EAA Triple Five Flier Volume 40 Number 11 | Page 21

New Mexico Airstrip Network Partnership Agreement Signed
It was a momentous day for backcountry and recreational aviation in New Mexico with a joint
singing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a collaborative partnership.
USFS Regional Forester, Calvin Joyner, BLM New Mexico Director, Amy Lueders, NMDOT
Deputy Secretary Loren Hatch, Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) president, John
McKenna, New Mexico Pilots Association (NMPA) president Jerry Donovan, and executives
from additional statewide organizations were present to share perspectives on mutual benefits
of this agreement.
The New Mexico Airstrip Network (NMAN) steering committee started two years ago to identify airstrips with unrealized recreational potential on BLM, USFS, state, and private lands.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation to establish and implement a strategy and
action plan. “MOUs create an understanding of how we can work together and share roles, responsibilities, and resources to achieve common goals”, said Region 3 Forest Service Director
of Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness, Francisco Valenzuela, when asked about his organization’s involvement.
The NMAN began through a team effort involving the NMDOT Aviation Division, NMPA,
and the RAF. Steering committee member and NM Aviation Director, Steve Summers, stated
that “NMAN hopes to replicate the similar collaboration achieved in Idaho, which advanced
aviation and produced positive economic impact for rural communities throughout the state.”
To illustrate what could be accomplished, Mark Spencer, RAF Arizona Liaison shared a video
of volunteer efforts to restore the historic cabin at Double Circle Ranch and restore Grapevine
airstrip asphalt. “Volunteer involvement is key to long term success. 83 volunteers from the
aviation community turned out to make the Grapevine project happen”, Mark explained.
New Mexico’s aviation volunteer base is growing, through five years of successful NMPA organized work parties and fly-ins to the Negrito airstrip in the Gila National Forest, plus private
airstrips including Champion Ranch, Murrow Ranch on the Divide, Mystic Bluffs, Whitewater
Mesa, and the newly charted Taos – Grant Besley airstrip. Volunteers have moved rocks, installed tie-downs and windsocks, mowed, and cleared brush.

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