Backcountry Pilot • Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Discuss your knowledge of airports and off-airport strips. Help inform other pilots of status, warnings, noise abatement, and closure endangerment. See also: http://www.shortfield.com
Post a reply
46 posts • Page 2 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Sat Mar 23, 2019 8:36 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Zzz wrote:
OregonMaule wrote:
Deleted to be ___KING politically correct. Like being in Facebook Jail


OregonMaule wrote:I cleaned up my post. I apologize to to any lib tree huggers who's feelings I hurt.

It must be the freedom loving ranchers from the wild areas of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains. The Willamette Valley big cities were wrongly branded by me. I am sincerely sorry. :^o :^o [-o<


Why the immaturity? The rules are posted. Simple.

You are mistaking my passion for landing on public land, BTW we all own, for immaturity. It is all political why we are losing the freedom to use these places.

I was wrong for name calling. We all know political groups shutting us out. I have an extreme hatred of them.

Not talking about the politics won’t make the problem go away. Bad on me for being a supporter of the first amendment. I know private web site.

I don’t post much anymore. I’m sure that is fine with those who don’t share my view.
OregonMaule offline
User avatar
Posts: 6977
Joined: Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:44 pm
Location: Orygun
My SPOT page

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety". Ben Franklin
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin
top
Sat Mar 23, 2019 7:28 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

OregonMaule wrote:Bad on me for being a supporter of the first amendment. I know private web site.


The first amendment has absolutely nothing to do with this website, and it’s immature to even bring it up when you mention yourself that you’re aware this is not a government run discussion board.

I sincerely thank you for the no politics rule Zane.

If others can’t refrain from following the rules here, they can send me a PM and I have another forum I can suggest where they can go and try their hand at running with the big boys...who are more than happy to go toe to toe with them.
Aryana offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 936
Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2014 9:06 am
Location: SoCal
Aircraft: 1955 Cessna 170
top
Sun Mar 24, 2019 10:22 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Let me clarify why this airstrip became off limits. It was not the result of nefarious efforts by agents of the Deep State, nor was a George Soros funded band of eco-terrorists responsible for the loss. The closure of this airstrip was the result of apathy and inaction by the general aviation community.

All public lands are administered through various Management Plans. The development, refinement and approval of these Management Plans include participation and input from all stakeholders, including the public at large.

In the case of the Lower Deschutes River Management Plan (1993), the BLM solicited input on proposals to reduce access points, including roads, boat launches, camping areas, and airstrips, to improve the aesthetic experience of the river users. Many comments were received from fishermen, hunters, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers and rafters. Not a single commenter requested that access to the Bull Run Airstrip be maintained.

I believe there is an important lesson in this for us. To protect our aviation access to public lands, we have to become involved in the process. We have to engage in a positive manner, recognizing that all stakeholders have a valid interest in the future of our public lands.

Just the thoughts of a freedom loving rancher from east of the Cascades ;-)
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top
Sun Mar 24, 2019 12:19 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

This seems like a perfect project for the Oregon liaison for the RAF.

I’m sure all you Oregon Backcountry Flying folks are members of the RAF. Give em a call and take the strip back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Barnstormer offline
Posts: 2700
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:42 am
Location: Alaska
Aircraft: C185
top
Sun Mar 24, 2019 1:00 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Windknot54 wrote:Let me clarify why this airstrip became off limits. It was not the result of nefarious efforts by agents of the Deep State, nor was a George Soros funded band of eco-terrorists responsible for the loss. The closure of this airstrip was the result of apathy and inaction by the general aviation community.

All public lands are administered through various Management Plans. The development, refinement and approval of these Management Plans include participation and input from all stakeholders, including the public at large.

In the case of the Lower Deschutes River Management Plan (1993), the BLM solicited input on proposals to reduce access points, including roads, boat launches, camping areas, and airstrips, to improve the aesthetic experience of the river users. Many comments were received from fishermen, hunters, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers and rafters. Not a single commenter requested that access to the Bull Run Airstrip be maintained.

I believe there is an important lesson in this for us. To protect our aviation access to public lands, we have to become involved in the process. We have to engage in a positive manner, recognizing that all stakeholders have a valid interest in the future of our public lands.

Just the thoughts of a freedom loving rancher from east of the Cascades ;-)


I've got to say that all seems very hard to swallow, regardless of factual content or historical accuracy. What's really important in a situation like this is to maintain the ability to assign blame to any group or demographic with whom you have a difference of opinion. Facts only get in the way and make it hard to hold whatever group you're displeased with accountable...a job which is already hard enough given how amorphous and seditious and generally unconstitutional those groups tend to be.

