USFS proposes target range in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, public hearing scheduled

The USDA Forest Service announced the beginning of an environmental analysis process for a proposed target range project to be located on national forest system lands in nearby Union County.

This analysis 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 is to provide a safe, environmentally sound and secure target shooting facility for North Georgia.

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 usfsmap

The proposed site for this project (PDF of the map can be found here – usfsmap) is located off Highway 180 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.

“Clearly there is a strong demand for such a facility in this area, and the Forest Service is committed to working closely with Union County and other partners to evaluate the use of public lands for target range activities,” said District Ranger Andrew Baker. “We will look closely at the effects of a new target range on the forest as well as the surrounding community.”

The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the proposal for the next 30 days (through November 12) to help inform the agency about issues and alternatives to evaluate in its environmental analysis.

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 about the proposed target range will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 6 p.m. at the Union County Fine Arts Center located at 926 Panther Overlook. The purpose of the hearing will be to provide information and answer questions concerning the proposed target range.