John Sowles flies a Cessna 170, a Champ, and a TaylorCraft. His career was in testing and ensuring water quality in the United States and abroad. He’s a former trustee for The Nature Conservancy and continues to do volunteer work for them. John retired from his scientific profession, but still consults in the Dominican Republic and Kenya.
WORTH THE READ: JOHN SOWLES GUEST EDITORIAL
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by John Sowles, a longtime pilot and RAF Supporter from Maine.
Bridging the Conservation Divide :
I’m neither the owner or CEO of a major aviation manufacturer nor a 10,000 hour bush pilot. But I do want to share my experience assisting the RAF in opening up a remote airstrip in the North Maine woods. Hopefully, it will help others as we try to save access to a dwindling number of airstrips.
The RAF is remarkable in many ways; it was born of an audacious idea by a bunch of bold risk takers over a coast-to-coast geography, negotiating with government bureaucracies, private property owners and environmental/conservation organizations. Objectively, I’d say they were a bit short of furnishings “upstairs”. But look at what they have accomplished!
My introduction to the RAF began soon after its founding at a dinner with a group of local pilot friends – Steve Williams, Lisa Reese, and Maine Liaison Andy Rowe – where the McKennas explained their vision and goals. At that point in my life, most of my flying had been on floats collecting samples for the State from waterbodies that were difficult to access by truck. I really enjoyed and appreciated getting away to remote areas and relying on nobody but myself. I had never given it a thought that land-based airstrips could provide a similar sense of independence, self-reliance, and peacefulness as the ponds, lakes and rivers I visited. The possibility of a land-based experience intrigued me and I became involved.
Right off the bat, I was afforded a front row seat on a long journey with RAF as we worked to reopen an abandoned airstrip in northern Maine. From the mid ‘60s and into the 80s, Maine’s north woods was hit with a spruce budworm infestation that destroyed hundreds of millions of dollars of wood having widespread negative impact on the economy of Maine. To combat the budworm, International Paper and the Maine Forest Service built a 3,200-ft paved airstrip to handle converted WWII bomber spray planes.
After the budworm infestation passed, Red Pine Airfield was abandoned. Its location adjacent to the St. John River made for a popular camping spot for canoeists and hunters. In 1998, as part of a large land conservation deal, ownership of Red Pine passed to The Nature Conservancy. For liability reasons, the strip was X’ed out. Camping and land-based vehicle access remained.
At that fateful dinner, it leaked out that I happened to be a Trustee of the TNC in Maine. “Could I help?” Soon I found myself in an awkward position between two organizations that on first glance might appear in conflict. At the time, conservation organizations were not especially known for opening access, much less motorized access. But Red Pine had been used for recreation for decades by locals.
When TNC ‘X’ed it out, it left a bitter taste with locals at a time when organizations like TNC were trying to repair community relations. Upon closer look, the RAF and TNC hold a lot in common. Both believe in supporting communities while achieving their mission. In TNC’s case, much of their land is open to commercial harvest, hunting and fishing, thereby supporting local economies. In RAF’s case, RAF provides stewardship value to the property owner. In this way we indirectly serve the non-aviation communities as well. Both organizations are respectful. Both seek ways to collaborate. Both are committed to conserving natural area experience. And both appreciate local community values.
Because TNC looked at the airfield as a potential attractive nuisance and liability, RAF made the case that we could manage that risk while benefiting a wide constituency. And through gentle conversation, I think we changed the balance sheet from negative perceptions of aviation to positive. Helpful in our conversations were the RAF Code of Ethics, data showing the comparable environmental impacts of aircraft vs land-vehicles, enabling TNC staff to access their property more frequently, ensuring a landing area for emergency evacuations in a remote area of the state, as well as for pilots transiting a large tract of unoccupied forest. We also were willing to concede about 700 feet by shortening the runway so that it would not infringe on the river protection corridor.
I’ve always believed that people can’t appreciate places if they are locked out. By being present and maintaining a clean and safe area, Red Pine can continue as a critical low impact asset for pilots and many other recreationalists. I want to acknowledge Andy Rowe, Steve Mason and Bill Sylvester as partners in this journey and Steve Williams and Lisa Reese for that dinner so many years ago. They, along with TNC staff, were a pleasure to work with.
