Hi Folks-

As most of you know, I am the District 7 Director, for the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) which encompasses most of the Frank Church and the lower end of the Selway. Think in terms of Fish Lake, South or generally Indian Creek and North.

We just recently met w/ both the USFS Region 1 and Region 4 Managers to discuss planned maintenance activities for the coming season. Both were great meetings and long overdue. I really need to thank the incredible efforts of the RAF for helping facilitate these meetings and communications. Obviously, w/ the fog of 2020 and Covid-19 complications like much of everything else in our society, we are behind.

I wanted to give everyone a quick update and there is much more to follow (no specific order);

1.) Magee ( S77) - Ongoing flooding issues, beaver relocation and dam management is scheduled for this year.
2.) Moose Creek (1U1)- The Guard Station cabin(s) are scheduled for maintenance and specifically looks like some roof work.
3.) Cold Meadows (U81) Hitching rail replacement.
4.) Chamberlain Basin (U79)- Is scheduled for its 5 year rotational maintenance w/ grading and the mule team on both runways. Obviously check notams before you fly in this summer.
5.) Big Creek (U60)- With the opening of the new lodge Big Creek continues to be a heavily used airstrip and as such, will need some much needed maintenance this year mowing and basic and consistent irrigation is a big factor.
6.) Bernard (U54)- This is one of the first big projects of the spring and plans are being formulated as I write to mobilize the first week of May for significant maintenance with the major effort being focused on tree removal.
7.) Soldier Bar (85U) - Noxious weed spraying.
8.) Cabin Creek (I08) - Noxious weed spraying.

The above is only a snapshot of what is scheduled and more importantly what is really needed including efforts at Mile-Hi, Vines and others.

We are also in need of a volunteers that can support planned activities this spring at Bernard, Soldier Bar, Cabin Creek or a longer term effort for irrigation and mowing at Big Creek, please PM me so we can discuss in greater detail if you can help.

Outside of the subject of maintenance and if you are planning on flying into Cabin Creek please check the latest Pirep for hazardous conditions on the runway on the IAA website. We have not verified the data outside of the Pirep but it is a very good data point to check prior to landing. We do appreciate the pilot reports.

Finally, as we are only a month or more outside of our backcountry flying season, if you are not a member of the IAA or the RAF, please consider joining and becoming an active member. We do not have any active work parties scheduled yet, but that will be forthcoming. We do need your help in many different areas! Thank You.

Fly Safe-

Dave

Dave, thank you for your efforts in a most worthy cause from a proud (I have the caps) IAA and RAF member.

Hi Dave! Thanks for the update and for all you and the IAA do!

Quick question, do you know approximately when and for how long Chamberlain will be inaccessible? It's one of my favorite camping spots. I'd also be willing to pitch in if help is needed!

I intend to help with the Hoodoo project if it goes through as well. I contacted Dick and Andrew about that.

Thanks

Quick question, do you know approximately when and for how long Chamberlain will be inaccessible? It's one of my favorite camping spots. I'd also be willing to pitch in if help is needed!

CParker- Those exact dates have not yet been determined but stay tuned check the notams and I will do my best to keep you updated.

Thanks for your support!

DBI wrote:Hi Folks-

As most of you know, I am the District 7 Director, for the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) which encompasses most of the Frank Church and the lower end of the Selway. Think in terms of Fish Lake, South or generally Indian Creek and North.

We just recently met w/ both the USFS Region 1 and Region 4 Managers to discuss planned maintenance activities for the coming season. Both were great meetings and long overdue. I really need to thank the incredible efforts of the RAF for helping facilitate these meetings and communications. Obviously, w/ the fog of 2020 and Covid-19 complications like much of everything else in our society, we are behind.

I wanted to give everyone a quick update and there is much more to follow (no specific order);

1.) Magee ( S77) - Ongoing flooding issues, beaver relocation and dam management is scheduled for this year.
2.) Moose Creek (1U1)- The Guard Station cabin(s) are scheduled for maintenance and specifically looks like some roof work.
3.) Cold Meadows (U81) Hitching rail replacement.
4.) Chamberlain Basin (U79)- Is scheduled for its 5 year rotational maintenance w/ grading and the mule team on both runways. Obviously check notams before you fly in this summer.
5.) Big Creek (U60)- With the opening of the new lodge Big Creek continues to be a heavily used airstrip and as such, will need some much needed maintenance this year mowing and basic and consistent irrigation is a big factor.
6.) Bernard (U54)- This is one of the first big projects of the spring and plans are being formulated as I write to mobilize the first week of May for significant maintenance with the major effort being focused on tree removal.
7.) Soldier Bar (85U) - Noxious weed spraying.
8.) Cabin Creek (I08) - Noxious weed spraying.

The above is only a snapshot of what is scheduled and more importantly what is really needed including efforts at Mile-Hi, Vines and others.

We are also in need of a volunteers that can support planned activities this spring at Bernard, Soldier Bar, Cabin Creek or a longer term effort for irrigation and mowing at Big Creek, please PM me so we can discuss in greater detail if you can help.

Outside of the subject of maintenance and if you are planning on flying into Cabin Creek please check the latest Pirep for hazardous conditions on the runway on the IAA website. We have not verified the data outside of the Pirep but it is a very good data point to check prior to landing. We do appreciate the pilot reports.

Finally, as we are only a month or more outside of our backcountry flying season, if you are not a member of the IAA or the RAF, please consider joining and becoming an active member. We do not have any active work parties scheduled yet, but that will be forthcoming. We do need your help in many different areas! Thank You.

Fly Safe-

Dave

Just joined the IAA

Look forward to heading up there this spring to fish

Just joined the IAA

Look forward to heading up there this spring to fish

Utah-Jay -

Let me say thank you ! Enjoy your fishing trip and let me know if we can help!

Safe Flights!

Thank you Dave for all the work you and the Foundation do. I just joined IAA. Ted