BLM temporarily bans target shooting on BLM lands
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SPOKANE, Wash. – Due to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District’s commitment to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive, fire restrictions on lands administered by the district have been modified to prohibit discharging a firearm, except while engaged in lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal or tribal law and regulations.
Washington is extremely hot and dry, with ninety-six percent of the state in drought-like conditions. Target shooting activities have already contributed to several fires on BLM lands this summer burning over 2,000 acres.
The temporary ban will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 and will affect BLM lands in the following eastern Washington counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima counties. The target shooting restriction is expected to be in effect until fire conditions change. The agency is encouraging target shooters to visit local private and public target range facilities during this time.
In addition to prohibiting target shooting, campfires, restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles, and smoking is still in effect. A complete, modified fire restriction order is attached to this release and can be found online at https://blm.gov/press-release/blm-temporarily-bans-target-shooting-blm-lands.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.