FLAGSTAFF - The Supervisor of the Coconino National Forest has made the decision to amend the Forest Land and Management Plan to allow a Shooting Range at Bellemont, west of Flagstaff.

The amendment creates a new Management Area for a public shooting range, which initially will be authorized by a special use permit to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. That 860-acre parcel of land, north of Interstate 40 at Bellemont, is also identified for a land exchange between the Forest Service and the Department. A special use permit for future construction of shooting range facilities will be issued after the Forest accepts a formal land exchange proposal from the Department. The land exchange will eventually transfer ownership of the land from National Forest to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

"This decision is a significant step in the process to provide a safe location for shooting activities," commented Pauline Ellis, acting Forest Supervisor.

The alternative selected includes provisions for noise management, lead, safety, visual quality, cultural resources, noxious weeds and wildlife habitat concerns.

The idea for a public shooting range was suggested in the mid-1990’s when several local shooting ranges closed. Both the Forest Service and citizens expressed concerns that dispersed and indiscriminate target shooting is unsafe. Numerous state and local organizations have called for a shooting range in the Flagstaff area.

Kerry Baldwin, Arizona Game and Fish Department representative said, "The Department is excited about working with the Forest Service to establish a safe and organized shooting facility near Flagstaff."

Copies of the Decision Notice are available in Flagstaff at the Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89; Mormon Lake Ranger Station, 4373 S. Lake Mary Road; and at the Supervisor’s Office, 2323 E. Greenlaw Lane. It’s also posted on the Coconino National Forest website http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino. This decision is subject to administrative appeal under Federal Regulations to the Regional Forester of the Forest Service in Albuquerque during a 45-day period, which ends July 5.