National Fire Plan Success Story
Backcountry Airstrips
Big Bar Airstrip, Hells Canyon NRA, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon
March 2008
Collaboration between Wallowa-Whitman National Forest fire management staff and the local Idaho Aviation Association meant a day of early spring-cleaning and fun for the whole family. On March 22, 2008, 16 airplanes and 27 people descended into the Big Bar airstrip in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Those that landed on the airstrip were part of the local Treasure Valley Chapter of the Idaho Aviation Association.
This association made up of volunteers seeks to provide a link between aviation issues, the public, and their 700-plus members of the organization across the state of Idaho. The mission of the Idaho Aviation Association is to provide for the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of aviation facilities; and to promote safety, education, and public understanding of general aviation in Idaho.
Given the low elevation (1,308 feet), the Big Bar work party was scheduled early in the season. The turnout was pleasing and the participants were able to complete a variety of activities. Many hands smoothed the runway, took out obstacles, cleared the tie down area, put-up a new windsock, and nailed the roof back on to the cabin. In addition, the cabin was cleaned and runway markers along with tie down anchors were painted.
The Treasure Valley Chapter of the Idaho Aviation Association has "work parties" at several state and forest service airstrips. "It is our way of helping to maintain these airstrips," said Jerry Terlisner with the Idaho Aviation Association. While this was the group’s first trip into Big Bar on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, the association did a great job at helping out this backcountry airstrip. The McCall Chapter did previous care some years ago. In order to find out more about the association visit www.flyidaho.org.
Contact: To find out more about fuels and fire projects on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest or this project in particular, contact Matt Reidy at 541-523-1415 or mreidy@fs.fed.us.