2012 September BLM Hosts Listening Session Regarding Target Shooting on Public Lands

NEWS RELEASE

Sept. 5, 2012

Contact: Christopher Joyner 970 210-2126

BLM Hosts Listening Session Regarding Target Shooting on Public Lands

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is hosting a listening session Sept. 10 to gather ideas from the public on target shooting opportunities and management in the Grand Junction Field Office area.

“Many people enjoy target shooting on the public lands managed by the Grand Junction Field Office,” said Assistant Field Manager Michelle Bailey. “At the same time, we’ve also been hearing questions from others concerned about safety near some of our high-use and developed recreation sites. This meeting will provide a good opportunity for anyone interested in how BLM manages recreational target shooting to learn more and discuss issues and concerns.”

The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriot, 755 Horizon Dr. in Grand Junction. It will begin with a brief presentation from BLM, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to BLM staff.

This issue was recently discussed at a meeting of the BLM’s Northwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council, a citizen advisory group to the BLM’s Northwest Colorado District. Based on the questions and interest from council members, the Grand Junction Field Office decided to hold a follow-up session to gather ideas and information from a broader group of stakeholders interested in target shooting activities.

The Grand Junction Field Office manages two developed shooting ranges off 27 ¼ Road and has over 1 million additional acres available for dispersed target shooting. Information gathered in this meeting will help inform future management approaches as the Grand Junction Field Office

There is every reason to be concerned that the future of target shooting is in the crosshairs of anti-gun "stakeholders." You can be assured that they will be in attendance at the September 10th meeting and will do all they can to influence what the BLM writes in its updated management plan. We need to ensure that target shooting continues to be accommodated as the historic and legitimate recreational use that it is. Please take the time to attend the September 10th meeting, sign up for notices as the BLM moves forward with revising the Grand Junction Field Office’s management plan and stay engaged in the planning process. Your voice and participation count. For further information about the meeting or the planning process you may contact: