RAGMUFF OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE!

Ragmuff is the first airstrip within the privately-held North Maine Woods to open for public use. “We’re considering this a test case, the first step in working with North Maine Woods ownership as other owners are watching,” said RAF Maine Liaison Andy Rowe.

The source of its singular name is murky, but the beauty and proximity to recreation are clear. The west branch of the Penobscot is just a mile and a half hike and offers good fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon. Fall is the premier time to be there – colors turn and it becomes bug-free and partridge and fishing seasons overlap.

Being private land, people typically buy season or multi-day recreation passes. Although pilots fly in, it’s recommended to purchase a pass for the privilege of recreating on this land.

There are several airstrips, originally created by paper companies for ag planes spraying the timber for spruce budworm. “These strips could be critical in the future because the budworm is encroaching from Canada,” Rowe pointed out.

“Steve Mason and I have our eyes on several other strips,” Rowe added, “some with even better recreational offerings.”

For more information contact:

Andy Rowe, Maine State Liaison

arowe@theraf.org| 207-837-9155

Submitted on July 28, 2016.

Posted in News

RAF FIRE HUB INSTALLED AT BEECHCRAFT HERITAGE MUSEUM

October 21, 2026

The Beechcraft Heritage Museum at Tullahoma Regional Airport is the site of a new RAF Fire Hub, provided by an RAF grant submitted by Tennessee Ambassador Steve Lewis. The Parish family, who own the Beechcraft Museum, along with other RAF volunteers, contributed to the preparation and installation of the fire hub. They completed the project in time for folks to enjoy it during the annual Beech Party event over the October 10-11 weekend. The 20-foot diameter permanent concrete base was provided by a private donor. The fire ring and three 10-foot-long propeller blades were designed and fabricated by RAF Volunteer Pete Smith of Lewistown, Montana, with design assistance from Pete's son Matt Smith of Bozeman, Montana. The structure lies east of the 2,775-ft turf Parish Aerodrome runway adjacent to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. “This permanent installation will showcase the RAF mission as the Museum draws visitors from around the country,” Lewis said. For more information on the airport, see the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026

MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS WORK AT HANLEY

October 21, 2026

Michigan RAF volunteers had a very successful work party at Hanley Field (5Y7) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula the October 10-11 weekend. Led by Michigan Ambassador Ryan Minnick, the crew, including Michigan Liaison Tanmoy Ganguly, cut and stacked firewood, repaired the sink and water heater, and relocated the airport sign along the road for better visibility. “We had a great weekend and got a good amount of work done. It was great connecting with supporters from the area,” Minnick said. “The assistant airport manager was there and was very happy with the results that came out of the work party.” Fourteen remained to camp Saturday night. Find more about Hanley Field in the Airfield Guide . Submitted October 21, 2026