Aviation enthusiasts: Please take note of the following; the RAF is asking pilots to comment! It only takes a couple of minutes to click the link below, fill out the form, and submit your comments. Many thanks from us here at Pilot Getaways. Remember, the comment period ends Nov 14!! The Nez-Clearwater National Forest (NP/CLW NF) has posted their “PROPOSED ACTION” document for public comment. The comment period ends Nov. 14, 2014. Seven airstrips, including Fish Lake, shown in these photos, are within this area. In the past, these airstrips have been not only allowed to remain open, but also be maintained for safety of operation. The airstrips serve as emergency landing areas, staging areas for fire fighting, and also as trailheads where people can land, park their airplane, and enjoy the forest in the way others do, via trail access. To comment, just click this link: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=44089 If youd like to read the Forest Service plan, click this link: fs.usda.gov/detail/nezperceclearwater/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5447338 Here are some suggested comments, but please personalize your letter. With a focus on aviation, I would like to make the following comments on your proposed action: 1) FW-DC-REC-17, Page 47. Planners should certainly consider safety above all. However, there should be no language in the plan that would place restrictions on airstrip size if such restriction would prohibit the enhancement of safety at any airstrip. 2) FW-GDL-REC-01, Page 48. No language should be in the document that would restrict to possibility of new airstrips that would encourage future dispersed recreation opportunities. 3) Desired Conditions, Page 68 and page 72. There should be reference to the fact that various modes of access and attendant facilities make more wilderness visits possible, especially for those with limited physical capabilities. This would include trails, airstrips, bridges, etc. The document should also include wording that provides for the continued maintenance of such facilities. Such facilities and means of access can be utilized under the prior use language in the Wilderness Act. 4) Cayuse Airstrip should be specifically mentioned for continued use and provision for safety upgrades if needed for public well being. 5) Language needs to be inserted that airstrips may receive any needed maintenance for the purpose of keeping them safe for public use. 6) MA1-GDL-SMA-04, Page 73. Insert after trail the words and airstrip. Airstrips should have the same provisions for maintenance as trails. After all, airstrips are internal trailheads for wilderness access. Photos by Dan Lilja, Crista Worthy and Richard Benson
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:22:27 +0000
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