North Site CLOSED!!!!

[brass-meister]

Just got back from the North Site and it has been closed by the Forest Service.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/brass_meister/Forest%20Service%20closures/noshooting.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/brass_meister/Forest%20Service%20closures/Order.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/brass_meister/Forest%20Service%20closures/closurearea.jpg

[Batteriesnare]

That's awful! I couldn't find a reason other than "public health and safety," did something happen, or was it just always trashed?

[opie011]

I was there a few months back and was talking with a deputy sheriff who told me that the locals were trying to shut it down for lots of reasons, but moslty safety(I guess the near by houses were getting flyers from idiots putting targets in the tress) and noise complaints. They did a test at the center of hwy7 with a decibal meter and it was reading at over 80 decibals which breaks the city noise ordinance!

This sucks I really liked this spot!

[brass-meister]

I was there a few months back and was talking with a deputy sheriff who told me that the locals were trying to shut it down for lots of reasons, but moslty safety(I guess the near by houses were getting flyers from idiots putting targets in the tress) and noise complaints. They did a test at the center of hwy7 with a decibal meter and it was reading at over 80 decibals which breaks the city noise ordinance!

This sucks I really liked this spot!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/brass_meister/Forest%20Service%20closures/ranton.gif
This pisses me off... another case of people who move in to a National Forest (is this not a public place?) and then bitch about traffic, noise, etc. The locals posted signs before about responsible shooting, which I whole heartily agree with, but I can't for the life of me figure out how they were getting flyers by their homes. The area is somewhat recessed and has a great natural backstop... were people shooting at the tree tops? I don't think so. I'm thinking it another case of I don't want people near or around me so I'll complain until they shut it down.
Again, another public access shut down by a few. Thanks Forest Service!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/brass_meister/Forest%20Service%20closures/rantoff.gif

[rondog]

This really sucks! But we all KNOW that's there's plenty of IDIOTS in this world that would think nothing of firing up into the air, doing mag dumps as fast as they could just to make their dick feel big.

[StagLefty]

doing mag dumps as fast as they could just to make their dick feel big.

You caught the tater !!!! [ROFL1]

[jerrymrc]

And so it goes. Everywhere that more than a few people gather will be shut down.

[crzy_one]

Last time I was up there the spot was pretty clean...

This really sucks I enjoyed going to that spot [Mad]

[MrPrena]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
:(

Last time I've went there was about May2009. It was clean, safe, and orderly.

[jake]

For what it's worth: “We are committed to finding a permanent solution to the safety concerns at the former Allenspark dump,” Forest Supervisor Glenn Casamassa said. “We will begin an environmental analysis to start this process by mid-May.” http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/news/2010/04/x-allesnparksafety.shtml

Of course this could mean they're committed to keeping it permanently closed, but the optimist in me hopes it means they want to allow shooting up there. I've only been up there twice but both times everyone shooting there was safe and considerate.

[jerrymrc]

For what it's worth: “We are committed to finding a permanent solution to the safety concerns at the former Allenspark dump,” Forest Supervisor Glenn Casamassa said. “We will begin an environmental analysis to start this process by mid-May.” http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/news/2010/04/x-allesnparksafety.shtml

Of course this could mean they're committed to keeping it permanently closed, but the optimist in me hopes it means they want to allow shooting up there. I've only been up there twice but both times everyone shooting there was safe and considerate.


Having seen first hand how they work I can tell you right now that the area will never be opened back up.

IF and this is a big IF you bitch long enough and loud enough they might send you a list of gun clubs that have "public" days.

I will not go into detail but unless you have $$$ and lawyers involved this is now a closed issue.

[Driftwood]

Having seen first hand how they work I can tell you right now that the area will never be opened back up.

