Foundation buys Sierra Nevada land for planned backcountry airstrip

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation has purchased 136 acres in the Sierra Nevada and plans to turn it into a public backcountry airstrip.

The property, called Meadow View Peak, is a mix of mountain meadows and mature ponderosa pines surrounded by Plumas National Forest near Reno, Nevada. It sits about 15 miles west of Dead Cow Lakebed, where the High Sierra Fly-In is held.

The foundation says the plans include day use facilities, camping and other amenities. Executive director Brad Damm said the group has closed on the land and is ready to begin the planning and approval process with Plumas County.

JRBAF has started the first phase of a capital campaign with a $200,000 goal. Half the money would pay off a $100,000 seller-financed note on the property. The rest is earmarked for a site survey, fencing, airstrip and site improvements, mowing equipment, camping facilities, a spring-fed water system, and off-grid power and communications.

Board chair Joe Dory said the campaign is a way for pilots, aviation businesses and others who value backcountry access to contribute.

According to the report, the foundation has created other recreational aviation sites.