Natural Resources Board approves amendments to Mud Lake Wildlife Area master plan for new shooting range
http://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=3632
MADISON -The state Natural Resources Board approved an amendment to the Columbia County Planning Group master plan at their June 24 meeting in La Crosse that will allow for the construction of an approximately 10 acre shooting range on Mud Lake Wildlife Area which is scheduled to begin during the summer 2016.
"The amendment to the master plan reclassifies the designated area for the range into a special use zone which allows this kind of development" said Eric Lobner, wildlife supervisor.
In 2012, the Natural Resources Board approved the Columbia County Planning Group [PDF] Master Plan for DNR managed wildlife and fishery lands in Columbia County. The plan identified the need for a public shooting range in Columbia County. The plan also discussed the public safety and neighboring landowner concerns associated with target shooting in parking lots on the Swan Lake and French Creek wildlife areas.
The Mud Lake location for the new public shooting range was selected by an ad hoc citizens committee after reviewing the pros and cons of seven possible state-owned sites within the county and public input on two of the sites the committee felt were the best candidates.
The approved amendment was proposed following a public comment period with a total of 45 comments received regarding the master plan amendment and the environmental impact statement with 28 comments (62 percent) in support, three (7 percent) unsure and 14 comments (31 percent) opposed.
For more information contact: Eric Lobner, wildlife supervisor, 608-275-3474 eric.lobner@wisconsin.gov
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DNR Office of Communications. DNR Spokesperson: Bill Cosh (608) 267-2773