Volunteers from the Recreational Aviation Foundation have brought Monache Meadows, a backcountry airstrip on the Kern Plateau, south of California’s Mount Whitney, back to life.
“It’s hard to describe the emotions associated with this effort,” said RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov.
The High Sierra airstrip had been used for recreation for years until the US Forest Service unofficially closed it in the 1970s, citing the Wilderness Act, although the strip is not in a Wilderness area. According to RAF officials, it lies between the Golden Trout and South Sierra Wildernesses.
Monache Meadows, officially charted as L80, has been brought back to safe operation after many years of neglect. It is open for public access, thanks to years of effort and support by RAF volunteers and donors, foundation officials noted.
RAF California Liaison Rick Lach first learned of the airstrip in the 1980s on a Jeep excursion planting trout in the High Sierras. Lach, who became an RAF Liaison in 2011, determined ways to approach the appropriate land managers about restoring the airstrip for use. Persevering for 15 years communicating with a series of district rangers, he finally delivered a breakthrough in 2024 when the Forest Service agreed to include Monache Meadows in its scope of work, allocating some funds in cooperation with RAF volunteer efforts.
“After years of patience and persistence, I am glad to announce that we have restored Monache Meadows back to safe operation to be enjoyed by pilots once again,” said Lach.
Both Lach and Barilov organized repeated work parties, seeing as many as 20 volunteers making the arduous drive to help. A Monache resident and RAF supporter donated the windsock.
The remote area is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing, and up until now was only accessible seasonally by a rough and rocky road, requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The road becomes soft and impassable during wet conditions and closes due to snow.
“We appreciate everyone’s help,” Barilov said. “The strip ended up nearly 2,400 feet in length, is very flat, and is covered with grass. Frankly, it looks like one of the best grass airstrips I have ever landed on.”
The airstrip lies at an elevation of 7,874 feet, so those wishing to access it must consider density altitude, and that it seasonally gets heavy snows, RAF officials advised.
For more information: TheRAF.org
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