URE range closed "temporarily"

[JayT]

BALLS!

5/17/2010
For Immediate Release
U.S. Forest Service Temporarily Closes Flintlock Valley Shooting Range
ASHEVILLE, NC ….The US Forest Service announced today a temporary emergency closure of the Flintlock Valley Shooting Range on the Uwharrie National Forest, while the agency evaluates the range’s future management. Recent incidents near the range have impacted forest visitors who were recreating in the area, prompting the temporary closure. District Ranger Deborah Walker states, “We will do everything within our authority to protect forest visitors, and will not compromise public safety.” The range will remain closed while analysis of alternatives is conducted. This may take up to a year, and the public will have opportunities for input before a final decision is made.

The popular shooting range has been open since 1996, averaging 1000 visitors per month. Various safety modifications have been made over the years, including raising the height of the berms behind the rifle and pistol ranges, loosening the soil on the range to reduce ricochet, and staffing the site with volunteers to assist with public safety. The recent incidents have caused the Forest Service to take additional steps to protect the public. Visitors who have already purchased annual passes for use of the range may contact the Uwharrie National Forest at 910-576-6391 for instructions on how to obtain a refund.

[broncomania]

that sux. ive been thinking of going back down there with the AK

[bucketobolts]

I read that someone had been shooting rifles on the pistol range and shot over the berm. There was a volunteer group that was looking after the range, not sure if they were still working. I know many people complained about them collecting all the brass that hit the ground.

[blazinchuck]

dang!

[broncomania]

someone always finds a way to ruin the fun for the regulars that actually follow rules and take care of things.

[snipes243]

The this does stink, but at the same time its understandable especially with ricochet some people are just plan stupid at that range. but targets at the top of berms and and placing target in front of the markers on the rife range. Im not one for public gun ranges have been one who has been shooting since the age of 4, people i dont know with guys tend to put me on edge. The volunteer group has been there but is more like one guy in a little s10 blaser nice guy. Hope they re open it safer than it is now.