Post by ridge on Jun 13, 2014 22:18:43 GMT -5
Contact: Dave Lemmien, 231-922-5280; Bill Sterrett, 231-775-9727 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
DNR to hold public meeting on proposed shooting range locations
The Department of Natural Resources and local officials will hold a meeting Tuesday, June 24, to provide updates and take public input on three proposed shooting range locations, one of which will likely replace the current shooting area commonly known as Hoosier Valley. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Traverse City Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Drive.
The informal Hoosier Valley shooting areas, located 15 miles from downtown Traverse City, have become popular with a variety of gun enthusiasts, from those sighting in deer rifles to those recreationally shooting at exploding targets and using semi-automatic firearms. Local residents have voiced noise, safety, road congestion and litter concerns.
The DNR has drafted a set of interim rules for the ranges that designate shooting hours, types of targets permissible and magazine limits, among other things. The rules are seen as a temporary measure until a permanent solution can be found to determine the ranges’ future.
“The public meeting is a follow-up to the DNR’s commitment to provide a safe, enjoyable place to shoot,” said Bill Sterrett, district supervisor with the DNR Forest Resources Division, tasked with the land administration duties for the area. “We heard quite clearly that there is interest in having a place for the public to shoot and that there are a variety of shooting interests, from traditional sighting-in to handguns to automatic weapon platforms.”
DNR officials will present information about three alternative sites on state-managed land selected for review and hear public comments and input regarding the future design and concept of the shooting areas. Potential partnerships in the construction of the site and operation of the ranges will also be sought. Representatives from DNR Marketing and Outreach Division will be on hand to lay out potential funding and design strategies.
“A new shooting area will not occur overnight and will take many months of careful planning to provide a safe, compatible experience,” Sterrett said. “The three sites we have identified on state land for public review and input are located in Blair, Fife Lake and Whitewater townships, all within a half-hour drive of Traverse City.”
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations should contact Dave Lemmien, 231-922-5280, a minimum of five business days before the meeting.
For more information about the meeting, please call the DNR Traverse City Field Office at 231-922-5280.
DNR to hold public meeting on proposed shooting range locations
The Department of Natural Resources and local officials will hold a meeting Tuesday, June 24, to provide updates and take public input on three proposed shooting range locations, one of which will likely replace the current shooting area commonly known as Hoosier Valley. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Traverse City Civic Center, 1213 W. Civic Center Drive.
The informal Hoosier Valley shooting areas, located 15 miles from downtown Traverse City, have become popular with a variety of gun enthusiasts, from those sighting in deer rifles to those recreationally shooting at exploding targets and using semi-automatic firearms. Local residents have voiced noise, safety, road congestion and litter concerns.
The DNR has drafted a set of interim rules for the ranges that designate shooting hours, types of targets permissible and magazine limits, among other things. The rules are seen as a temporary measure until a permanent solution can be found to determine the ranges’ future.
“The public meeting is a follow-up to the DNR’s commitment to provide a safe, enjoyable place to shoot,” said Bill Sterrett, district supervisor with the DNR Forest Resources Division, tasked with the land administration duties for the area. “We heard quite clearly that there is interest in having a place for the public to shoot and that there are a variety of shooting interests, from traditional sighting-in to handguns to automatic weapon platforms.”
DNR officials will present information about three alternative sites on state-managed land selected for review and hear public comments and input regarding the future design and concept of the shooting areas. Potential partnerships in the construction of the site and operation of the ranges will also be sought. Representatives from DNR Marketing and Outreach Division will be on hand to lay out potential funding and design strategies.
“A new shooting area will not occur overnight and will take many months of careful planning to provide a safe, compatible experience,” Sterrett said. “The three sites we have identified on state land for public review and input are located in Blair, Fife Lake and Whitewater townships, all within a half-hour drive of Traverse City.”
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations should contact Dave Lemmien, 231-922-5280, a minimum of five business days before the meeting.
For more information about the meeting, please call the DNR Traverse City Field Office at 231-922-5280.
