The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment regarding the Indiana DNR’s proposed Putnam County shooting range. This project will be supported by $1.5 million in grant funding from the Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program and a $500,000 match from the state of Indiana. The draft EA evaluates several alternatives. Public comments will be accepted for a 30-day period, which ends Tuesday, July 15.
The Service has received a grant application from the Indiana DNR to approve the construction of the Deer Creek Shooting Range located within Deer Creek Fish and Wildlife Area in Putnam County, Indiana. The proposed shooting range project will consist of constructing the following modern concrete baffled shooting lanes:
- 9- 10 yard shooting lanes
- 9-25 yard shooting lanes
- 10-50 yard shooting lanes
- 5-100 yard shooting lanes
The range will also consist of a minimum 1,300 square foot modern building with ADA accessible restroom facilities and a hard surface ADA accessible parking area. The building will house range staff and allow for retail space for associated shooting supplies and equipment. If project budget constraints allow, the range will also include a trap and skeet shotgun range.
The purpose of the project is to develop a modern and safe shooting range that meets all ADA, environmental and building code requirements. The range will provide hunters with the opportunity to increase firearm proficiency and safety and allow recreational shooters to practice their sport in a safe and accommodating environment.
The purpose of this EA document is to look at the feasibility and potential for environmental consequences associated with the alternatives considered. The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that applies to the actions of all federal agencies. This project is proposed by the Indiana DNR for funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The draft EA is available on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/downloads/DeerCreekEA.pdf (29.8 MB PDF)
Additionally, copies may be obtained from Sam Whiteleather, Indiana DNR, 317-234-8907. Written comments should be sent to Mr. Whiteleather at 402 W. Washington St. Rm W273, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or via email swhiteleather@dnr.in.gov. Comments should be received no later than Tuesday, July 15.