Agreed. Some of you folks can try but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Hey, what happened to that link of the map of all the shooting spots? I check the "Places To Shoot" section but didn't see anything. Is it a sticky? Time to find a new place up north. :rolleyes:

[sniper7]

doing mag dumps as fast as they could just to make their dick feel big.


not gonna lie...
[Wave][Weight]

I love to bump fire![NoEvil]

[rondog]

not gonna lie...
[Wave][Weight]

I love to bump fire![NoEvil]
That's cool, I'm not against mag dumps. But you know what I mean, the fools that point the muzzle into the air and fire 'em off into space like an Iraqi wedding. You know they're out there.

I wanna learn how to bump fire my M1 carbine!

[SA Friday]

I suspect this will end when the forest service decides to designate a couple of locations for shooting and hires some people to run them. Other states I've lived in have done this and then had a $25 dollar annual permit to shoot at these locations. The guy that ran the one I shot at regularly wasn't always out there, but the area was open from sun up to sun down 7 days a week. He was almost always there during peak shooting hours, but was pretty liberal about the shooting. It was a win for everyone. Shooters respected the area and cleaned their trash or got their card pulled. Conversely, if you didn't act like an idiot he left you alone. He also had direct access to call for medical or LE if they were needed for injury or altercation.

Until accomidations are made by both sides of this issue, it will continue on an adversarial circle; forest service will continue to close areas like this due to complaints and shooters will continue to find new areas to shoot. It's stupid and eventually the forest service will have to address it as the number of shooters in the front range are large enough to force the issue.

[rondog]

So, does anybody here ever use the DOW public range on the north side of US40 up by Parschall, on the way to Kremmling? I've stopped there several times, it's a nice place.

[Ed_S]

Wish I read this before I drove up there this morning:( There were 2 Forestry Service people up there, both were pretty cool and helpful, even gave me a free map! What can I say I'm cheap and easily pleased!

Anyway, on the way back I took HWY 94 through Jamestown and there appeared to be an area there (couple of miles W of Jamestown) that poeple are using to shoot.

Special thanks to the idiots that got the North Site closed: [M2]

[sniper7]

I suspect this will end when the forest service decides to designate a couple of locations for shooting and hires some people to run them. Other states I've lived in have done this and then had a $25 dollar annual permit to shoot at these locations. The guy that ran the one I shot at regularly wasn't always out there, but the area was open from sun up to sun down 7 days a week. He was almost always there during peak shooting hours, but was pretty liberal about the shooting. It was a win for everyone. Shooters respected the area and cleaned their trash or got their card pulled. Conversely, if you didn't act like an idiot he left you alone. He also had direct access to call for medical or LE if they were needed for injury or altercation.

Until accomidations are made by both sides of this issue, it will continue on an adversarial circle; forest service will continue to close areas like this due to complaints and shooters will continue to find new areas to shoot. It's stupid and eventually the forest service will have to address it as the number of shooters in the front range are large enough to force the issue.


great post!

I would love to see everyone be respectful, clean up their trash and not act like idiots, unfortunately in every category or sports or entertainment out there, idiots make the headlines and cause the problems. I like the idea of a designated ranger for specific shooting locations, I am not entirely against paying a small fee (similar to the $25 each year to run a OHV) even though taxes from gun sales are being used to support the FS, as well as state and federal funds, DOW funds from license sales etc.
unfortunately the anti's want nothing more than to strip away all areas and turn them into flowery playgrounds resembling toyota prius commercials

[sniper7]

Wish I read this before I drove up there this morning:( There were 2 Forestry Service people up there, both were pretty cool and helpful, even gave me a free map! What can I say I'm cheap and easily pleased!

Anyway, on the way back I took HWY 94 through Jamestown and there appeared to be an area there (couple of miles W of Jamestown) that poeple are using to shoot.

Special thanks to the idiots that got the North Site closed: [M2]

please let us know of the new area

[Irving]

I've heard a lot of horror stories from people in other states about 1) Horrible range nazis and 2) Guys pretending to be actual range personnel when they aren't. Then, no one asks the person for their credentials for months.

[Zman]

So, does anybody here ever use the DOW public range on the north side of US40 up by Parschall, on the way to Kremmling? I've stopped there several times, it's a nice place.I've gone there several times. It is a nice range, and the DoW rangers stop in quite regularly. Has a nice area for shotgun and handguns, too.

