Range at Micheaux CLOSED

[ironhorse]

I stopped up today. Trash cans shot up. I'll post some pictures here later. Than I went to the office, talked to the clerk. And than she introduced me to the new manager, Brad. He enlightened me a bit.
1. Someone just didn't shot up the trash. They dumped the trash and used the cans as backstops. Point being they have to have something to shot at.
2. Brad said IF we gonna open it again it will be closer to rifle season..\
3. I asked( "THIS IS IMPORTANT") If , when they are ready to do the work that they plan on doing, if it would help. And he said that would most definitely be a big help.
I have brads business card with email address.
4. I would start having all the people you know, that use that range , send brad an email encouraging him to reopen the range as soon as possible.
5. Give him your email if your interested in helping that day the work is to be done. Only if you really can help.
I'll be his business card on here later as well....
AS larry the cable guy says " Let's git r done" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JIM

[Azzy]

Pulled from google's cache:

Shooting range at Michaux State Forest closed indefinitely after damage
By JIM TUTTLE Staff writer

A target shooting area at Michaux State Forest has been closed indefinitely due to "problems with ongoing untidiness," said Park Ranger Byron Barnes.

Recent visitors to the range along Birch Run Road in Franklin County have been apparently intent on making a mess, frustrating those who have taken care of the facility, according to Assistant Forest Manager Rod Lyon.

One day last week a man who "diligently volunteers his time" to keep the range clean came to Lyon with a complaint.

"Someone had intentionally dumped out all the garbage, and even shot through the garbage cans that he personally purchased for the shooting range," Lyon said.

He and the volunteer went to the range and picked up all the garbage, placing it in trash bags. Lyon said they left the bags at the range, with the intention of having a truck pick them up later.

"Before we could get rid of the garbage, somebody had shot through the bags with a gun, making another mess. They blew it all over the place and shot the garbage," he said.

After that, the decision was made to close the range altogether. When a new district forester takes the helm in a few weeks, he will likely decide what to do with the facility, Lyon said.

While the vandalism influenced the final decision to close the range, the area is also in need of regular maintenance, he said.

"We don't have the manpower right now to go up and renovate the shooting range, and it does need some attention," Lyon said.

In
Advertisement
the past, anyone using the range has been required to acquire a free permit from the forestry office. Lyon said he could not say how many people use the range each month, but said there are currently nearly 3,000 permits issued.

Greene Township resident Bruce Erickson was disappointed when he and his son went to the range Saturday, only to find it closed.

"It's a loss. When family members come up here, we always like to go up there, and we just have a good time. It's a very nice facility. It's a pity to see it closed," Erickson said.

Lyon doesn't understand why anyone would make such a mess for others.

"I have no idea what might promote that type of action," he said.

----------

[songbrook]

Please let me know when the clean up will be, Jim. I can't swear I can help until I know the date and time. Thanks!

[kingsporadic]

Count me in also...please keep us updated.

[Evan]

You know I'll be there if I'm not out of town.

[Smalls]

I have 3 or 4 blue 55gal drums that we could use as trash cans/whatever if needed.

[jtwalker]

I'll be there also if the date works for me when it's firmed.

[Datalogger]

I have a busy schedule, but I'll come help if I can.

[Evan]

Any news on a possible reopening, yet? I haven't had time to stop in the DCNR office lately.

[Evan]

I stopped by the DCNR office today. The lady there told me the range will not be reopened this fall. I think they are looking to open it possibly in the spring. They are also trying to get a friends group together to help maintain the range. I told her that I know some people (us) who might be willing to take on the responsibility.