Dear Interested Public:
The Spotted Bear Ranger District in cooperation with the Museum of Mountain Flying would
like to hear from you concerning a request to remove the remaining pieces ofthe Ford Tri-Motor
Airplane that remain just east of Big Prairie Ranger Station. The remains of this airplane are
within the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Purpose and Need for Action
The Museum of Mountain Flying was donated the ownership of the remaining wreckage from
the family and heirs of the Johnson Flying Service in 2000. The Museum would like to have the
pieces and parts available at the Museum in Missoula Montana to display and promote the flying
history of the Johnson Flying Service and that history with Ford Tri-Motor Airplanes. The
purpose and need is to remove these pieces and parts to meet the Museum's goals.
Scope and History of the Project
Dick Johnson, (Johnson Flying Service), crashed a Ford Tri-Motor Airplane at the Big Prairie
Ranger Station adjacent to the airstrip in the summer of 1938. Following the crash the Johnson
Brothers (Dick and Bob Johnson) salvaged the engines and landing gear. These were returned to
Missoula Montana, the home base of Johnson Flying Service. In September 1938, the Johnson
Brothers with the help ofthe Forest Service skidded the remaining pieces to the location east of
the old airstrip where they remain today. This area was a primitive area and in 1964 was
designated the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Attached are pictures of samples of the remaining
pieces of the airplane.
Over time visitors and airplane enthusiasts have removed small pieces for souvenirs. There is
extensive name engraving on the larger pieces that remain. There is a concern that future theft
and vandalism could occur. The Aviation Community / Aviation Museums did make an
unauthorized landing in 1995 at Big Prairie and did remove a fuel pump. This removal was not
by The Museum of Mountain Flying. However, members do know of the current location of this
valuable part.
In 2003 a wildfire burned through this area (Little Salmon Fire). However the remaining pieces
were protected during the fire and no damage occurred. At that time, a large piece of metal was
found with the insignia of Johnson Flying Service and this was given to the Museum to
contribute to the history they share.Proposed Action
I am proposing to authorize a large helicopter to make a single landing and remove all the
remaining wreckage. The Museum is working with the National Guard to provide the helicopter
that may be able to remove the wreckage. Other options exist if the National Guard partnership is
not available. The remaining pieces would be moved (by hand or skidding by stock) to a location
in the open that would safely accommodate the large helicopter to land and load. The load could
be internal and/or an external sling load. The action would not require any trees to be cut, or
movement of soil. The fence around the old airstrip would be left intact for stock management.
The action would require the large helicopter to be on the ground up to 2 days.
Safety for all (those involved in the removal, employees, and public) in and around Big Prairie
would be a priority. The timing of the activity is planned for early September to minimize
impacts to wilderness users. Staffing for the removal would hike or pack in, except the minimum
flight crew required with the helicopter.
Summary
Your comments will help us analyze this project. It is my intention to make a decision no later
than August 21,2009. For this work to be completed, I request that comments be submitted in
writing no later that July 31, 2009. If you have any questions concerning this project and
proposed action, please contact me at 406-758-6464 or electronically at [email protected]
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
DEBBIE MUCKLOW
District Ranger
