The State/FAA gave Gravely Valley airstrip in the Mendocino Forest California, a Safety Review last month. Even though the USFS is not required to address every issue pointed out by the State/FAA, the USFS what’s to make sure the airstrip is safe for the flying public. As a result the RAF has offered maintenance support and the District Ranger Frank Aebly has accepted. The District Rangers acceptance of our offer is a direct result of the “MOU”, Memorandum of Understanding, agreed to and signed last March 19th, 2015 between the USFS and the RAF in Washington D.C.

I am asking for Volunteers to work a weekend to rake, shovel, install tires to separate the road from the airstrip and remove rocks from the strip. Gravely Valley Airstrip and Lake Pillsbury is a beautiful location and a rarity in California. This is our chance to partner with the USFS and establish a working relationship to keep the airstrip open and safe.

The work weekend will be sometime in late August or Early September. I will be working with Frank to get the date selected by the end of next week. I’ll be posting the date and the work schedule as soon as it can be worked out.

If you can volunteer please let me know as soon as you can because I need to provide a list of workers to Frank. You can e-mail and PM me or call me at:

[email protected]
Cell: 661-345-7755
Home/Office: 760-378-3870

Thanks for your support.

Rick Lach

California State Liaison
The Recreational Aviation Foundation

July 15, 2015 UPDATE
Just got Confirmation from the FS for a work date of Sep 12/13 2015.

Rick, if it's in September I'll be there!

I will defiantly be there! Love that place!

I'm in!

Im in thats if i can find it. Lol
Dan

I can't go but I want to say please make every effort possible to make it to this work party. I tried to set up a jet boat work party with the BLM here locally. It didn't work out and made local boaters looks bad in the eyes of the BLM. I took full responsibility and am going to get the work done myself over several weekends this summer. I think we have some good momentum going between the RAF and the FS, let's try to keep that going.

Thanks Rick for all you do with RAF.

As soon as you get a date, let me know. I'll be there if at all possible. Right now all looks good.

Hawk

I will try to be there, too
--Bill

I'm in,

Unless it's Sep 18-20th. -- airplane races...

I'm in and look forward to it.

Rich

I'm in, last weekend in August/early September looks pretty open.

Flynengr

Should be all done with rice season by then. Count me in too.
Thx Mike

I'll try to make it. Keep us updated when the date firms up.

If harvest allows, I will be there.
Douglas

Can anyone tell me if I land on the lake on floats if there is a decent place to beach not too far from the strip?
I'm assuming the strip is not smooth enough for the little amphib tires.
I'd like to help but it's too far to drive.
Pierre

Pierre_R wrote:Can anyone tell me if I land on the lake on floats if there is a decent place to beach not too far from the strip?
I'm assuming the strip is not smooth enough for the little amphib tires.
I'd like to help but it's too far to drive.
Pierre

On the south side of the strip the grass gradually tapers off into the water. I'm guessing it would be ok for beaching a seaplane. The area is generally free of any rocks or stumps.

I would be interested in going. last week of August im tied up, but if it's in September I will be in to help.

I just got confirmation from the “USFS” for a work weekend of Sep 12/13 2015.

I would like to say Thank You to everyone who has volunteered to help. I have not gotten back to everyone yet but I will as this thing moves forward.

The strip is in good shape so all we need to do is drag it and do some rake and shovel work to fill in some ruts and divots. In addition we will be burying some small tires (6.00 x 6) along the sides to mark the edge of the strip. Hopefully that will keep people from driving on the runway.

I will be posting more information as I get it.

Rick Lach
“RAF” California State Liaison

I would like to help as well if not too late to sign up.
Hopefully a few (soft) drinks and target shooting after the hard work ?

thanks
Nigel

Can make Sunday. Coming over the mountain from Yuba City.

Rob (another one)
Maule Driver