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Home My WebLink About20112916.tiff United States Forest Arapaho and Roosevelt 2150 Centre Avenue,Building E USDA Department of Service National Forests and Fort Collins,CO 80526-8119 Agriculture Pawnee National Grassland Voice: (970)295-6600 TDD: (970)295-6794 Web: www.fs.usda.gov/arp Fax: (970) 295-6696 File Code: 1500 Date: October 27, 2011 Tim Adams 43280 Weld County Road 51 Ault, CO 80610 Dear Mr. Adams, Thank you for your letter dated October 7, 2011. It reaffirms concerns many have about irresponsible shooting on National Forest System lands. This issue spreads further than the Pawnee National Grassland and I want you to know it is something both the Pawnee National Grassland District Ranger Lori Bell and I take seriously. Although recreational shooting is a legitimate use of public lands, not all shooters act safely. You included in your letter a few proposals. 1. Shooting in this area is prohibited immediately. While some type of shooting closure could be considered in the future, I want to make sure we have tried all other options first (e.g. focused shooter education). Any shooting closure must be considered at the landscape level. Implementing closures in one area can displace shooters to new areas. Please continue to report near misses and document damage done. If reports were done through Weld County, please provide copies to the district. This information is important for future decisions. 2. Build a legitimate shooting range that is then controlled and monitored. Tickets, fines, and prosecution levied against violators. We have plans to build a developed shooting area on the west side of the Pawnee National Grassland. The decision for this was made in 2011 and construction is expected to begin in 2012. Employees also make many contacts with shooters on the Pawnee National Grassland, giving citations as appropriate. 3. The Forest Service maintains the fence between the properties and any other damage to the land is compensated. We cannot maintain private property, but can look for other ways to protect your fences. One option may be additional signage in the area, including on your fence. The Forests and Grassland has taken many steps in recent years to address concerns generated due to irresponsible shooting. Across the forest, there is an order limiting the types of targets allowed (only cardboard, paper, manufactured metallic, or thrown-type clay targets are allowed) and also restricting the possession of an open container of alcohol while discharging a firearm. While I understand this does not specifically address all of your issues, it has helped in some areas. Qptnm vi t(O-1O.1 Ilat1 2011-2916 ups taring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper 'w On the Pawnee National Grassland, I assure you the district ranger is not waiting to "do anything until someone was shot." She has supported multiple efforts on her district to make recreational shooting safer. There is a closure area where many near misses were reported and documented. Since this closure, there has been an improvement in safety in this area. Other activities include installation of several large kiosks and signs with shooting regulations, press releases reminding users about regulations, creation of a shooting brochure to educate shooters, and educational packets, including regulations, are being developed for local stores who sell to recreational shooters. Our forest is also looking at other ways we can address concerns from local landowners regarding shooting near private land and the associated risks. This includes considering various restrictions (seasonal closures, bullet types or others), continued education, and working with partners to identify management options. I welcome your input. The Pawnee National Grassland has a stakeholder group who looks at the issue of shooting. This group has helped brainstorm educational opportunities and ideas for the developed shooting area. I invite you to participate in this group. Please contact Andrea von der Ohe at 970-295-6720, if you would like to be added to the mailing list. Again, recreational shooting is an appropriate use of public lands when done responsibly and though it is a small percentage of users damaging public and private land, the number of shooters continues to increase. I assure you the Forests and Grassland is taking a look at the issue of recreational shooting across our entire unit, including the Pawnee. I am sorry for the issues you have encountered with our users. The Pawnee National Grassland will keep you comprised of future steps taken in the area of recreational shooting. Sincerely, (:,A :,©., „ic / DENNIS . J3AEGER Acting Forest Supervisor cc: Weld County Commissioner Dave Long, Congressman Corey Gardner Hello