HomeMy WebLinkAbout20060821.tiff United States Forest Pawnee 660"0"Street
USDA Department of Service National Grassland Greeley,CO 80631
Agriculture Voice: (970)346-5000 TDD:(970)346-5015
Web: www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf
Fax: (970)346-5014
File Code: 1950/5310
Date:MAR - 2 2008
Dear Interested Party:
The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland(PNG) is proposing to
implement a temporary Forest Supervisor's Order that would prohibit recreational target
shooting in several areas on the PNG (see attached map). The Order is needed to protect
National Forest System(NFS) lands and its visitors by prohibiting the discharge of a firearm, air
rifle, or gas gun in designated areas. Target shooting opportunities would be maintained
throughout the rest of the Grassland, with the exception of areas previously closed to this
activity. Hunting on the PNG would not be prohibited in these areas.
The Forest Service is committed to maintaining the opportunity to target shoot on the National
Grassland, but the resource damage and litter left by some shooters has reached unacceptable
levels in some heavily used areas. There is an urgent need for the Forest Service to implement a
Forest Supervisor order restricting shooting in some areas on the Pawnee National Grassland.
This is a temporary restriction until we develop a long-term solution. The Forest Service will be
asking the public to help them find a long-term solution that will allow target shooting to
continue safely and without risk to natural resource on the National Grassland.
Target shooting is currently allowed anywhere on the Pawnee National Grassland, with the
exception of the area around the Crow Valley Campground. As visitor use of the Grassland has
increased, conflicts between user groups and impacts on natural resources have become
common. Safety and health concerns have been identified. Unsafe shooting practices in heavily
visited areas and high lead concentrations in key shooting areas are a serious concern.
Disturbance and loss of habitat for sensitive wildlife species is occurring in some areas. Property
damage including the use of signs, windmills, water troughs, fence posts, and power poles as
targets is occurring at increased levels. Portable toilets provided for visitor use at the Main Off-
Highway Vehicle area were recently shot up and are no longer serviceable. Livestock losses
have also been reported. Uttering associated with target shooting is common. Large appliances
and electronic equipment such as washers, dryers, televisions, and computers are brought out to
the Grassland and used as targets,then left behind.
This Order is expected to protect NFS lands and its visitors by providing areas where visitors to
the Grassland can go that are not impacted by the health, safety, and disturbance issues often
tt) co, o9 At-
Caring for the Land and Serving People 2006-0821
associated with target shooting. It would provide protection of natural resources in designated
areas, and is expected to reduce property damage and littering in these areas.
The Order is expected to be implemented during March 2006 and would continue through
August 31, 2008, unless rescinded earlier.
The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grassland request your
response to'this proposal in writing. Please provide your written comments, issues, and concerns
related to this proposal by March 17, 2006. Address your comments to:
Steve Currey, District Ranger
Pawnee National Grassland
660 O Street
Greeley, Colorado 80631
We appreciate your cooperation and hope you take advantage of this opportunity to submit your
input regarding this proposal. If you have any questions, please call Steve Currey or Beth
Humphrey at (970) 346-5000.
Sincerely,
it-
STEVEN R. CURREY
District Ranger
Enclosure
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