Sept. 21, 2017

Contact: Lori Burford, 989-600-9114

Construction of new public shooting range in Grand Traverse County expected to start next month 

After years of careful planning, investigation and opportunities for community input, the construction of a new public shooting range in Grand Traverse County is set to begin this October in Union Township, near the intersection of Supply, Fife Lake and Jack Pine roads. The project will include 12 shooting lanes (three each at 10 yards, 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards), structures to protect users from inclement weather, accessible concrete walkways and parking spaces, sound-abatement measures and groundwater monitoring wells.

“The DNR is excited for construction of this range to begin,” said Lori Burford, shooting range and facilities specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, which is overseeing construction. “We’re looking forward to investing in this community by providing a safe, fun shooting location that residents and visitors alike can enjoy.” Construction should be completed in spring 2018.

Until the new range construction is complete, those looking for a comfortable, quality target shooting experience can use one of the DNR’s seven staffed ranges in southern Michigan. Many state game areas and state forest lands also may be used for target shooting. Contact your local DNR office for information on safe places for dispersed target shooting. 

The DNR encourages state forest and game area users to remember that these public lands are multiuse properties managed for a variety of recreational, habitat and resource management purposes.

“While each area may have different land use orders governing it, following some basic principles on safety, consideration and respect for Michigan’s natural resources will help us all enjoy these public lands,” said Bill Sterrett, district supervisor for the DNR Forest Resources Division.

Sterrett offered the following tips: 

• Be courteous to adjacent property owners and other public land users (no late-night or early-morning shooting; do not intimidate or harass other users).
• Always pick up your trash and encourage others to do so.
• Know your surroundings and what activities are occurring around you.
• Don’t participate in recreational activities while under the influence of alcoholic or controlled substance.
• Always handle firearms responsibly, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, always keep the action open and firearm unloaded when not shooting, and only shoot at approved targets.
• When target shooting, always wear eye and ear protection, and do not smoke, eat or drink while on the firing line.

For more information related to the range development in Grand Traverse County and throughout the state, and to get more information and resources on firearm safety and shooting sports, check the DNR’s website at www.michigan.gov/shootingranges.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.