Bump - Monday is the last day of the comment period. Still time to send your letter in to support these important backcountry airstrips. Some of the previous posts have good examples.

Guys,
hope this helps, faxed to local BLM office yesterday Monday June 24



June 24, 2013
BLM – GJFO RMP
2815 H Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506

To whom it may concern:

I would like to offer a few comments in regards to our continued access to backcountry airstrips. I strongly support maintaining alternative plan A for the Grand Junction BLM Resource Management Plan. These airstrips should be defined as unique and separate from roads and trails that might travel alongside these strips.

Being a local pilot based out of Grand Junction who lands at a number of these sites on a regular basis, I want to point out that all members of the local backcountry pilot community that frequent these airstrips are very conscientious outdoors folks, and practice good conservation and stewardship of the land. We all believe in “leave no trace” values and recognize we are indeed stewards of this resource. From a socio-economic standpoint, the backcountry pilot community uses gas purchased from local airports, and use local mechanics and hangars, thereby supporting the general aviation industry and associated businesses. These pilots engage in a non-consumptive use of the resource with virtually no impact on the land. The pilot community would eagerly volunteer for any projects or donations that the BLM would propose to help maintain these strips in the future.

Also consider that these strips help pilots in case of emergency, offering a safe landing option where there might otherwise be none. Please support strong protection and advocacy for our Colorado backcountry airstrips.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to send in your comments and support this effort.