For many years, Silver Lake Forest Service Strip Airport (45S) in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon, was neglected.
There was no maintenance at the airfield, so sagebrush and bunch grasses were overgrown. Extensive damage by wildlife added to the problems at the dirt runway, which became virtually unusable.
In 2019 the U.S. Forest Service considered 45S to be a safety hazard. Officials started the process of delisting the airfield.
That led officials from the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) to volunteer to handle the annual airfield maintenance if the Forest Service would keep the airstrip open.
The USFS District Ranger and Aviation Officer agreed.
In the spring of 2020, RAF supporters and members of the Oregon Pilots Association removed brush, mowed and graded the airfield, and erected a new RAF windsock.
“Impressed with the dedication exhibited by the RAF and OPA, the Forest Service has now taken over the regular surface maintenance of the airfield,” said RAF Oregon Liaison Richard Mayes.
“The Silver Lake Ranger District team recently mowed and re-established its edge markings and the 3,000 foot long runway is currently in excellent condition and ready to receive recreational aviators,” Mayes added.
The RAF collaborates with USFS Region 6 and District Rangers to maintain a number of backcountry airfields in Oregon, Mayes noted.
“Our strong base of RAF supporters, who are willing to donate their time, labor and cash, are crucial in preserving these important assets for future generations of pilots,” he said.
For information about Silver Lake Airfield see the RAF’s Airfield Guide.