In the future, please keep your irrelevant facts away from good solid speculation, conjecture, and scapegoating.

Thank you.

:wink:
Hammer offline
KB and Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 2094
Joined: Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:15 am
Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace
top
Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:07 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Windknot54 said "Please be aware, this airstrip is located on BLM managed land within the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River corridor. The River Management Plan approved in 1993 specifically prohibits aircraft landings at this airstrip, or anywhere within the Wild and Scenic River Corridor, which extends from the Columbia River to river mile 100, just above Warm Springs."

You likely know more about this situation than do I, being a liason for the RAF and all, but I just skimmed through the 1993 Lower Deschutes Wild & Scenic River Management Plan twice, looking for the words aircraft, airplane, etc. and did not see them. They get pretty specific about a lot of things, but I sure couldn't find anything pertaining to me landing at Horseshoe Bend. It's not mentioned in the plan, that I could find, there is no "X" on the runway, no sign, how would a fellow know ? A local dentist piled up a Husky there years ago, but well after 1993,(went into the rockpile), and didn't have any input from the BLM. Last year, another unlucky fellow ruined a new Maule there, and had to have it helicoptered up the hill to a staging area. Apparently all the BLM asked was "was anyone hurt" ?

On a side note, I've been curious when and why it was renamed "Bull Run" ? A group of guys, mostly Cubs & Super Cubs started landing there 50 - 60 years ago. They'd meet there on the weekend, fish, grill the fish, etc. While the adults were relaxing after the fishing, the kids would pile the rocks up, off to the side, the piles, as noted, are still there. They also picked up & piled up horseshoes, as this was the location of the blacksmith shop, that was set up during construction of the railroad, early in the century. The pile of horseshoes was 5-6 feet high, but then, people started taking one or two as a souvenir, now, no pile. The 'ol boys that built is named it "Horseshoe Bend", for obvious reasons.
Hman442 offline
User avatar
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:11 pm
Location: Redmond
Aircraft: Cessna 182H
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:07 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Hman442 asked:
...I've been curious when and why it was renamed "Bull Run" ?...

I don't know when, but it is named for Bull Run canyon. The canyon that runs west just up stream from the airstrip. There must have been a bull running loose up there.

One of the last railroad wars to occur, happened right here in the state of Oregon. In the end, the dispute was settled,
but not after men died and property was damaged.

The rest of the story http://www.brian894x4.com/OregonTrunkRailroad.html
tcj offline
User avatar
Posts: 1278
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 12:52 pm
Location: Ellensburg, WA
tcj
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 11:29 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

OregonMaule wrote:I was wrong for name calling. We all know political groups shutting us out. I have an extreme hatred of them.

Not talking about the politics won’t make the problem go away. Bad on me for being a supporter of the first amendment. I know private web site.

I don’t post much anymore. I’m sure that is fine with those who don’t share my view.


I could go on at length and philosophize endlessly about my reasoning, but it makes no difference. All you have to do is follow the rules, else get a vacation from BCP.

Discussing the specifics of something like the Bull Run access issue is not necessarily politics. You will never see or hear the adults that help resolve these land use issues for us resorting to the all-too-common divisive tactics. But for many the exercise of discussing the facts without involving politics is just too great a request. It is the latter that will get violated here because I value a friendly, respectful community above all else.
Zzz offline
Janitorial Staff
User avatar
Posts: 2854
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:09 pm
Location: northern
Aircraft: Swiveling desk chair
Half a century spent proving “it is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 12:49 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

tcj wrote:Hman442 asked:
...I've been curious when and why it was renamed "Bull Run" ?...

I don't know when, but it is named for Bull Run canyon. The canyon that runs west just up stream from the airstrip. There must have been a bull running loose up there.

One of the last railroad wars to occur, happened right here in the state of Oregon. In the end, the dispute was settled,
but not after men died and property was damaged.

The rest of the story http://www.brian894x4.com/OregonTrunkRailroad.html


Yes, I see that on the map. The rapids right there are also named Bull Run. That makes sense. Likely, the old time pilots that built the strip and named it for the horseshoes, didn't "make the name official", as it didn't matter back then, they knew where it was, but then later , the BLM needed a name for it, and Bull Run was the obvious choice.

That is great historical information about the railroad, it sounds like it was serious business back then. I wonder if that tool car in the photos was used as the blacksmith shop - the location looks close ?

