Long-awaited northern Arizona shooting range site acquired

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Arizona Game and Fish Commission finalized the purchase of the 160-acre Foster Ranch property in Coconino County for the future site of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range (NASR).

"This is a historic moment for a project that has spanned nearly 15 years," said Commission Chair Jennifer Martin. "After evaluating nearly 50 properties, Foster Ranch was the best choice that meets our objectives for a public shooting range in the Flagstaff area."

A pubic survey was used to shape the objectives of the shooting range, the top three concerns were 1.) to be located within 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff; 2.) sized for a local range with potential to expand to regional range; 3.) and the ability to be operational by 2013 (3-5 years).

Northern Arizona residents have been without a rifle and pistol shooting range since 1968. In 1994, closures of the local shotgun and archery ranges resulted in one of Arizona's largest communities being without a designated place for recreational shooting.

Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the property is located approximately 15 miles east of Flagstaff and five miles south of Winona. The property is in the mid 6,000 foot elevation, consisting of pinion-juniper and high country ground cover.

"The Coconino National Forest is looking forward to a safe, designated area for recreational shooting - especially one that offers youth development and hunter education programs," said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart. "We are prepared to work cooperatively with Game and Fish in the development of this long-needed range."

The $1.1 million property purchase came at no expense to taxpayers, state or local.

Because Game and Fish receives no tax dollars from the state's general fund and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model, the property was purchased and will be developed through the sale of licenses to hunters and anglers.

A $3 surcharge is imposed on hunting and fishing licenses to acquire, construct, renovate, or improve Game and Fish facilities. The fund for the development of the NASR was established beginning in 2001.

At this stage, no detailed site plans have been made. Properties for shooting ranges are selected based on key macro-level considerations, such as size, layout, safety, access, drainage, utilities, and other development considerations.

Before any development of the property can take place, there is a multitude of logistical planning required, including an environmental compliance checklist; coordination with the Coconino National Forest and Coconino County; developing a scope of work and timelines; and providing the public opportunities to give input to assist in the development of this local range.

Other factors such as funding, process time for of environmental compliances, resources, and weather will dictate a phased-in development approach of the NASR over the next three years and beyond.

The public is invited to an informal open house to provide input on the range development plan on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 3-8 p.m. at the Game and Fish Flagstaff regional office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Rd. For those who are unable to attend the open house, the same materials and a way to submit your comments will be made available online at www.nazrsf.com.

On display will be a very early conceptual site design, preliminary timelines for development, and an opportunity to provide comments. While no formal presentation will be made, key Game and Fish personnel and representatives from the Coconino National Forest will be available to provide information and answer questions.

"Given all the supportive comments from residents, shooting clubs, past commissioners, along with the Coconino National Forest supervisor at the May public meeting, I'm confident that we are on the right track to meeting the needs of the shooting community ... around Flagstaff," Martin added.

Interested parties can get the latest information on the NASR by visiting www.nazrsf.com, or by signing up for their "Shooting Sports News" e-newsletter at www.azgfd.gov/eservices/subscribe.shtml.

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