For Immediate Release: December 22, 2004
Contact: Mel Lloyd: 970-244-3097
 
 

Safety concerns lead BLM to close areas to target shooting

GRAND JUNCTION, CO—The Bureau of Land Management has closed two parcels of public land to target shooting because of increasing concerns for public safety. A growing number of new homes have been built in the area. This ban applies but is not limited to rifles, pistols, air and paint ball guns, bow and arrow, slingshot or any mechanical device that propels a projectile. Hunting activities during an established hunting season are excluded from this closure.

“This closure is being implemented not only for public safety concerns, but also because of continued vandalism to the FAA site and power transmission corridor located in the area,” said BLM Law Enforcement Officer Perry McCoy.

BLM public lands affected by this closure are located on Orchard Mesa with one 160-acre section of land located east of 34¼ Rd. and surrounding the FAA communications site, and another 200 acres situated southeast of the intersection of C½ and 34½ Rds.

This is a one-year, temporary closure allowing BLM time to conduct an environmental assessment of the area for the purpose of providing a safe shooting environment. For more information, contact Jim Cooper, BLM transportation planner, at 970-244-3047.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note: Map available upon request.