While searching or information, this 2017 Plane & pilot article came up. I"ll paste the 7th & 8th paragraphs of the article, as, it's an interesting, "logical" opinion on the use of the airstrip. If everyone thought logical like this, life would be a lot simpler.

"Bicycles, ATVs, wheelbarrows, roller skates, dirt bikes and other wheeled vehicles are excluded because they impact the ground for miles and miles on and off trails. They disturb game trails, crush plants and insects, and disturb wildlife habitat. Motorized wheeled vehicles make noise down in the habitat all the time they run.

Light airplanes, on the other hand, fly thousands of feet above the surface, quietly glide in for landing on pre-ordained turf landing strips, and roll for a very short distance, once for landing and once for takeoff. The only significant noise occurs on takeoff and climbout and is limited to open space in a limited habitat. On top of that, it only lasts for 10 seconds or so. It is the lightest environmental touch possible short of parachuting in. The Forestry Service and BLM generally recognize this reality and allow the American flying public access to already-established strips.

Accessing wilderness by air is both a practical requirement for administering agencies and an excellent means to provide “use and enjoyment of the American people.”

Here is a link to the entire article: https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/articl ... JktyJhKhPZ
Hman442 offline
User avatar
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:11 pm
Location: Redmond
Aircraft: Cessna 182H
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:24 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Hman442 wrote: You likely know more about this situation than do I, being a liason for the RAF and all, but I just skimmed through the 1993 Lower Deschutes Wild & Scenic River Management Plan twice, looking for the words aircraft, airplane, etc. and did not see them. They get pretty specific about a lot of things, but I sure couldn't find anything pertaining to me landing at Horseshoe Bend.


Refer to the Lower Deschutes River Management Plan Record of Decision dated February 1993. The airstrip is identified on Map 1, Segment 4 at approximate river mile18. The specific restriction is contained in Section 8 Access: Roads, Trails and Launch Sites. The relevant paragraph is reproduced herewith:

Image
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 9:57 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Well. There it is, clear as mud. They "will work" with other agencies to prohibit. That sounds like "in the future". Landing will be "discouraged". That doesn't have a lot of teeth to it.
It's no wonder, with such vague language, buried in a document, that there is so much question as to "can we or can't we. I spent several hours, searching documents and did not see that. And, of course, we've never heard of anyone being fined or otherwise penalized, having landed there, even having wrecked a plane there. It's as if after the 1993 document was finalized, they obviously did not have no landing there very high on their priority list, or they would have done something, anything, and they haven't.
Nice job finding the needle in the haystack document though. Thank You.
Should a guy be concerned landing there ? I'm thinking it gets quite a bit of use, I imagine the Cubcrafter guys use it out of Hood River often, it'd be too convenient to not.
Hman442 offline
User avatar
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:11 pm
Location: Redmond
Aircraft: Cessna 182H
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:05 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Has the BLM, to your knowledge, "worked with any other managing agency", to prohibit landing ? Who would that be, the FAA, the county, the state ?
Of course, all this talk is about Bull Run airstrip, right ? We can still land at 'ol Horseshoe Bend.....right ? [emoji56]
Last edited by Hman442 on Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hman442 offline
User avatar
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:11 pm
Location: Redmond
Aircraft: Cessna 182H
top
Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:06 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Hman442 wrote:Has the BLM, to your knowledge, "worked with any other managing agency", to prohibit landing ? Who would that be, the FAA, the county, the state ?
Of course, all this talk is about Bull Run airstrip, right ? We can still land at 'ol Horseshoe Bend.....right ? [emoji56]
Hman442 offline
User avatar
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2018 6:11 pm
Location: Redmond
Aircraft: Cessna 182H
top
Tue Mar 26, 2019 3:58 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

I am with the people that view it as open, no "X" on it! I have been landing there since I bought my first Maule in 1997, probably been in and out of there at least 50 or 60 times in the last 20 years. I have fly fished, camped a night, rafted with my Daughter, never had anyone give me any grief about an airplane being there. In fact just the opposite, have had many conversations with fisherman, always positive.

It is obviously very well used! I believe it is accepted as open and until some agency puts a big X on it I will continue to use it.
Mauleguy offline
User avatar
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:43 pm
Location: Washington
top
Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:28 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Hman442 wrote:Has the BLM, to your knowledge, "worked with any other managing agency", to prohibit landing ? Who would that be, the FAA, the county, the state ?
Of course, all this talk is about Bull Run airstrip, right ? We can still land at 'ol Horseshoe Bend.....right ? [emoji56]


I have discussed this with the responsible BLM folks and the consensus is that the RMP prohibits landing aircraft anywhere within the Deschutes River Canyon. "Managing Agencies" refers to any authority managing lands within the limits of the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River corridor. These are the BLM, any State of Oregon authority (Lands Division, Forestry, ODFW, etc.) and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The FAA is not a party to this agreement.