Z

[coop68]

its unfortunate this has happened its like when ever a decent spot is found with a good back stop and someone gets it closed. whether that be other shooters or residents in the area complaining or doing somthing stupid.

i know i cant say much being a BRC member and the fact i can shoot when ever i want. i know we should have more members, but we have a limit i believe set by boulder county. i dont mind taking people shooting i just have to meet who ever first either buying or selling something or at a public match at any of the clubs since i am liable when ever i take some shooting!

sorry if I'm not making any sense I'm sick and cant sleep i have a 102 temp and i have one week left at school whats up with that seriously?

[cowboykjohnson]

That sucks, now I've got to find a new place... and I'm not going back to Lefthand, that place... well the people there... scare the crap out of me.

[al_g]

Man this sucks. The South site is quite a bit further drive for me. Hopefully they will re-open it.

[vim]

Son of a . . . gun.

I used that site generally during weekdays. It was always quiet, I always brought out garbage, and it was the most convenient location for me to shoot (the BRC waiting list goes on forever; I have no idea where I am now in the queue).

I was looking forward to getting up there in the next couple weeks.

They'll "start" the process for finding a permanent solution in mid-May. Sure. I'm holding my breath. The Boulder Ranger District would be happy to see shooting banned through the entire area -- ref. its "Urban Front County Initiative."

[spleify]

Wow, well like already mentioned, this is really unfortunate. That was a good place to go.

[Adawg38]

Yeah I finally made it up to the Northside few months back for the 1st time.[Rant1] and YES Lefthand is a bitch I am tired of going there unless for some offroading, there are a bunch of dumbasses at that site. There has got to be more shooting areas around close by. Hey how bout the shitheads backyards that got it closed down?

[M2]

[jh308]

I wish I would have seen this thread yesterday before I made the trek up as well. The guy I was with knew of a couple places close by that we could shoot, so it wasn't a total loss.

If the neighbors want us gone, all they really needed to do was build us a range close by, I would have left happily.

All I have to do is make it until the end of July, and I'll never have to deal w/this BS again.

[Daniel_187]

lets just start shooting in whatever open space we like. and tell the everyone to pound sand. This is really becoming a pain in the ass

[gnihcraes]

I've tried a few times to call John Bustos @ 970-295-6674 with the forest service, but no answer yet. I haven't left any messages either... will inquire as to what needs to be done to get it re-opened. (if possible)

[gnihcraes]

Talked to John Bustos @ 970- 295- 6674, it was closed due to safety issues of stray bullets from national forest finding their way onto private land that surrounds that shooting area. Best thing he suggested was to contact Boulder Ranger District and get as many people on their notifications list. They will send out updates as to the progress of their environmental analysis and give people times and places to comment.

[jake]

Thanks for that, I just contacted them. In the meantime I've got to find a new place. I have visitors coming from the UK in July who can't wait to shoot :D

[gnihcraes]

I got a reply from them:

My request to them via the online contact us form:

Hello,
I'd like to be on the notifications list for this closure and the environmental analysis.

10-01-2010-02, Former Allenspark Dump shooting closure, dated 4/27/10

Is this contact information sufficient or is there another way to sign up for the notifications?

Thanks, -----.

Their Reply:

Hello -----,You are all set. I have added you to the mailing list for this issue. Thank you for your interest.

Elaine Wells
Visitor Information Specialist
Roosevelt National Forest
Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Ave Boulder CO 80301
303-541-2500


Hope this helps - a few of us should be on the contact list for this "analysis" they are doing, so we can monitor and make suggestions if necessary to their findings.

[Glock Shooter]

I feel like someone just kicked me in the balls. I really enjoyed myself last time I was there and planned on going back tomorrow morning. Guess I'll have to wait the 10 years for the BRC.

