“After eight years of dedication, the RAF is celebrating this enormous accomplishment,” McKenna said. The MOU follows on the heels of the USFS Final Planning Rule Directives released in February that form the basis for aviation use on 193,000,000 acres of National Forests. The new directives were largely the result of the constant RAF advocacy for the aviation community. “Now with this formal MOU, we are ready to roll up our sleeves to maintain, preserve and create backcountry airstrips in Forest Service locations,” Spencer added.
Framework for aviation formed with BLM –
The RAF delegates also secured a national MOU with the BLM. Over six years in the making, this MOU is the first of its kind and recognizes aviation and how it relates to the 245,000,000 acres of BLM lands. In summary, the MOU’s stated purpose is to:
“establish a framework for collaboration between the BLM and the RAF relating to the responsible use of recreational airstrips on BLM-managed lands and to serve the mutual interest of each party and the flying public. Both parties agree to collaborate in identifying opportunities and possible locations throughout the country for the RAF to pursue its mission.”
