Proposed McKenzie County Sportsmen’s Club Shooting Range and Education Complex, near Waterford, North Dakota

DENVER — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment (Draft EA) regarding North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s (NDGFD) “McKenzie County Sportsmen’s Club Shooting Range and Education Complex.” The NDGFD will apply for a Service administered Federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act grant to fund the project. The Service’s decision to fund the project constitutes a Federal action subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy of 1969, as amended (NEPA). This Draft EA has been prepared to comply with NEPA provisions to assess potential impacts on the human environment. Public comments will be accepted for a 30-day period ending December 7, 2018.

The NDGFD proposes to repurpose an abandoned sand mine on private property, into a 1,148- acre modern sport shooting and education facility. The shooting sports facility will include public archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun specific ranges, as well as an outdoor and hunter education building. The Project landowner has signed a lifetime lease of the property to the McKenzie County Sportsmen’s Club.

The Proposed Action would provide safe rifle, pistol, and archery opportunities for the public where these opportunities currently do not exist. The location of the proposed facility along is ideal for attracting shooting sports enthusiasts, as the nearest facility is over 100-miles from Waterford, North Dakota. The Draft EA documents an analysis of the effects of the Proposed Action and the “No Action” Alternative.

Those without internet access may request copies by calling the Services’ Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program at 303-236-8179.  Comments will be accepted until December 7, 2018 and should be sent to: Chief, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO, 80225.

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