The U.S. Forest Service is beginning an environmental analysis process for a proposed target range in Union County in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
It will include consideration of factors like public safety, potential noise from gunfire, heritage resource sites, and threatened or endangered plant and animal species. The purpose and need of the proposal are to provide a safe, environmentally sound and secure target shooting facility closer to the population centers of the county.
The proposed action consists of authorizing Union County Government to construct a target range on National Forest lands. Union County Government will be the primary permit holder and will assume the responsibility of funding, maintenance and operation. However, the Union County Gun Club will be in charge of the day to day operation of the target range. Demand is strong for a target range in the area, based upon demonstrated interest by the Union County Gun Club, as well as use at similar other ranges across the national forest.
The proposed site for this project is off Highway 180 between mile markers 18 and 19 and consists of approximately 15 acres of National Forest lands. The proposal includes construction of a pole barn type structure, vaulted toilets, earthen backstops, road reconstruction and a parking lot. The proposed year of implementation is 2020.
The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the proposal for the next 30 days. Interested persons may submit electronic comments at the project web-page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54559. Written comments may also be submitted by mail to Andrew L. Baker, District Ranger, ATTN: Nelson Gonzalez-Süllow and/or Jerome Bennett, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, 1755 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, GA 30501, or by fax: 770-297-3011.
A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at the Union County Fine Arts Center located at 926 Panther Overlook, Blairsville.
