La Ponderosa Airstrip

The airstrip was almost certainly closed and disabled by Mexican military or federal law enforcement authorities. The primary evidence is the physical state of the runway, which has been systematically destroyed by digging numerous deep, perpendicular trenches across its entire length. This is a standard procedure used by the Mexican Army (SEDENA) and Navy (SEMAR) to render clandestine or unauthorized airstrips (known as 'pistas clandestinas') permanently unusable to combat drug trafficking. The state of Tamaulipas, where Soto La Marina is located, has historically been a major corridor for illegal narcotics flights, and authorities have disabled hundreds of such airstrips in the region.

The site is completely abandoned and derelict. The former dirt runway remains clearly visible from satellite view but is permanently unusable due to the aforementioned trenches. The land has been reclaimed by nature, with vegetation growing on the runway and in the trenches. The surrounding area continues to be rural, undeveloped scrubland and ranchland. The airstrip is non-operational and exists only as a scar on the landscape.

The airstrip was a private-use field, as indicated by its non-standard 'MX-' identifier and its name, 'La Ponderosa,' which is commonly associated with large ranches in Mexico. Its original purpose was likely to serve a specific ranch or agricultural operation, providing air access for the owner, for business, or for agricultural aviation (crop dusting). It had no scheduled commercial passenger or cargo operations. Its primary historical significance now lies in its status as a disabled 'narco-airstrip,' representing a physical artifact of Mexico's long-running war on drug cartels and their logistical networks.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening this airstrip. It was deliberately and permanently destroyed by government action due to its likely association with illegal activities. The cost to repair the extensive damage would be substantial, and gaining the necessary legal permits and certification from Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) for a site with such a history would be virtually impossible. The airstrip is considered permanently closed.