The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment of a state proposal, "Whetstone Sportsman and Conservation Club Trap Range Development, Milbank, Grant County, South Dakota." Public comments are welcome for a 15-day period, ending December 21, 2006.
The draft environmental assessment was prepared by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department's (SDGFP) Division of Wildlife and the Service and analyzes the SDGFP's proposal to construct a new 6 acre shotgun trap range in Grant County in northeastern South Dakota. The proposed trap range will replace an existing range that is being surrounded by new housing development and is adjacent to a golf course. The current site is no longer useful and presents safety issues for the surrounding area. The relocation of the trap range to the proposed site would provide improved safety conditions, accessibility for users with disabilities, and an improved hunter safety education facility.
The proposed range would require the construction of a 14-by-28-foot A-frame utility shed, installation of an ADA-accessible porta-potty, construction of two trap houses with five walkways each, construction of an ADA ramp to the building, installation of electrical wiring for the building, construction of an approach to the range, and installation of outdoor lighting.
Estimated cost of the project is $41,500. Federal funding for this project will come from the Pittman-Robertson Federal Assistance in Wildlife Restoration Act which is administered by the Service. This Act provides funding to assist in the development and improvement of safe and responsible public recreational shooting facilities and to enhance hunter education efforts. The Whetstone Sportsman and Conservation Club will provide the non-federal matching funds for the project.
Public comment on the proposal and draft environmental assessment will help the Service decide whether to fund the proposed project. The Service also must determine the proposed project's eligibility for federal funding, assess its character and design, and ensure compliance with federal rules and regulations.
"The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department has asked the Service to share in the cost of the project by providing money from the Federal Assistance Wildlife Restoration program," said Mitch King, Service Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region. "Before approving the request, the Service will determine the potential benefits of the project and consider all comments received from the public."
"The result of this project would provide a local shotgun range to the regional area and provide a facility to conduct hunter education classes. For young and elderly hunters, the lack of public shotgun ranges limits their ability to participate in shooting sports. The proposed development is a positive step in responding to the recreational demands and improves the quality of life for residents in the region," said Doug Hansen, Director, SDGFP Division of Wildlife.
The draft environmental assessment prepared by SDGFP identified three alternatives to consider for the construction of the shotgun range:
Constructing a new shotgun range, as described previously, with the Whetstone Sportsman and Conservation Club assisting with construction costs.
Change the direction of the firing direction at the current range site.
No project would take place and the current conditions would remain in place.
Detailed information on each alternative is contained in the Service's environmental assessment. Copies of the Draft EA are available online at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/federalassistance. The document can also be accessed through the SDGFP at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/Safety/WhetstoneProj.htm. Those without internet access may request copies by calling the Services' Division of Federal Assistance, 303-236-5420. Send written comments to: Chief, Division of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO 80225.
