Cowlitz Game & Anglers

Final go-ahead to Cowlitz Game & Anglers to develop a multi-use shooting Range was approved today by the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner.

The 80 acre Cowlitz County Public Shooting Range access is via Toutle Park Rd, to the dredge spoils one-half mile East of I-5 Exit 52. It will be the only public range in Cowlitz County. It will be open 6 days per week for the 20,000 county shooters.. Both day use and season passes will be available.

Phase one will provide a 300 yard rifle & black powder range – 12 positions, 50 yard pistol range -12 positions, a Trap Range -5 positions and 100 yard outdoor archery range – 8 positions.

All firearm shooting will be from covered, sound absorbing buildings, with down-range baffles such that no bullets can leave the range.

According to Dick Miller, President – Cowlitz Game & Anglers, “-the range is being built to the most up-to-date noise & safety standards with every thought towards enjoyable recreation and user convenience”

Ground breaking ceremonies are scheduled for July with early operations commencing in December 2009.

Phase two, completion scheduled for 2012, will include expanding both rifle & pistol to 24 positions each, the addition of two additional Trap Ranges, a meeting room/club house and enhanced archery facilities.

Funding of $100,000 has been granted by the Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office. These funds are derived from concealed pistol permits.

The required matching funds have been obtained from pledges of Cowlitz County citizens & merchants. No tax dollars are involved.

Extraordinary engineering & technical data have been required to obtain developmental approval, costs have escalated.

Additional volunteer funds are solicited for this tax deductible project.

Range construction & operations oversight will be supplied by the Cowlitz Building & Planning Dept.. This organization has imposed many specific construction & operational provisos intended to insure public safety, low environmental impact and compatibility with surrounding properties.

CONTACT:

Dick Miller 360-274-7559
Box 1061
Longview, WA 98632