My “take aways” are three:
- What the RAF does and how it does it is its secret to success. It requires a clear vision that provides benefits beyond RAF directly.
- The RAF does it by being supportive and respectful rather than confrontational; listening to and addressing landowner concerns and supplying facts and rational positions, and
- Patience, LOADS of patience and perseverance. Finally, after over 12 years of work, Red Pine reopened in 2021.
In closing, I believe that for all you out there who think you can’t make a difference, think again. We all have something to offer.
Submitted January 23, 2024.
Posted in Guest Editorial, News
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The RAF is fortunate to have notable scientist John Priscu as a supporter. John has helped at work parties, assisted HQ with the Airfield Guide, and contributed his wide academic/science expertise on occasional airfield projects. John grew up in the clear sunshine of Las Vegas, NV, where his uncle introduced him to flying. “My first flight was at age four, roped to my father in the open cockpit of my uncle’s PT-19. At the ripe age of 15, my uncle taught me to fly his Howard DGA-15P during our many visits to dirt strips in the Southwest, including Chicken Strip,” he says. Like many, John got the aviation bug early on, then spent years raising a family before returning to flight. He settled in Bozeman, MT, where in 1984 he began his 40+ year career at Montana State University. He earned his SEL ticket in 2002 and bought a Maule, which he says suits his flying profile, supporting conservation flying, and flying the backcountry. When he’s not flying the Mountain West or caring for his 1979 Porsche 911SC, he might be found anyplace in the world as he fulfills his assignments as Regents Professor Emeritus at MSU. He has spent over 40 seasons conducting ice field research in Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland, and the Himalaya. Or he may be nosed into a project for JPL or NASA. He returned recently from a whirlwind lecture tour for the US State Department in the far Southern Hemisphere. Engaging John in conversation, one will always learn something scientific before the talk turns to flying. While flying in the backcountry, he met McKennas. “We bonded because we like to camp, mountain bike, and fly, among other things. I became an enduring RAF supporter. My wife, Barbara, and I took McKennas’ suggestion to buy a winter place near St. George, Utah, a decision we do not regret. We bought a hangar in Hurricane, where I met other RAF supporters like Gordon Rock (RAF supporter extraordinaire and all-around great guy), and we all enjoy flying in the Southwest.” While mountain biking together, John McKenna told him about the great biking and flying in Bentonville, AR. “I was sold.” In spring of 2024, John planned a flight to Bentonville with a stop in New Mexico. “One phone call to John McKenna mentioning my intentions was all it took to get the RAF connections moving. Within days I received emails from RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller and RAF Arkansas Liaison Dave Powell, providing background and support. I began by flying to Gallup to visit RAF supporters Perry and Sandra Null, who were superb hosts. I highly recommend their Perry Null Trading Post.” At Bentonville, he was met by a welcoming crew organized by Dave Powell. The next day they flew “The OZ” with Dave in John’s right seat, Chip Gibbons leading, followed by RAF Texas/Montana Ambassador Steve Maus. “Having Dave in the right seat was invaluable because everything was so green, I couldn’t tell a grass strip from a mowed agricultural field.” The next day Dave had a mountain bike delivered to his hangar, and he took John on a “fantastic ride” followed by dinner with his wife Julie and Steve. Grounded for three days by IFR at Bentonville, John was able to depart in an MVFR window. After dodging weather through Oklahoma, Texas, and eastern New Mexico, he overnighted in Santa Fe, then flew directly back to 1L8, ending his journey. "Returning home, I reflected on the great folks who helped me along the way, and the huge role those RAF connections played. RAF really is a huge family of individuals who drop what they’re doing in a minute to help a fellow RAF’er. I am honored to be part of the RAF, and am forever indebted to all the RAF folks who make this happen.” Submitted November 13, 2026 By Carmine Mowbray
