In May 2024, 30 volunteers completed another successful work party, maintaining five airstrips in Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge.
“This has been a long-standing Idaho Aviation Association work party, and they provide food and drinks for the volunteers,” explained Bill Ables, Oregon liaison for the Recreational Aviation Foundation. “Nineteen aircraft arrived at Dug Bar at eight a.m. with some 30 folks who’d come with a let’s get ‘er done attitude.”
After a safety briefing, pilots dispersed to their choice of airstrips. In addition to the maintenance conducted at Dug Bar, Salmon Bar, Pittsburg Landing, Big Bar, and Sluice Creek, each was maintained with weed eaters, rakes, weed sprayers, walk-behind weed eaters, tractor mowers, and riding lawn mowers, according to RAF officials.
Everyone met back at Dug Bar for lunch and friendly conversation.
“This was one of the most productive one-day work parties we’ve had,” Ables said. “Some of the folks came in a day early and camped out and were treated to a beautiful viewing of the northern lights.”