4 Phoenix-area sites considered for recreational shooting pilot program

PHOENIX — The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management is considering four sites near Phoenix for a recreational shooting pilot program.

The BLM wants to evaluate a variety of management options for enhancing access and safety for shooting enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to learn from this pilot program to identify ways that we can provide greater recreational shooting opportunities while ensuring that other activities and public uses can continue to the greatest degree possible,” Casey Hammond, principal deputy assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management, said in a press release.

The proposed pilot sites in Maricopa County and in Pinal County would be equipped with some combination of firing lines, backstops, side berms, concrete pads and restrooms.

Interior proposes building 4 new recreational shooting sites near Phoenix – Project would enhance shooting sports access, improve safety in rapidly growing metro areahttps://t.co/n8UaA2wIr5

— BLM Arizona (@BLMArizona) June 3, 2019

Descriptions and maps of the areas at Saddleback Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road and Narramore Road are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website.

The locations were selected because they are accessible but have minimal conflicts with other outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking, the release said.

The pilot wouldn’t impact existing shooting or hunting access on public lands.

The BLM is accepting public comments on the project until July 2. They can be submitted via email at PDOEA@blm.gov or through the ePlanning site.

They can also be mailed to the BLM Phoenix District Office at 21605 N. Seventh Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85027, to the attention of Tyler Lindsey or faxed to 623-580-5580.

“Rec Shooting Microsites” should be included in the subject line.

In addition, BLM officials will be available to discuss the program at two public meetings next week: Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Buckeye Community Center (201 E. Centre Ave., Buckeye), and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department Headquarters in the Eagle Conference Room (5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix).

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