Just got this email and thought I would post it here. If you aren't a supporter of the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association, give joining or donating some thought. They do a good job maintaining, leasing, advocating for, etc. airstrips in Utah.

Dear UBCP -

As the fall flying season is here we thought we would take the opportunity to pass on reports we have received concerning some of Utah's recreational landing strips. We will also up-date you on the absence of our fall fly-in and some potentially exciting runway projects.

Mexican Mountain is reported to be in good condition. The weeds are encroaching on both sides of the runway and the old soft spot near the windsock is still there and about the same. Take a shovel along and spend a few minutes cutting off the weeds. We caution pilots that the BLM allows only one fire ring in each camp site. They have tasked us with inspecting the runway and camp sites twice a year and sometimes we notice that since one fire ring is heaping with ashes, another is constructed right next to it. If you see this, please use your shovel to obliterate the second fire ring. Bury the ashes as deep as you can and scatter the rocks. Then, dig out and bury the ashes in the other so folks wont be tempted to start a new one. Remember, this landing strip is unique in that it is the only one in a Wilderness Study Area and as such the BLM keeps close tabs on it and how it is treated.

We spent a day removing weeds at the Mineral Canyon landing strip. It is in fine condition with just a few exceptions. The area south of the grassy spot is very rough and should not be used except possibly for emergency run out. There is a short depressed area near the north end. It is about 50 feet long and 6 in. or so deep. We tried to fill this in the best we could but it is not perfect. It should pose no real problem, but when landing from this direction be aware of it and tricycle airplanes should make an effort to keep the weight off the nose as much as possible. The wind sock is in good condition. We also installed new signs at both spur roads to the landing strip advising any vehicles to not drive on the runway. We hope this helps keep the OHVs of the runway. The parking areas are still covered with large weeds and could use a few hours with a shovel clearing them.

Happy Canyon is reported to be in good condition. The wind sock is now gone and should be replaced. We can furnish one if someone is willing to install it. The cones marking the touch down are now faded and hard to see. We have been told that the old miners shack is deteriorating so be careful around it.

Reports are that Dirty Devil and Angel Point are in good unchanged condition from previous years.

Huntington Airport is under new management and so we missed or regular fall fly in. We hope we can get to know the new manager and possibly continue this next year. In the mean time, we look forward to Ibex Hard Pan as usual next spring.

Over this past year, we have been working with State and Federal Land Managers and hope to announce soon that UBCP will be rehabilitating three new landing strips. If these all come together, Utah will have new recreational landing strip in the Needles Area, Dark Canyon, and on the north arm of the Great Salt Lake.
We'll be asking for lots of help with these as the planning is completed.

Sincerely,

UBCP Board

Please join the UBCP! They do an amazing job. Their Google Earth Utah strip overlay and Utah airstrip database is priceless.
After our visit last weekend, the south end of Mineral Canyon is not quite as bad as they report. We spent and hour with shovels and helped a lot. I used the full length for takeoff to the north.
Tom

Although it it is a work in process I have recently become a seasonal Fall/ Winter Airport Manager at U34 Green River Municipal.

The City of Green River has recently installed a new Fuel system with a card reader.
Fuel is now available

If we need somewhere to hold an October or November back country fly in then we would be happy to host.

That's great to hear Trent! Good for you for stepping up.

flynbeekeeper wrote:Please join the UBCP! They do an amazing job. Their Google Earth Utah strip overlay and Utah airstrip database is priceless.
After our visit last weekend, the south end of Mineral Canyon is not quite as bad as they report. We spent and hour with shovels and helped a lot. I used the full length for takeoff to the north.
Tom

FULL LENGTH? Gee Tom, must have been because of the 3 passengers, all the campoing equipment, and all the food left over that you and Laura and Jay packed in the plane. I must have been off in 200'. What a great trip and I watched you work hard to fill those holes.

Trent,
Make sure you get the fuel service listed on Foreflight and Airnav.
I would love to help with a fall fly in!
Arnold, I misrepresented my takeoff. We only used half of the runway, but taxied full length to the South to see how rough it was. Not bad!

Oh