[BoulderLaw]

Contact your congress critters:

Senate:
http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=casework_form
http://bennet.senate.gov/contact/

House (2nd CD):
http://polis.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm

General:
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Here is what I wrote:

Congressman Polis,

Recently, the Forest Service closed a popular, safe, and well-maintained recreational shooting area outside of Lyons:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/conditions/closure-orders/brd/10_01_2010_02formerallensparkdump.pdf

As a long-time user of this public land, this closure comes as a shock to me. Over the past five years I have enjoyed using this public land for recreational shooting. It has a good backstop, is in an extremely rural area, and is perhaps the only location within the Boulder area where recreational shooting is still allowed and feasible on public lands.

I have always been a good steward of this area, picking up the trash I generate and any trash left by others. In the past year, I have been picking up less and less trash because there simply is not much trash left there anymore. The public has done a remarkable job of keeping this shooting area clean and safe. And that commitment to stewardship has only improved in the time I have been visiting this public land.

The Forest Service has indicated that the closure is due to health and safety concerns; however, the shooting area has been used safely for decades. Nothing has changed in the past few years that would justify this dramatic about-face.

Also, as an attorney specializing in public land use issues, I have grave concerns about the legality of the Forest Service's closure of this shooting area. This action smacks of arbitrary and capricious decision-making, which is expressly forbidden by Federal law.

I respectfully urge you to contact the Forest Service and request that the shooting area be reopened pending a full investigation of the health and safety concerns that may or may not justify modifying the public use of this land.

Best,
Jim Manley, Esq.

[Hannu]

I was thinking about moving to Lyons... But if there is not any place to shoot nearby, probably gonna skip it.
Is there any place to shoot nearby Lyons ?

[Daniel_187]

can't we just shoot in roosevelt national forest, I heard that you can. Don't know if its true

[Adawg38]

Nicely put BoulderLaw. Thanks for backing us up!

[Sucka]

Man that sucks. Glad i saw this i was fixing to head up there soon.

And contacting Polis is a waste of time. He's probably one of the most liberal congressman in the house. He wouldn't even answer my email concerning guns during his campaign, he demanded to know where i lived in his district before he would answer. Fuck that guy.

[Ed_S]

can't we just shoot in roosevelt national forest, I heard that you can. Don't know if its true


Yes you can. There are some rules but they're pretty straightforward.

[brass-meister]

Well put BoulderLaw. I see this type of closure activity all through this area. The old Left Hand site and more recently the 4wd access trail in Castle Gulch, just south of Jamestown. There wasn't any explanation to that access closure, but I bet a dollar to a donut it was the a$$ hat that lives across the street from trail entrance. I stopped there in the fall of 2008 to photograph an old gold milling site that is adjacent to the access, and 5 minutes hadn't passed and he was over questioning me if I was shooting in the area (someone was, maybe a 1/4 mile in or so by the report) and was bitching how he disliked "shooters" in the area. "this is my home and I shouldn't have to put up with this" he says. 2 weeks later there were metal stakes pounded in the ground right at the edge of the road so you couldn't even pull over off the asphalt. Then "mysteriously" large boulders show up conveniently in the MIDDLE of the trail and "no public access" signs show up nailed to trees. The final nail in the coffin shows up a few weeks ago as "official" Forest Service closure signs are installed. How does this happen? I understood if these trails have been in use for X numbers of years they just can't be randomly closed. How do people in who live in a NATIONAL FOREST get access closed to other citizens?

The shooting rule is you must be at a minimum, 150 yards from a road or structure, not shoot across a road and have a safe backstop to shoot in to. I'd like buy a range finder and visit the neighboring areas that have closed from complaints to exercise MY rights...
Is this passive-aggressive?... my x would probably think so.

[jh308]

. I'd like buy a range finder and visit the neighboring areas that have closed from complaints to exercise MY rights...


I think this is a great idea. If they force us w/in a 150 yards of them, maybe they'll leave us alone if we're next time we're a couple of miles away.

[Ed_S]

The shooting rule is you must be at a minimum, 150 yards from a road or structure, not shoot across a road and have a safe backstop to shoot in to. I'd like buy a range finder and visit the neighboring areas that have closed from complaints to exercise MY rights...
Is this passive-aggressive?... my x would probably think so.[/quote]

You also can't shoot across a river or within 150 yards of a trail.

