Join Our Capital Campaign To Open Meadow View Peak Airstrip

The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to expanding public backcountry aviation access. We do that primarily by acquiring private property in remote areas, developing the infrastructure to make those locations accessible by aircraft, and then opening them to the public for free recreational use and enjoyment. Our properties also provide important remote area access points for aviation-related conservation, wildlife management, medical evacuation, and other public safety uses.

We have recently purchased our newest property: 136 acres of beautiful mountain meadows and mature Ponderosa pine forest adjacent to Meadow View Peak in Plumas County, California, about 40 air miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. Surrounded by National Forest land, this property offers a remarkable opportunity to create a completely new aviation-accessible public recreation destination—including a 1,750' grass airstrip in a beautiful mountain setting where pilots can land, camp, explore, and share the backcountry experience.

We’ve seen what our previous projects like the 45 Ranch and Star Valley Ranch have meant to the aviation community. Meadow View Peak is our next opportunity to welcome people into the backcountry and preserve aviation access for years to come.

Our Phase 1 capital campaign goal is $200,000. Half will pay off the $100,000 seller-financed note on the property. The other half will help us prepare the site and welcome visitors:

$25,000 for a site survey, fencing, and equipment rental for runway and other site improvements
$38,500 for outhouses, picnic tables, multiple tent sites, and improving a spring-fed water system
$36,500 for mowing equipment, onsite storage, solar power, Starlink, cameras, and a weather station

Our goal is to open Meadow View Peak in early summer 2027. We’ll begin with site planning and work with Plumas County on the approvals needed for the airstrip and visitor facilities. We’ll share updates as the project progresses.

You can help create this destination from the ground up. Whether your gift helps pay off the land, prepare the airstrip, or make a campsite ready for its first visitors, you can be a significant part of developing the Meadow View Peak property as the next premier public-use backcountry aviation airstrip in the West.

Please make a gift and help us bring the Meadow View Peak project to life!

The main meadow, looking north from the future aircraft camping area. The property is a stark contrast to nearby desert landscapes.

The main meadow, looking south, with Meadow View Peak in the background. Dispersed aircraft campsites will be along the tree line.

Future north/south runway, looking south. JRBAF is planning for a 1750' long X 60' wide grass runway at an approximate 6,370' field elevation.

The future runway, looking north from the JRBAF property border with Forest Service land at the south end of the property.

The property is about one-third mature Ponderosa Pine forest, providing both shade and wind protection for visitors.

A possible future aircraft camp site, tucked into the pines at the south side of the main meadow.

The property abounds with wildlife, interesting flora, and unique geologic formations.

More Information

Planning a larger gift or a grant from a donor-advised fund? We’d be glad to help you arrange a contribution to the Meadow View Peak campaign by check, wire transfer, or through your DAF. Please contact us directly at the email shown below, or visit JRBAF.org/donate for more information.

Founding donor recognition: Gifts of $5,000 or more will be recognized on a permanent bronze plaque at Meadow View Peak. We’ll contact each qualifying donor to confirm how they would like their name displayed. Plaque design and placement will be finalized as the site is developed.

Tax-deductible donations: The Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our IRS Determination Letter was issued in 2023, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Donors who give through Givebutter will receive a donation receipt by email.

Learn more about us: Visit JRBAF.org to learn more about the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation and our mission to expand public backcountry aviation access. For a look at what we’re doing now, follow our projects, events, and day-to-day activities on our Facebook page.

Follow the journey: Receive updates on the capital campaign and follow our progress toward opening Meadow View Peak to the public by texting 'FLYWILD' to 509-213-8833 for project news, events, advocacy alerts, and opportunities to help keep wild places accessible by air.

Questions? Please contact us at: jimrichmondfoundation@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Brad Damm / Executive Director

Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation

Please Note: Opening Meadow View Peak as a public-use backcountry airstrip is subject to county approvals and other site-related considerations. We’ve already had encouraging preliminary discussions with Plumas County about permits for the airstrip and the other planned recreational use facilities, and based on those discussions, we anticipate a smooth permit and approval process. However, should circumstances beyond JRBAF’s control prevent the project from moving forward, any unused campaign funds will be applied to other JRBAF properties and public backcountry aviation access projects. We will keep donors informed of any significant changes.

Help Open Meadow View Peak Airstrip

Help us create the West’s best new public backcountry aviation destination!