As a slight diversion to this discussion, some old hands have told me that, back in the day, there were no less than 11 primitive landings areas along the Deschutes River between the Columbia River and Maupin. If you believe the stories, you could land at any one of these, catch a nice trout within 30-minutes, and be home for dinner. Ah, nostalgia..
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top
Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:50 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Mauleguy wrote:It is obviously very well used! I believe it is accepted as open and until some agency puts a big X on it I will continue to use it.


The absence of the 'X' does not mean an airstrip is open to public use. A pilot was recently cited for landing at Sluice Creek in Hells Canyon. The airstrip is closed to public use, but does not have an 'X' because it is open for 'administrative use' by USFS and other specifically approved users. Most airstrips on private lands do not have an 'X' closing the airstrip to public use, but we know not to land without permission.

The choice to land at any airstrip is the individual pilot's alone. I'm only suggesting that we all should be aware of the potential implications of our decision. Trespassing on public lands generally elicits a financial penalty.

You are absolutely correct - folks have been using the airstrip for decades since the RMP was approved. Generally the response from the river users to pilots has been good. But, every once in a while, we run into someone who is not so happy to play with others. Every river user is carrying a camera and, if a complaint is filed with BLM, an enforcement action is likely to follow.
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top
Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:26 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Well, Mr. Pants, it seems you were onto something when you originally posted your pirep on this thread. There's only one thing Bull Run is good for... talking about it being closed. #-o

Question for Windknot54: If no effort is being made to enforce the closed status of Bull Run, and pilots continue using it, is there a down side for negotiation efforts for the RAF in any capacity? It seems unlikely there will ever be a successful initiative to regain access, so is there any damage to be done to other efforts outside this area?
Zzz offline
Janitorial Staff
User avatar
Posts: 2854
Joined: Fri Oct 08, 2004 11:09 pm
Location: northern
Aircraft: Swiveling desk chair
Half a century spent proving “it is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
top
Tue Mar 26, 2019 11:01 pm

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Windknot54 wrote:
Mauleguy wrote:It is obviously very well used! I believe it is accepted as open and until some agency puts a big X on it I will continue to use it.

I'm only suggesting that we all should be aware of the potential implications of our decision. Trespassing on public lands generally elicits a financial penalty.


“Trespassing on public lands”? Give that sentence some thought.
Terry offline
User avatar
Posts: 1365
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2007 9:11 pm
Location: Willamette Valley
FindMeSpot URL: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... 4GzPHI6t1d
top
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:27 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Zzz wrote:Question for Windknot54: If no effort is being made to enforce the closed status of Bull Run, and pilots continue using it, is there a down side for negotiation efforts for the RAF in any capacity? It seems unlikely there will ever be a successful initiative to regain access, so is there any damage to be done to other efforts outside this area?


That is a difficult question to answer my friend. Demonstrating that we are responsible users of public lands, respectful of the rules, and considerate of the rights of others, goes a long way to convince the land managers that aviation has a valid place at the table. Honestly, most of the public lands managers that we interface with are pretty open to having the discussions concerning aviation access. However, there are formal processes to revise management plans, which the land managers must follow.

The Lower Deschutes River Management Plan is now 25+ years old. I would expect that a formal update of the plan would be coming in the near future. That will be our opportunity to convince the BLM, and the other stakeholders, that aviation is a valid means of access within the canyon. Until then, just try to ensure backcountry aviators are viewed as positively as possible.
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:33 am

Re: Bull Run airstrip, Deschutes River, OR

Terry wrote:“Trespassing on public lands”? Give that sentence some thought.


The Hanford Nuclear Reservation, White Sands Missile Range, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, the White House, etc are all located on public lands. But, I suspect that you would be, at the very least, subject to a trespass violation if you were found on any of this properties. [-X

The term 'public land' refers to public ownership, not necessarily public access.
Last edited by Windknot54 on Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
Windknot54 offline
Supporter
User avatar
Posts: 114
Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2012 11:58 am
Location: Bend
Aircraft: Husky, Skywagon P-Ponk
top

DISPLAY OPTIONS

PreviousNext
Post a reply
46 posts • Page 2 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Return to Airports, Airstrips, and Landing Zones

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

Latest Features

Latest Knowledge Base