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Symposium to focus on recreational airstrips

ITD is partnering with recreational air transportation providers and users across the northwest to develop a strategy for the future of Idaho’s recreational airstrips. Gathering input for the plan is the focus of the Feb. 18 statewide Recreational Airstrip Symposium in Boise.

Regional workshops were held last fall in McCall, Salmon and Worley. The workshops gathered transportation officials, pilots, forest managers, outfitters and other stakeholders to discuss the future of how recreational airstrips should be used, managed, maintained and improved. A total of 73 participated; several from each site will participate in the statewide session.

“Recreational use airstrips are gems among Idaho’s transportation system, and they represent a unique asset that we must plan for,” said Robert Martin, Idaho Transportation Department Division of Aeronautics administrator.

The interactive workshops asked participants to examine the states’ recreational airstrip assets and determine how to invest – or not invest – in them as part of Idaho’s transportation vision. Participants also created lists of potential investment partners who would have an interest in supporting a focal recreational airstrip plan.

The symposium is held in association with the Idaho Aviation Association, Idaho Commerce and Labor, Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association, ITD’s Division of Aeronautics and USDA Forest Service.

Photo caption: Participants in the 2004 Aeronautics Symposium worked on charting a course on aviation maps.