GILA AIRSTRIPS HISTORY OF EFFECTIVE USFS PARTNERSHIP

In appreciation for USFS Reserve District Ranger John Pierson’s 11-years of partnership and leadership, fly-in hosts presented him an aerial photo of Negrito Airstrip prior to his retirement. 

In 2010 then-New Mexico RAF Liaison Larry Filener contacted Ranger Pierson about potential maintenance at Negrito, 0NM7. Pierson agreed to allow a work party, and RAF and New Mexico Pilots Association volunteers began work in preparation for fly-ins, which the Ranger also approved. “A year or two later, we installed a fire ring, camping area, tie-downs, and we repaired the tetrahedron and installed a second windsock.” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller said.

Pierson also approved the volunteers’ plan to rehabilitate and reopen Rainy Mesa airstrip, NM54 after 45 years of dormancy. This project triggered a 2021 appropriation of $25,000 for gravel for Rainy Mesa and Negrito, and a new concrete picnic table, shade structure material, and kiosk for Negrito. “All of this was done while John was Incident Commander for wildland fires, requiring him to be called away often,” Keller added.

“John will be sorely missed as Reserve District Ranger, but he is staying in the area and has expressed an interest in staying involved with recreational aviation,” Keller said.

RAF Chairman John McKenna said, “Thanks to this foundation of cooperation, the RAF anticipates continuing success in partnering with NMPA, the New Mexico Airstrip Network, and with Gila National Forest’s management team.”