PUBLIC COMMENTS REQUESTED FOR OREGON’S BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL FOREST

The US Forest Service is required to revise its 1990 Land Management Plan for the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests in Oregon, referred to as the Blue Mountains National Forests. Land Management Plans are important documents that provide specific, long-term directions for land use. Revised wording to the Blue Mountains Forest Plan may result in changes with how airstrips are accessed for both recreation and maintenance.

Now is the time for recreational pilots to request that aviation and airstrips be recognized and formally included in the plan. Inclusion will ensure safe, continued access to regional airstrips, including Reds Horse Ranch (68D), and others.

We ask that you submit a comment here before the October 6 deadline. Our goal is for the USFS to receive a robust and consistent response from the general aviation community, resulting in specific changes to the plan’s wording. In your own words, submit your comments using the link provided, using the below talking points as a guide:

Historic Use

  • Both commercial and private aviation activity has historically occurred on these Forests since the 1930s. Please consider adding “aviation” to the list of approved activities.

Management and Maintenance

  • Aviation organizations have established Airstrip lntegrated Operations and Maintenance Plans on the Wallowa-Whitman Forest. This plan can be replicated on each Blue Mountains Forest for airstrip maintenance. This is cost effective partnering with aviation groups to maintain the airstrips, saving USFS funds.

Transportation Infrastructure

  • Airstrips are a component of the USFS nationwide transportation system, as are the roads and trails, and should be considered as such in any management plan
  • Airstrips support Federal and State land management activities, wildfire operations, recreational and hunting use, emergency evacuation, access to private in-holdings and commercial ventures that support the local economy.

Objectives

  • Please add “Maintain Airstrips” to this list

Dispersed Usage

  • Airstrips provide locations for dispersed backcountry recreation.

Aesthetics

  • Airstrips appear as open meadows on level terrain, and offer habitat for wildlife.

Effect on Wildlife

  • Scientifically peer-reviewed studies show that aircraft noise has no detrimental effect on wildlife. More information on this proposed Management Plan is available here.

Your public comments count. It’s easy to Submit HERE.
Thank you for helping preserve priceless backcountry aviation assets.

Submitted September 25, 2025

Posted in News

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