Location
Fort Gibson WMA Shooting Range
Existing Range Coordinates: 35°57’31.2″N 95°20’04.9″W
Proposed New Range Coordinates: 36°04’30.8″N 95°23’02.5″W
Purpose
To provide an opportunity for the public to comment, identify specific issues, and/or environmental impacts that can be addressed in the Draft Environmental Assessment for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).
Need
The proposed need is to complete an environmental assessment (EA) including environmental studies and to arrive at either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or complete an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the project described below:
Closure of the existing shooting range on Fort Gibson WMA, located at 35°57’31.2″N 95°20’04.9″W, and the construction of a new shooting range on Fort Gibson WMA, located at 36°04’30.8″N 95°23’02.5″W. The new shooting range location is approximately 8 miles north of the city of Wagoner, OK and approximately 12 miles from the existing shooting range. ODWC has explored other alternative sites and determined this to be the best location bordering flood plain limits, best soil type, proximity of residences or public places, and the least amount of timber removal.
The existing shooting range has been deemed problematic due to annual flooding, potentially creating lead migration issues. There have also been reports of bullets landing in the water near boats on the back side of the backstop. Per Oklahoma Title 29: Hunting or discharge of firearm near public place – Shooting from or across highway or railroad right-of-way. A: No person may hunt, pursue game, or discharge firearms within four hundred and forty (440) yards of any church, schoolhouse, or other public place where people may assemble, so as to disturb such assemblage. The existing shooting range is located approximately 200 yards southwest of the soccer fields and ballfields, 300 yards south of the rodeo grounds, and 400 yards south/southwest of the archery range and buildings. Therefore, ODWC wants to update/relocate the range to an area that is much more favorable for topography, flood control, and safety issues.