Sport Shooting On Forest Service Land Debated 'More Shooters, More People'
NEDERLAND, Colo. (CBS4)- The debate over regulation of recreational sports shooting on national forest lands in several counties along the Front Range is getting heated. This week the public is getting involved in that discussion.
The areas include parts of Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, and Park counties. Instead of being able to shoot anywhere on the national forest lands, designated outdoor shooting areas would be created.
"You could hear the bullets splitting air," said Gilpin County resident Brian Starling.
Monday night was one of the first chances for citizens to talk with U.S. Forest Service officials to share their ideas at an open house in Nederland. There are two more this week, one in Idaho Springs and one in Fort Collins.
Starling attended that meeting and said sports shooters near his property have made his life a nightmare.
"People shoot down into the valley where there are houses and shots will ricochet all the way down the valley," said Starling.
The meetings are designed to get feedback from the public on sport shooting in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and creating new, safe areas for shooters.
Resident Dave Beavans says it may actually be a Second Amendment issue, "I understand we have to respect everybody's rights but please don't take mine away."
In July, a stray bullet killed Glenn Martin at a campsite in Douglas County.
The Forest Service said this proposal was already in the works before his death and that Colorado's expanding population and development have prompted the discussion.
She says Colorado's exploding population and development have prompted the discussion.
"More shooters, more people who are doing recreational activities, more development " said Tammy Williams.
Beavans says any plan that takes him far from his property is a deal breaker, "I need places that I can go without driving 50 or 70 miles away."
Monday's meeting was the first of three scheduled open houses this week.
Starling says it's about time, "It's great that at least the issues are being addressed."
Additional Information From The U.S. Forest Service
These open houses will have six stations staffed by U.S. Forest Service personnel providing information about the proposal. Individuals will also have the opportunity to submit comments on the proposal. The open houses will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no formal presentation at the meeting and the public is encouraged to come and go throughout the evening. The next two open houses will be held at the following locations and times:
Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Clear Creek Middle School (Clear Creek School District Administration Building)
320 Colo. Highway 103, Idaho Springs, Colo.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Canyon Lakes Ranger District
2150 Centre Avenue, Building E, Fort Collins, Colo.
