Why are some airstrips labeled USFS?

[briansommers 74]

I know that means United States Forest Service, but my question is why would they need airstrips? 

 

Do they get flown out to these strips to do their work? or ??

 

Any help would be great. 

 

oh, Where would they be flown from if they would?

[MadDog 353]

The Forest Service used to fly every day from my home airport.  They were primarily looking for forest fires in remote areas and scanning for illegal burning.  I went up with one of them on one occasion (I believe it was a C182) and "we" caught somebody burning tires.  I would imagine the dedicated strips are in areas where there is not another convenient airport close by.  I believe they stopped flying regular flights in my area about 15 years ago due to budget cuts.

[ViperPilot 81]

The USFS also uses those strips to access areas where Forestry and Fishery research is done. The majority of the strips are open to the Public, unless otherwise listed.

 

Much of Idaho & Montana's popularity as Backcountry (bush) flying destinations are attributed to all of the USFS strips that are available for Public use. There's some excellent fishing opportunities around the area.

 

Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) also uses these strips for STOL practice, flying both C-206's and the Quest Kodiak.

 

Access to these areas would usually come from McCall, ID (KMYL).

 

Hope this helps!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBQbBcnQnN0

 

Alan   :smile: