SLED DOGS 2024 - MEXICAN MOUNTAIN

What's the story behind the SLED DOGS?

With the grit and determination worthy of the title, last week a few brave Utah Back County Pilots Association (UBCP) members became SLED DOGS. Having received reports of an unprecedented amount of flood damage to the landing surface at the Mexican Mountain airstrip, the UBCP Board was faced with a tough decision. Between waiting many months for the approval process to bring in a mule-driven wilderness airstrip cleanup crew to fix the work (as was done ten years ago), or to solicit volunteers to do the work themselves, the SLED DOGS quickly assembled and using nothing more than hand tools and the muscles behind them, they accomplished that which has never been done before.

Mexican Mountain's airstrip is the quintessence of the Utah backcountry airstrip network. The picturesque views of the surrounding canyon walls and similarly named mountain transport visitors into the heart of the American west, full of folklore, mystery, and the true definition of wilderness. Having been set apart as the first airstrip within a wilderness area in the state of Utah, recreational pilots are granted this unparalleled opportunity to use their aircraft as time machines to transport themselves and their passengers into the remote high desert, so that treasures such as this can be experienced and not merely read about in books.

Aviators have been visiting Mexican Mountain for many decades, and that opportunity is not lost on the members of the UBCP, who have once again demonstrated their exemplary stewardship of this airstrip and the hundreds of others across the state. Having heard of the damage to the landing surface, our members and supporters rallied to remedy the situation by volunteering their time and talents to provide others the opportunity to enjoy this magical place.

Making note of the remoteness of the airstrip (and the forecasted 20° overnight temperatures), the UBCP SLED DOGS assembled their gear and made the requisite trek into the airstrip with all the equipment they would need for a multiple night work effort on their backs. Many carried extra tools, gloves, and water to support one another. Throughout the week, members carried in warm burritos, cold ice cream, and some supplies were even parachuted down to the crews tirelessly working on the runway. And because of the restrictions on wheeled conveyances in wilderness areas, the SLED DOGS earned their name pulling plastic toboggans full of dirt to even out the runway surface.

From as far away as the eastern seaboard to as close as nearby Green River, the twenty nine SLED DOGS were able to not only address the erosion damage that necessitated a temporary closure of the airstrip, but completed a necessary inspection of the area, completing many other important tasks to restore the runway back to a safe, operating condition. As of this day, the airstrip is open for aviators to enjoy.

Throughout this effort, our volunteers were assisted by UBCP Board Member and RAF State Liaison Wendy Lessig who served as our offsite project manager, keeping track of volunteers entering and leaving the airstrip, while ensuring our SLED DOGS had all the supplies they may need.

At the airstrip, UBCP Board Members Gary Hilley, Josh Kelson, and Roy Evans II helped manage the volunteer efforts. Additionally, through the help of UBCP Member Russ Robinson, the SLED DOGS were supported with additional supplies and manpower being airlifted in via helicopter throughout the week. And to help close out the week, UBCP Members Randy Riggs and Kim Wintz rode horses into the airstrip assisting in carrying out supplies back to the trailhead.

While some have the dirt in their teeth to earn themselves the title of SLED DOG, this effort would not have been possible without the help of our thousands of members and supporters, whose exemplary stewardship made these efforts possible. While we don't wish for a record amount of flash flooding to attempt to destroy an airstrip anytime soon, the SLED DOGS are ready with the strength and resilience necessary to preserve and protect Utah's rich backcountry aviation history and access.

The Utah Back Country Pilots Association was formed in 1996 to preserve and protect Utah's rich backcountry aviation heritage. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, our members regularly volunteer to enhance the safety of backcountry aviation, while building a community of aviation enthusiasts who love to enjoy the outdoors. You can learn more about us by visiting our website and joining our community at theUBCP.org today.

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The Board of the UBCP recognizes the following individuals who served as our first-ever SLED DOGS restoring the Mexican Mountain airstrip: