Rogersberg Finally Opened, May 1, 2002!
Roll On Rogersberg - A Little History & A Little Hope -- Opening May 1??
Rodgersburg Closed Soon After it Opened for Fire Investigation
The BLM's Response - A Very Flexible NO! - June 15, 2001
Tom Jensen's Request to Re-Open Rodgersburg - June 7, 2001
Rodgersburg Opened for Flying Activity! - 3/15/01

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The BLM's Response to the Request to Re-Open Rodgersburg - June 15, 2001

I confirmed that Ted had received my video tape and mailing, and advised this was a follow-up call on our request to reopen the Rogersberg airstrip.

"NO!" was the first word from Ted.

I was stunned and didn’t say anything, so I believe he felt a little sheepish. He then went on to explain that the reclamation needs to be addressed, apparently with a formal plan to be reviewed by NMFS and USFW. He also said he had a letter to Mac (McIver) (released or in preparation.)

I offered any help that we might provide. He said there was not, and explained that Ruble Vehill (sp?) was heading up the team and getting staff input on Monday (18 June). Ted explained that they are required to complete a reclamation plan within 30-45 days (3 July would be 45 days after the fire.) The plan then has to be reviewed by USFW and NMFS.

He indicated that the closure may be required until vegetation returns. The concern, he explained, would be the possibility of dust getting into the river. I noted that airplanes would not be likely to contribute to dust, because we were restricted to such a small area, and only to a two-track which had been improved with gravel. Ted responded that people would be walking around after landing. I asked if they were going to totally close the area (because boaters have access and could walk around, too), but gather that is not in the plan.

He explained that the closure was based on the fire, and that the fire was man-caused was secondary. He indicated their obligation is to "protect the resource". He agreed that the fire generally wasn’t too bad, but "the flats got hit pretty hard."

Because I was discouraged by delays to the reopoening, I asked about "the process." Ted said that the "Level 1 Team" would have a July 16 review with USFW and NMFS. I asked if there was a public review, and learned that there was not a requirement for an EIS (or requirement for formal review.) Ted will look into involving us with an informal review (perhaps by providing their review materials). I explained that I was interested in a chance to input, as any opportunity to educate administrators about the low-impact uses of small airplanes always benefits understanding of our minority group.

As I still didn’t understand the closure to airplanes, and our use, in context with the process of reclamation plan review, etc., I asked about "BLM Procedures". I noted that the "Apollo Root Cause Analysis shows "BLM Procedures" on in dotted boxes because they were unknowns for me. (This Analysis was in the package mailed to BLM 7 June and explained in the letter. Ted didn't have time for me to explain how he could use the RCA today, however.) I asked if the "BLM Procedures" were online anywhere online, as I could not find anything on their BLM homepage. He said he was taking notes and implied he would get me the "procedures."

Ted stated that airplanes had been landing at Rogersberg after closure, but also that he understood it was beyond my control. I advised that the word is out on the closure. I explained about the universal closure signal (a white X made of Tyvek), and offered to place one on the runway. He neither declined nor accepted, but said he was taking notes and would look into it.

He apologized several times for appearing to be negative, and stated that the closure was for "resource protection". Because of the time required to complete and approve the reclamation plan, I noted that the area had burned before, and asked if they had something from that. He stated that was before the BLM owned it, so I gather they may have no documented experience with natural reclamation. He said that it could be possible to do nothing and leave it to natural reclamation, where NMFS and USFW review would not be required, however, any BLM "activity" (seeding, etc.) would require review.

This sounded to me like the original process where the BLM submitted a "Biological Assessment", which was approved by USFS/NMFS, and led to the opening of Rogersberg. Ted confirmed they are actually using that BA document as a baseline. (In 1998, I learned from my discussions with USFS scientists that their assessment of small airplane use on the basis of "no impact" or "not likely to impact" would clear the way to reopening.)

I recall that Ted had mentioned they would consider seeding. When asked, he said they would not have to do chaining (cover seeds with chain dragged by two bulldozers), but might use a range drill. Even this would apparently require NMFS/USFW review.

