There were two meetings held by the USFS. The Friday evening meeting was held at the Eldorado Community Center and mostly attended by the local land owners. I did not attend that one but I pretty much know what the sentiment is. I did attend yesterdays meeting in Troy. Again hosted by the USFS, District Ranger Deborah Walker, Terry Savery with Recreation Resources, Charles Foote LEO, and Melissa Sanders the receptionist in the Troy office. There were two gentlemen from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, one was a supervisor for the shooting range projects expanding in the state and the other was an engineer that is designing the ranges. There were many NRA members in attendance but no representative from the NRA in a official capacity.
Here's the basics...
The shooting range IS reopening. A majority of the funding, about 250K is coming from grants acquired by the NC WRC and they will be the primary constructor, pretty much everything from the dirt moving to the new structures. The NRA committed 30K to the project and provided a ton of consultation and advice to the design.
Construction should begin about the end of this month. Still a few agreements that have to be signed off on between the agencies. When it begins the only things left untouched will be the driveway exit, the sign out front, and the pit toilet. Everything else will new all new. The rifle portion will still be 100 yds, and will be graded so shooters will be firing at a more downward slope. The shelter will have 7 shooting stations and will be constructed so the front eave will be much lower to keep the shooter focused down toward the target. The pistol range will be shortened to 25 yds. Berms on both ranges will be elevated and a new berm will be constructed in between to isolate the two ranges firing lines but still open to observation for the Range Officer.
There will be a RO on duty when ever the range is open. It is a paid position, likely paid by the user fees and I think employed by the NCWRC. Volunteers to supervise during busy weekends will be welcomed.
Some of the hours of operation and days have not been finalized. Still some question as to whether shooting on Sunday will be permitted. Fees will still be the same, $3.00 daily, $30.00 annual (calendar year, so don't buy your pass on December 31st).
The 50 BMG is out. Single shot or otherwise. Those that legally have full auto may be limited to certain days. Other 50 cal., black powder, .500 S&W, etc, are still permissible.
I'm sure I left something out somewhere but wasn't intending to write a novel. I'll try to answer any questions if I can.
Oh... Completion may be around mid to end of December. Merry Christmas!
