We want to share news with you about plans for building a beautiful new backcountry airstrip and campground near the Jemez Mountains, in New Mexico. Your NMPA Leadership has recently engaged with BLM in discussions on using available State grant money for recreational development purposes, and the Bureau of Land Management needs our help us do it!
The BLM is primed to proceed with plans to install a 3300’ airstrip – Cuba North – in the San Juan Basin Badlands area, approx. 4 miles north of Cuba, NM, adjacent to highway US-550. Elevation is 7200 feet. Plans include an aircraft tie-down area, a picnic area and campsites amongst ponderosa pines. There will be a short access road to hwy 550. There is even a natural arch, a mile’s hike from the airstrip.
While the planning is in place,
BLM still needs a key piece to secure that grant funding: SUPPORT LETTERS FROM INTERESTED PILOTS, like you!
BLM has told us that support letters from the local pilots and pilot’s organizations would be key in securing the NM Dept of Tourism grant money for this project.
We encourage all our members who would like to support this rare and wonderful opportunity to simply write a letter to the BLM expressing your backing for this plan. Here is the NMPA Support Letter you might draw from:
Cuba North - NMPA Support Letter Use it or draft your own. Either way, your support will be heard.
BLM requires our input before the end of April-2026, so please don’t wait. Email your support to Jackie Leyba at:
JLeyba@blm.gov
Thank you –
Ken Summers, President
New Mexico Pilots Association