Credit this month goes to Angela Duckworth, whose new book Situated suggests that our best comes when we work to shape our external environment so that good choices become automatic. To an outsider, it might seem obvious where the RAF finds itself today, but I assure you there has been a good deal of effort put into arranging the table so that good things are on it, and good people are there to be a part of it. I believe it starts with our RAF culture. You have heard it before around the RAF campfire when someone asks a question beginning with “why.” The answer they often hear is, “Well, that’s just the way we do it around here.” That applies to how we manage our resources, take on new projects, and most importantly, treat the people we deal with, as well as one another. To build that culture, the RAF has chosen people and partners who share the ideals and values our organization represents. I am pretty sure that most all of us would concur that the RAF has the best of the best when it comes to its greatest asset, its people. Author Duckworth goes on to say that you may not be able to control the world, but you can reign supreme over your surroundings. The RAF, IMHO, has done this as well as any organization. We have clearly focused on sticking to our mission in the backcountry, and that has allowed us to be a useful voice in the larger world of aviation. When you roll the principles of Ms. Duckworth's book into a formula for success, it’s my hope that you will see how the RAF has worked darn hard to be the kind of organization that is respected, and that you all are happy to be part of it. So, the next time you are asked “why” about something the RAF does, you too can answer, “It’s just the way we do things around here.” - John McKenna, RAF Chairman Submitted November 12, 2026
RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale - up to 50% off! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with the RAF Outfitter Holiday Sale! Now through December 31, enjoy up to 50% off select RAF Outfitter gear and apparel. Whether you're shopping for the backcountry pilot on your list or treating yourself to something new, it's the perfect time to stock up on your favorite RAF gear! Start shopping here ! Submitted November 12, 2026
USFS Rager Guard Station Airstrip in Central Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest is a popular destination for backcountry pilots. RAF volunteers have long collaborated with the USFS to undertake seasonal maintenance of the airstrip. Braving early winter conditions, eight Central Oregon RAF volunteers gathered in early November to improve safety and amenities at the airstrip. While fighting a nearby wildfire in 2024, the USFS brought in heavy equipment to grade and profile the 2,800-ft gravel runway. “This greatly increased safety, making it suitable for use by a wider variety of aircraft and pilot capabilities,” RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes said. The RAF had previously provided a grant for the installation of a new windsock and picnic table and the rental of equipment to mow the runway, turnarounds, and parking areas. This year, Mayes reported that volunteers in five aircraft flew to the airstrip while others drove two and one-half hours hauling their own equipment for mowing and grading. The team cleared overgrown brush from the runway, parking, and camping areas; mowed and leveled the gravel runway; restored a badly weathered picnic table; repainted runway markers; and installed new signage. “Paulina District Ranger Robbie Piehl expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ commitment to maintaining the airstrip,” Mayes reported. As a result of these efforts, the District Ranger has asked that RAF investigate what may be required to reopen two other long-neglected airfields. Find more information on Rager USFS Airstrip in the Airfield Guide . Submitted November 12, 2026
Volunteers gathered at Rockwood Airport in eastern Tennessee the first weekend of November to continue working on two Fly Rocky Top airfield projects. The RAF project leaders are Tennessee Ambassador Matt Axley and Fly Rocky Top Team Lead Jeff Smith of nearby Lenoir City. RAF Ambassadors Kevin Johnson (OR) and George Weaver (ID), along with Liaison Steve Thompson (OK), traveled to help direct the efforts, aided by dozens of local and regional volunteers, many of whom camped on site. Heavy rains had ceased, leaving morning mists and sunshine for outdoor work. The crew concentrated efforts on a large pilot pavilion at Smuggler’s Landing, the 2,400-ft turf landing area with under-wing camping at Rockwood, KRKW, which will be the basecamp for the network of up to seven backcountry airfields, as part of the RAF’s Expanding the Map initiative. In October, the crew poured concrete for the pavilion, and started building small post-and-beam picnic shelters at McGraw’s Backyard and Higdon Field. The crew focused work on McGraw’s and Smuggler’s Landing. Higdon Field is currently closed, with a planned opening date in 2027.
