The Death Valley National Park folks have posted the results from their first Public Scoping effort for the Saline Valley and Chicken Strip. The link to their web page and the report is:

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/SalValCommentReport

The “Saline Valley Public Scoping Comment Report” is a 56-page document giving a good review of the comments received. They received 544 comments from 34 states, the District of Columbia and two countries. Although the Chicken Strip did receive some negative comments the majority were very positive towards the airstrip. In speaking with the new Chief Ranger she expressed their surprise at the number of comments received. Indicating to me at least, that your efforts to show support for the Chicken Strip were noticed.

Please remember that this is only the first round. The park service is now reviewing the comments not only for the Chicken Strip but for the whole Saline Valley area and preparing ”Alternative” for managing the valley. They will make their “Alternatives” public sometime in early 2013. Then the “PUBLIC”, YOU, will be asked for additional input. So please be prepared to help out some time next year. I will do my best to post updates and information on this subject as it materializes.


Rick Lach
California RAF Liaison

Well done Rick