two Hearted River Airstrip in Michigan opens.
  • Keystone Connection - Team RAF gathers in State College, PA for educational conference.
  • The RAF, with the help of EAA, restores Miracle Mile airstrip in Wyoming.
  • RAF volunteers reopen Johannesburg airstrip in California.
  • RAF helps open Mountain Views Airfield in Oregon.

2019

  • RAF teams with AOPA Air Safety Institute on its "Peaks to Pavement" Seminar Series.
  • Minietta Mine airfield restored in CA.
  • RAF working with Hells Canyon Recreational Collaborative (HCRC).
  • OR Liaison helps plan and open a new airstrip with the owners of Wild Billy Lake in Oregon.
  • Eleven grants awarded to State Liaisons for mission-related projects.
  • Three regional mini educational conferences (RMECs) offered for volunteers.

 

  • Launch of the new RAF brand.
  • After 10 years of communication with the NPS, Chicken Strip in Death Valley's Saline Valley is officially authorized on August 19, 2019.
  • The RAF and the NPS sign a five-year cooperative maintenance agreement for Chicken Strip in Death Valley.
  • Grassroots support for Charles A. Chase Memorial Airport in Maine, which was threatened with closure.
  • $750,000 of funding announced by Congress for backcountry airstrips on USFS land.
  • The RAF has 9,700+ supporters, 48 State Liaisons, 40 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, 10 Vice Presidents of Appreciation.
Minietta Mine Airstrip, CA
Minietta Mine Airstrip, CA
New RAF Branding
New RAF Branding
Wild Billy Lake, OR
Wild Billy Lake, OR

2020

  • Awarded 16 grants to State Liaisons for mission-related projects.
  • Launched RAF Podcasts and The RAF Outfitter online store.
  • Airfield Guide lists its 50th State: airfield.guide.theraf.org
  • Raised the Ryan Barn at Ryan Field (2MT1).
  • Helped preserve Goodspeed Airport in CT.
  • RAF partners with Isle Airport in MN on a cost-sharing project to remove trees that threatened to close the airport.
Ryan Barn at Ryan Field, MT
Ryan Barn at Ryan Field, MT
Pilot Pavilion at Trigger Gap Airstrip, AR
Pilot Pavilion at Trigger Gap Airstrip, AR

2021

  • Added Director of Marketing position.
  • RAF includes 52 State Liaisons, 61 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, and 10 Vice Presidents of Appreciation.
  • USFS renewed Memorandum of Understanding with RAF.
  • Airfield Guide contains 309 listings.
  • Started seasonal camp host program at Ryan Field.
  • Raised the pilot pavilion at Trigger Gap, AR.
  • Preserved Las Trancas, CA via a private lease agreement.
  • Signed the New Mexico Airstrip Network renewal.
  • Collaborated with The Nature Conservancy, USFS, Hartzell, AOPA, and others to improve airstrips and advocate for recreational aviation.

2022

  • Received USFS approval for a $50,000 request to improve Childs Glacier airstrip in Alaska.
  • Turf operations are acknowledged in the FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5300-13B. This outcome is a result of effort on behalf of RAF, AOPA and EAA.
  • Signed a collaborative agreement with Texas State Parks.
  • The life of Agnes “Butchie” Ryan is honored. She passed on March 15, 2022.
  • Cornucopia Airport (23W) in Wisconsin becomes public.
  • 14-minute video released, “The RAF Way” by Voortex Productions.
  • Over 100 RAF volunteers attended a national educational conference in Wisconsin.
  • RAF partners with Montana State University’s Computer Science Software Factory to improve Airfield Guide functionality.
  • Signed an agreement with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) allowing the RAF to manage recreational aviation use of Red Pine airfield in Maine, an effort 12 years in the making.
  • Honored volunteers with a Brown Arch tile dedication at Oshkosh AirVenture.
  • RAF and USFS ink agreement on Gila Airstrips in New Mexico.
  • Stovepipe Wells airstrip in Death Valley saved from closure.
  • Grapevine Airstrip (AZ) cost-shared repaving completed.
  • Chicken Strip (CA) restored by volunteers after flood damage.
  • Nine RAF grant awards given for airfield maintenance and improvement projects
Cornucopia Airport, WI
Cornucopia Airport, WI
Tile dedication to RAF volunteers at AirVenture
Tile dedication to RAF volunteers at AirVenture
Sacaton Airstrip reopens
Sacaton Airstrip reopens
Avey Field in Laurier, WA
Avey Field in Laurier, WA

 

2023

  • RAF celebrates 20 years of preserving, improving and creating airstrips for recreational access.
  • At 20 years the RAF boasts more than 11,000 supporters.
  • Volunteers reopen Sacaton airstrip in New Mexico after decades of closure.
  • Four regional mini educational conferences offered to better educate our hard working volunteers.
  • RAF now has 47 State Liaisons, 59 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, and 17 Vice Presidents of Appreciation.
  • Airfield Guide has 340 listings; we are revamping the design and usability features of the Guide, and planning for an early 2024 unveiling.
  • Accepted an airfield in Wisconsin as a gift.
  • Partnered with the USFS at Moose Creek, Idaho, to improve the strip.
  • RAF grant given for maintenance at Avey Field (69S) at Laurier, WA.
  • Airfield maintenance performed at Rager Field near Mud Springs, OR.
  • Ongoing maintenance performed at Trigger Gap, AR.
  • Built two more cabins for hard sided (bear proof) camping at Ryan Field, MT.
  • RAF grant given for picnic table at Schafer Meadows, MT.
  • Continued partnership with the USFS to identify Challenge Cost Share opportunities on USFS land.

2024

  • At 21 years, the RAF has over 12,000 supporters
  • RAF’s volunteer team includes 49 State Liaisons, 59 Ambassadors, 9 Directors, 15 Vice Presidents of Appreciation, and 12 Support volunteers
  • Over 100 volunteers attend the RAF national educational conference in Bozeman
  • RAF hosts its annual Ryan Fly-In Weekend in June with over a hundred in attendance
  • New Airfield Guide redesign unveiled; now over 400 strips listed
  • Cost Share Agreement signed with the USFS for the Southwest, primarily covering airstrips in AZ and NM
  • Joe Brown and Matt Foster join the RAF Board of Directors 
  • Backcountry Etiquette Team (BET) formed, RAF partners with Tread Lightly on backcountry etiquette messaging
  • Redbird debuts RAF-branded MX2 at Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh AirVenture, and was on hand in Bozeman for the National Conference
  • Hartzell continues $1000 prop discount for RAF supporters for a 4th year, and contributes $250 for each prop sold as part of the offer
  • Aviat unveils RAF-branded Husky
  • 13 RAF grants awarded for projects across the U.S., from Olympic Airfield, WA to Bowman Field, ME
  • In partnership with the USFS, volunteers completed adding 3000 ft of jackleg fence at Moose Creek airfield, built two new outhouses, and mitigated recent damage from fire and severe weather.
Fence building at Moose Creek, ID
Fence building at Moose Creek, ID
RAF Husky
RAF Husky