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For those unable to attend John Pierson's retirement party September 30, 2021, please use this forum to leave kudos!

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Celebrating with gratitude your 36 years of service to this nation! Congratulations on this wonderful achievement and milestone. And, best wishes for your next chapter!

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Best wishes on your retirement John, very well deserved! May you enjoy your retirement with your family and friends with lots of fun and relaxation. Take Care! Patsy Ramos

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When fires send you to Idaho/Washington to see your sister❤️Thanks for putting out our fires

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John,
You’re an amazing leader and great teacher, and it’s always been a pleasure when our paths have crossed. Thank you for all you have done for the land and the people you served. You leave a great legacy behind in those that have had the opportunity to learn from you.
- Scott Feldhausen

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John,

Thanks for all your guidance and discussions through the years.  I know that I am a better professional because of you.  Thank you so much.  Enjoy the well earned retirement and extra time. I hope to see you at the party.
John Oakleaf

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John, Sure hate I can't be at your party.  I thoroughly enjoyed working with you on the Gila.  You always seemed to be the epitome of a modern western District Ranger to me.  I always appreciated your thoughtful approach to everything.  You could be facing up to an irate stakeholder at one minute and taking care of babies at the office the next without a pause! Your time as both a ranger and an IC has left a positive mark on the forest and with the Forest Service.  I hope you get to enjoy your family more and relax.  You have certainly earned it!   Kelly Russell

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Congratulations John, I hate to see you go but you have earned it.  You are not only a key member of the Gila FLT but a good friend to me. I have truely enjoyed working with you. Stay in touch. Adam Mendonca

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Congratulations John, I hate to see you go but you have earned it.  You are not only a key member of the Gila FLT but a good friend to me. I have truely enjoyed working with you. Stay in touch. Adam Mendonca

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John, it has been a pleasure to work with you all these years. You have always been level- headed and someone that the SWA community could lean on for advice and mentorship. I always knew that if I heard cows in the background, John was on our SWCG call! Take care my friend and enjoy retirement! You have earned it! Kenan

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John,
Congratulations and best wishes for a long and rewarding retirement.  Getting to know you for the first time back in 2011 on the Whitewater Baldy Fire was memorable in many ways. Particularly how you demonstrated such keen, yet thoughtful, perspective on complex issues and on life itself.  More importantly, how you reached people with your calm wisdom and caring touch.  Made an impression on me, one that I hold special to this day.  Wishing you all the best as you cross into the next chapter of life.  Well done my friend! Bob Houseman

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Gila Airstrips History of Effective USFS Partnership

The New Mexico Pilots Association 2021 Gila Regional Fly-in was a huge success. Perfect weather and very little smoke enabled 37 planes and 56 folks to attend, including new RAF Texas Liaison Steve Goebel, according to RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller. Based at Reserve, New Mexico, T16, pilots could explore some of the six Gila area backcountry airstrips during the weekend.

The privilege to access these places is the result of a long term partnership with Gila National Forest management. In appreciation for USFS Reserve District Ranger John Pierson’s 11-years of partnership and leadership, fly-in hosts presented him an aerial photo of Negrito Airstrip prior to his retirement.

In 2010 then-New Mexico RAF Liaison Larry Filener contacted Ranger Pierson about potential maintenance at Negrito, 0NM7. Pierson agreed to allow a work party, and RAF and New Mexico Pilots Association volunteers began work in preparation for fly-ins, which the Ranger also approved. “A year or two later, we installed a fire ring, camping area, tie-downs, and we repaired the tetrahedron and installed a second windsock.” RAF New Mexico Liaison Ron Keller said.

Pierson invited the RAF and NMPA to USFS Forest Leadership Team meetings, where volunteers made a presentation on their future goals for the Gila Airstrips. The New Mexico Airstrip Network team had created the Gila Airstrips Integrated Operations and Maintenance Plan and presented it to the USFS.

In 2018, 33 RAF/NMPA volunteers had a work party at Negrito to rebuild a mile and-a-half of fence, and paint runway markers. Ranger Pierson joined in the efforts.

In 2019, Pierson approved and facilitated the installation of a vault toilet for Negrito, provided with grants from both the RAF and NMPA. “The following year, RAF and NMPA volunteers poured a concrete access with John's staff providing assistance and oversight,” Keller said.

Pierson also approved the volunteers’ plan to rehabilitate and reopen Rainy Mesa airstrip, NM54 after 45 years of dormancy. This project triggered a 2021 appropriation of $25,000 for gravel for Rainy Mesa and Negrito, and a new concrete picnic table, shade structure material, and kiosk for Negrito. “All of this was done while John Incident Commander for wildland fires, requiring him to be called away often,” Keller added.

“John will be sorely missed as Reserve District Ranger, but he is staying in the area and has expressed an interest in staying involved with recreational aviation,” Keller said.

RAF Chairman John McKenna said, "Thanks to this foundation of cooperation, the RAF anticipates continuing success in partnering with NMPA, the New Mexico Airstrip Network, and with Gila National Forest’s management team."

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Congratulations John on your retirement!!  Thank you for your leadership and support with the Gila's recreation program and the Sustainable Recreation Strategy Action Plan.  Really enjoyed working and learning from you.  Wow, you and Geoff started with the agency the same time.  The attached photo is a sun rise at Snow Lake which is one of our favorite places on the Gila.  Thought it signifies a new beginning and a start of many new fun and exciting adventures for you.  Let us know when you come to Albuquerque.  Wish you all the best!!
Christa Osborn

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Congratulations JD!

Welcome to a new chapter where every day is a weekend.

You have had a wonderful career and now it time to think about other things in life.

We hope to remain connected.

Wish you the best in your retirement.

Hector and Karin Madrid

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John, just wanted to express congratulations on turning the corner and gratitude for the leadership example. I 've learned much from you and am better for it.

Happy trails.

Jay Turner

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Thank you for your exceptional service to the Agency, John. I have appreciated being able to unquestioningly trust you and lean on you. Your deep, practical experience and calm approach were greatly appreciated. Wishing you many good times, doing new things, and staying connected to some of the old things as you hit this new exciting chapter. Happy Retirement! -Heather Provencio

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Presented to John Pierson at the Sept 2021 Gila Fly-In based at Reserve Airport. 

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Congrats John!  Thank you for believing in NMPA volunteers to help maintain Gila airstrips and make recreational improvements. We're proud of all our joint accomplishments and are committed to continuation of our plans. All the best to you and your family!   Joyce Woods, Ron Keller, John Lorenz, and all your friends and partners of the New Mexico Pilots Association.