Ted made no promises during this call, but apologized several times for appearing to be negative or bound by procedures. He did say that Mac and I had been cooperative and helpful to work with.

Tom Jensen
16 June 01

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Tom Jensen's Request to Re-Open Rodgersburg - June 7, 2001

To:
Mr. Ted Davis 7 June, 2001
BLM Baker District Area Manager
Bureau of Land Management
Baker Field Office
3165 10th St.
Baker, Oregon 97814

Dear Ted,

We request that Rogersberg be reopened immediately. This letter is to communicate and justify that request, and to work with you and other affected BLM parties to achieve that end as soon as possible.

To that purpose, I would like to continue the line of communications that I initiated with my calls to Steve Davidson on May 19.

Enclosed are:
An aerial videotape of the grass fire at Rogersberg and Lime Hill. From this and some plotting, I calculate the area of the burn to be about 450ac. The video begins as we were descending into the Grand Ronde one week after the fire. It shows a verdant Grand Ronde, and a Lime hill that shows patches of green, even after the fire. It also shows how effectively that the amateur firefighters stopped the fire in the only direction where real damage could have been caused (on the west, near the settlement of Rogersberg).

Photos taken from the video, with some interpretative notes.

The balance of my "running notes" (you received these through 21 May).

A draft "Apollo Root Cause Analysis" Cause & Effect diagrammed on the closure of the airstrip.

(A root cause analysis is a problem-solving tool. It may be used for process problem solving, as in a manufacturing environment, or accident causes investigation. It is a methodological process which does not accept the premise that "stuff happens", and tries to go to the fundamental causes of any problem.)

On this diagram, I have listed "Rogersberg Closure" as the "Primary Event", or problem which we want to solve. The next step would be to agree on the diagram root causes, then work on solutions.

From my conversation with you on 4-21, I understand that you feel there were two issues that needed to be resolved before reopening our airstrip. These were "fire investigation" and "need reclamation plan", and are listed as the initial "root causes" for which solutions are needed.

I recall that you said a reclamation plan was available from a previous fire. (Please correct this if my grampaw memory blinked). Because of how the area has naturally reclaimed itself after two fires in recent history, I tend to believe the following statement from the BLM UT site (http://www.ut.blm.gov/FireRehab/rehab1.html) best applies:

"Sometimes the plan is to do nothing and to simply let nature take its course."

I am furthered in this thinking as I would not class this as a "major fire", based on our videos, over-flights and statements by an experienced fire watch pilot (Johnny Stewart.).

I understand from Arnie Brandt that Rogersberg has been receiving light rain, and that June is their rainy month, so I look forward to natural reclamation of the burned grasses. Arnie and others have noted excellent natural and rapid recovery from earlier, lightning-caused fires.

All of these factors lead me to believe that quick reopening of Rogersberg is the fair and proper thing to do, and I ask for .a discussion to that end.

I note that we have complied with all agreements which led to the approved right of way permit, and were in full compliance with letter and intent at the time of the fire.

We have been very forthright on all issues with the BLM in the interest of a good relationship (I offer my calls to the BLM on the day of the fire, and our rapid, unquestioning response to your request to close the airstrip. I believe that we have been very conscientious in complying with BLM desires and verbal communications (I offer the documented mowing plan which was used by the Idaho folks as one example, the website, and our notifications to pilots at every BLM request as others.)

I understand there was some upset on the part of the Vale air operations officer over communications, and that he may have some suggestions for improvements.

Please take all of this into consideration in your decision to allow pilot groups and WSDOT-AD to reopen the terrific Rogersberg airstrip.
This package is being sent return receipt requested, and I will call you when notified that it has arrived. I look forward to working through any issues which may remain.

Sincerely yours,

A. Tom Jensen
WPA Airports Director
37303 208th Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092-9005
1-800-WPA-FLYS c180tom@eskimo.com
cc: Mr. M. McIver, WSDOT-AD
Kathy Miller, Idaho Aviation Association

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Rodgersburg Opened for Flying Activity!