New Airstrip at Star Valley Ranch Opens for Aviators

Dear Friends in Aviation Media,



Attached is a press release announcing an exciting development: earlier this
week, the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF) officially
opened a new public-use backcountry airstrip. This marks a rare event - only
a very small number of public airstrips have been newly established in the
past 50 years. Unfortunately, the trend is far more often the opposite, with
closures driven by political, environmental, or economic pressures.
Reversing that tide is central to our mission.



There is a gallery of additional photos from the Idaho Aviation Association
volunteers that helped at the following link, please feel free to use any of
them:



https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lkfp0tduimz7n8hksyh0w/AA49-Ls3O-KZ5lDg4b1uZ0A
?rlkey=qnj45gm5hb07qsrnmunu4f01g
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/lkfp0tduimz7n8hksyh0w/AA49-Ls3O-KZ5lDg4b1uZ0
A?rlkey=qnj45gm5hb07qsrnmunu4f01g&st=643a6ytu&dl=0> &st=643a6ytu&dl=0



I'm happy to answer any questions or provide further details. We greatly
appreciate any coverage your organization can provide in helping spread the
word about this important step for backcountry aviation.



Brad Damm / Executive Director

Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation


Dear Friends in Aviation Media,
Attached is a press release announcing an exciting development: earlier this week, the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF) officially opened a new public-use backcountry airstrip. This marks a rare event — only a very small number of public airstrips have been newly established in the past 50 years. Unfortunately, the trend is far more often the opposite, with closures driven by political, environmental, or economic pressures. Reversing that tide is central to our mission.
There is a gallery of additional photos from the Idaho Aviation Association volunteers that helped at the following link, please feel free to use any of them:
I’m happy to answer any questions or provide further details. We greatly appreciate any coverage your organization can provide in helping spread the word about this important step for backcountry aviation.
Brad Damm / Executive Director
Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8:00 AM E DT, 05/28/2025
Media Contact: brad.damm@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE
JIM RICHMOND BACKCOUNTRY AVIATION
FOUNDATION OPENS NEW PUBLIC AIRSTRIP AT STAR VALLEY RANCH IN SOUTHWEST IDAHO

New destination e xpands public access for
backcountry aviation and recreation .


JRBAF member Sandy Beebe makes the first ever departure from Star Valley Ranch in a Carbon Cub – Photo courtesy of JRBAF

May 2 8, 2025 — Southwest Idaho — The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation
(JRBAF) proudly announces the official opening of a new public -use airstrip at its Star Valley
Ranch property in remote southwest Idaho. This milestone marks another significant step in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to expand public backcountry aviation access for current and future generations of aviator s.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 8:00 AM E DT, 05/28/2025 With the help of volunteers organized by the Idaho Aviation Association, the 1,250 foot long
airstrip was completed over a 3 -day period at a field elevation of 4,740 feet. With both a
windsock and dedicated aircraft camping facilities , onsite a menities also include aircraft tie-
downs, picnic tables, a steel fire ring, firewood, and an outhouse . The location offe rs pilots a
unique opportunity to experience the solitude and beauty of the high desert wilderness.

“Opening Star Valley Ranch to the public is a tribute to Jim Richmond’s vision of creating accessible, high -quality backcountry destinations,” said Brad Damm, Executive Director of
JRBAF. “This new airstrip provides another exceptional location for pilots to explore and enjoy the rugged landscapes that Jim cherished.”
Star Valley Ranch is believed to be the most remote dedicated recreational -use airstrip in the
contiguous United States. Located deep in southwest Idaho’s backcountry and accessible only by air ( or almost 100 miles of dirt road) , the airstrip sits far from towns or any infrastructure —
offer ing a level of isolation and a connection with nature rarely found in the Lower 48. This
remoteness enhances the experience for adventurous aviators and underscores the importance of preserving access to America’s wild pub lic lands through aviation.
Formerly a remote cattle ranch, Star Valley is the second property JRBAF has recently opened
to the public , it follow s the historic 45 Ranch in the Owyhee Canyonlands first opened in 2024.
Both airstrips are situated on deeded land owned by the Foundation and are open to the public
for day -use aviation access. Camping and additional amenities are available to JRBAF members.
The Foundation continues to support its mission through an annual charitable fundraising raffle
featuring significant prizes such as a Carbon Cub backcountry aircraft , along with other top tier
travel, aviation, and flight training experiences . Proceeds from the raffle directly contribute to
the development and maintenance of new backcountry aviation infrastructure like Star Valley .
JRBAF notes that Star Valley is a new airstrip , and until further improvements are made, only
aircraft that are equipped for rough field operations should visit . Pilots should also be proficient
in mountain and canyon flying techniques , along with high -density altitude operations .
About Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation:

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation is dedicated to advancing the art and science of backcountry flying through expanding public aviation access, pilot education, and
community -building. Founded in honor of CubCrafters aviation pioneer and entrepreneur Jim
Richmond, the F oundation promot es the responsible stewardship of remote backcountry
airstrips and surrounding natural landscapes .

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts are welcome to join the organization at: https://www.JRBAF.org