This public notice offers an opportunity for all interested parties to comment on the proposed relocation of the Fort Gibson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) shooting range, providing information necessary to inform the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) for evaluation and review. This public notice is issued jointly with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The ODWC, has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1968, as amended, for the proposed relocation and construction of the Fort Gibson WMA shooting range in Wagoner County, Oklahoma. The Draft EA was prepared to assess and document potential effects to the human and natural environment of the project’s Proposed Action. The Draft EA and supporting information are provided with issuance of this Public Notice on 01 October 2024 to initiate the 30-day public review and comment period. Therefore, the 30-day public comment period for this Draft EA runs from October 01, 2024, to October 30, 2024.
The ODWC is proposing to close the existing shooting range within the Fort Gibson WMA and to construct a new range at a new location on Fort Gibson WMA. The existing shooting range within the Fort Gibson WMA is located east of Wagoner, OK in Section 13, Township 17N, Range 18E or at 35.958656, -95.334706. The proposed shooting range will be located approximately 8 miles northwest of the existing shooting range in Section 03, Township 18N, Range 18E or at 36.073408, -95.382103. The proposed project includes construction of a shooting range within an undeveloped tract of land, including pistol and rifle ranges, a shotgun/trap range, an archery range, fencing and gates, and restrooms, including American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant parking and access throughout. The shooting range would include a 50yard pistol range, 100 and 150-yard rifle ranges, each equipped with a covered metal shooting station with shooting tables/benches, divided by minimum 10-feet high compacted earth berms and include minimum 20-feet high compacted earth backstops. A shotgun/trap range will have a 700-foot shot-fall zone, a concrete pad for trap shooting and a concrete pathway to a concrete pad for a temporary target thrower. The archery range would be equipped with a 10-foot 6inch-high platform. The facility would be accessed by two gravel parking areas equipped with small concrete areas that are ADA van accessible.
Two layout alternatives were evaluated: Proposed Action Alternative 2 – This alternative will include the new construction of a 50-yard pistol range, 100, and 150-yard rifle ranges with covered metal shooting stations including shooting benches/tables for all three ranges, a shotgun/trap range, an archery range, fencing and gates, restrooms, and associated parking lots. The layout for Alternative 2 has the shooting range located in the north section of the project area with the rifle and pistol ranges oriented northwest to southeast. The shotgun/trap range is located just west of the shooting ranges and positioned so that the shot fall zone is to the southeast. Proposed Action Alternative 5 – This alternative offers the same facilities as Alternative 2; however, the layout within the project area has been adjusted. The shooting range is in the northwest corner of the project area, with the ranges oriented north to south. The shotgun/trap range is located just east of the shooting ranges and positioned so that the shot fall zone is to the south-southeast. The archery range is in the same position as Alternative 2. Alternative 5 is the preferred alternative.
The objective is to provide public shooting access and opportunities in Oklahoma for new and existing hunters, and recreational and competitive shooters, while also encouraging hunters and shooters to enhance their skills by becoming more proficient with firearms, promoting safe and responsible hunting and shooting practices, and providing safe and environmentally responsible shooting areas.
Comments must be submitted in writing via email or U.S. Postal Service. Send comments via email to Amanda.Thomas@odwc.ok.gov
Send comments via U.S. Mail to:
Amanda Thomas Shooting Range Coordinator
Communication and Education Division Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152
This public notice was originally posted to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/opportunity-public-comment