[palepainter]

Just read about this. Major bummer. I enjoyed the occasional Fri morning up there shooting at my steel spinner. I hate left hand canyon. I find it hard to believe that Left Hand hasn't been shut down before North Site.

[cfortune]

I went up there on Sunday when they were boarding it up. I talked to the forest ranger and some parks people. They said it was because of complaints from local residents. Specifically regarding rounds landing on private property. The week before I was up and there were targets someone left at the top of the hill to the left (I was the only one there). I've don't know where any homes are around there but I'm sure those shots at the top of the hill travel pretty far.

They gave me a map of the area and I found somewhere small to go for the day but it definitely wasn't as fun.

It is temporary until they can decide whether it is safe to shoot there. Gave me some paper work regarding the closure and where to call / go if you wanted to state your case I guess. I don't know how you can justify other people being stupid though. You can't ban stupid people from an area unfortunately.
[BooHoo]

[cfortune]

I really shouldn't click reply on at the end of page 1 on 5 page posts... broken record over here.

[gnihcraes]

if you use google satellite maps you can see a couple of houses beyond and to the left of the burm... so I can guess that someone is just slinging rounds or shooting at items on top of that burm and they are getting up into the private land.

roughly looks like 1300 feet from the google map. (roughly)

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lyons+colorado&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.576045,67.236328&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lyons,+Boulder,+Colorado&ll=40.171266,-105.458837&spn=0.012264,0.02459&t=h&z=16&layer=t%3E (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=lyons+colorado&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.576045,67.236328&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lyons,+Boulder,+Colorado&ll=40.171266,-105.458837&spn=0.012264,0.02459&t=h&z=16&layer=t%3E)

[Ed_S]

I'm hopefully going to try out a new area this weekend.

I'll let you know how it works out.

[Obiwan]

Well I was stupid and made the trip this morning...

I was really tempted to shoot the sign in frustration but I guess that is how we got here

According to the sign the homes are 1/2 to 1 mile away

It basically tells you to go find somewhere else, but my problem is this

The instructions for where to shoot make this site legal in every way

It is 150 yds from stuff

It has a great backstop

So WTF???

The notice basically tells you to go anywhere but here

[roberth]

Yeah, it doesn't make any sense from a legal standpoint. All the points on the National Forest shooting rules are met, plus the rangers knew where we were. Now they'll have to go looking for us in the back country.

[flyboy1910]

I was a decent place to shoot, but unsafe.

Some benches would be a good idea there if it ever re-opens (to at least establish a firing line). The one time I was there I almost got my face blown off by some Army dudes firing an M1A ACROSS me toward the berm on the left.

They were also shooting in the area the Boulder County Sheriff (who was really nice and helpful) told them not to shoot because there are homes behind the berm.

They tried to blame my friend and I (someone had called the police about "ricochets"), but luckily, the Sheriff knew these guys were dipshits.

[Obiwan]

It is not the site that is unsafe

It is the morons that sometimes shoot there

Which is a big part of how we got where we are today

[Obiwan]

And most importantly....have we discovered a new "North Site" yet???

[kdash106]

this really sucks, it was a nice place for those who don't want to pay hundreds to join a shooting club.

[Obiwan]

Actually, the cost of clubs doesn't bother me nearly as much as the politics that always seem to come with clubs and etablished ranges

And the rules

"Sorry sir, but you cannot shoot from less than 25 yards and no drawing from a holster"

"I just timed you and you fired 6 shots in 5 seconds....no rapid fire"

[vim]

Received just now in e-mail:

Dear Forest User:

You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in Forest
Service planning projects concerning recreation management on the Boulder
Ranger District. This correspondence is to inform you that the Boulder
Ranger District is proposing to develop a designated shooting range just
east of State Highways 7 and 72 outside of Allenspark, CO. This project is
intended to address the problem of stray bullets that pass from National
Forest land onto nearby private land. Please find the attached documents
that explain the project in detail and for information on how to provide
your comments on the proposed action. The official 30-day comment period
will begin once the ?Allenspark Recreational Shooting Project? legal
notice has appeared in the Boulder Daily Camera Newspaper. This should be
posted to the legal notice section on or about May 24. This will be your
only opportunity to comment before a decision is made on this project;
those who do not submit comments at this time will not have standing later
for appeal. You may also find this project on the Forest Service website
at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/projects/ea-projects/nepa_project.shtml?project=32622

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open these documents. You may
download a free copy at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Thank you for your interest in your public lands.

