UTAH’S TAYLOR FLAT AIRSTRIP GETS GREEN LIGHT TO REOPEN

“Daggett County Commission just recently approved both the Taylor Flat Airstrip [Right Of Way] lease agreement with the BLM, and the application for an FAA identifier for Utah’s Taylor Flat Airstrip,” RAF Utah Liaison Wendy Lessig announced.

Taylor Flat, in the northeast corner of Utah is managed by the BLM’s Vernal Field Office, and Lessig thanks the staff there. “Special thanks to Daggett County for their willingness to handle and record the airstrip Right Of Way and allow pilots to enjoy this beautiful airstrip,” Lessig said.

Lessig was instrumental in preparing the application, coordinating between Daggett County, the BLM, and other stakeholders, and gathered information to assist the BLM throughout the required Environmental Assessment. “Thanks to Wendy’s taking action as the RAF Liaison, and her professional persistence following through the lengthy public review process, Taylor Flat Airstrip will reopen as another unique backcountry destination,” RAF President Bill McGlynn said. Volunteers will be organized to work on reopening the 2,500 x 70 foot airstrip, expected in spring 2026. The dry camping area is within a quarter mile of the Green River.

This airstrip has been closed for 28 years and will remain so until the planned work is complete. Kent Bond – Lessig’s fellow member of Utah Back Country Pilots – originally suggested the remote possibility of reopening the airstrip, and Lessig, along with RAF Utah Ambassador John Clayton, took on the task. “The RAF persisted and did not give up throughout the two and-a-half year process. Once opened, watch for Taylor Flat in the Airfield Guide, and a new RAF windsock midfield at the airstrip,” Lessig added.

Submitted October 15, 2025

Posted in News

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By Carmine Mowbray • January 29, 2026
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USFS CHIEF HEARS RAF APPEAL TO CONSIDER REOPENING AIRSTRIPS

By Carmine Mowbray • January 29, 2026
RAF Chairman John McKenna and President Bill McGlynn met recently in Washington, DC with US Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who oversees the management of 193 million acres of public land across the nation. McKenna and McGlynn reviewed backcountry airstrips with Mr. Schultz, with an appeal to continue to maintain existing airstrips and possibly open some additional ones. Mr. Schultz said that some of the best recreational opportunities in the world are on Forest Service lands, and he desires to increase those opportunities. He was receptive to the RAF’s request to explore returning some of the airstrips to service. Mr. Schultz studied forestry at the University of Montana and is familiar with the western backcountry, as his career includes working for state agencies in both Montana and Idaho. In addition to the meeting with the Chief and other key team members of the USFS, McKenna & McGlynn met with Department of Interior staff to discuss opportunities on DOI & BLM lands. “These were productive and engaging meetings and will lead to continued opportunity for collaboration,” McGlynn said. “We're excited to work with the Forest Service on additional recreational airstrips on our public lands that can be enjoyed. - By Carmine Mowbray Submitted January 29, 2025