[gnihcraes]

I was just getting ready to post this too...

[rondog]

Received just now in e-mail:

Dear Forest User:

You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in Forest
Service planning projects concerning recreation management on the Boulder
Ranger District. This correspondence is to inform you that the Boulder
Ranger District is proposing to develop a designated shooting range just
east of State Highways 7 and 72 outside of Allenspark, CO. This project is
intended to address the problem of stray bullets that pass from National
Forest land onto nearby private land. Please find the attached documents
that explain the project in detail and for information on how to provide
your comments on the proposed action. The official 30-day comment period
will begin once the ?Allenspark Recreational Shooting Project? legal
notice has appeared in the Boulder Daily Camera Newspaper. This should be
posted to the legal notice section on or about May 24. This will be your
only opportunity to comment before a decision is made on this project;
those who do not submit comments at this time will not have standing later
for appeal. You may also find this project on the Forest Service website
at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/projects/ea-projects/nepa_project.shtml?project=32622

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open these documents. You may
download a free copy at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Thank you for your interest in your public lands.

IMHO, this sounds like a great idea! Not so sure about the "supervised" part, but that's probably really necessary with a lot of the bozos out there. Far better than just being closed permanently.

[al_g]

This is very good news. I'll be submitting comments on this to encourage them to go forward.

[hkOrion]

9 News Article (http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=139442&catid=346)

[Glock Shooter]

I just emailed them my comments I encourage everyone to do the same. Remember there are going to be many who oppose this so we need to stand united and let TPTB know there are safe shooters out there.

[Glock19fan]

Any idea which organization will manage the site.
I would hate if it will become a club with 3 year wait...
But I would be willing to pay small fee( 5$) to keep range clean



I just emailed them my comments I encourage everyone to do the same. Remember there are going to be many who oppose this so we need to stand united and let TPTB know there are safe shooters out there.

[gnihcraes]

I'm not the greatest at writing responses to such things, anyone want to post up theirs that can give some of us ideas to go on. (without duplicating their work)

[BoulderLaw]

Here is the response to my FOIA request for documents allegedly supporting the decision. Essentially, the landowners in the area don't like the noise and are afraid of the shooting sports. According to the police reports included among the documents, the LEOs who have looked into the situation have seen no evidence of safety problems.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/32331945/Allenspark-Dump-Shooting-Area-Closure

[rondog]

Essentially, the landowners in the area don't like the noise and are afraid of the shooting sports.

Pussies.

[gnihcraes]

After reading some of the documented near misses, it seems like they might be hearing hummingbirds or something similar. It also seems strange to me that nobody has any "bullets" from these near misses. Many sound like they should have markings on the house, deck or dirt nearby, or pieces of the bullets etc recoverable... if the person is below the deck, that means the house is a couple levels above minimum, and there are no projectiles to be found or markings of it hitting something? hmmm..

[rondog]

These bullets hit my house!!! I want that shooting place CLOSED!!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/funnies/Iraqiwomanwithbullets.jpg

[vim]

BoulderLaw, thanks for posting those documents. They were very interesting reading, and give us a better understanding of some of the dynamics in this situation.

[AGC]

Good luck.

The chances of the site being re-opened are non-existent.

The Forest Service is run by spineless bureaucrats. None of them are going to risk being blamed for an accident if they lift the closure---and more importantly none of them is going to run the risk to their careers of lawsuits against the USFS by the local complainers.

I used to live just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona, and we experienced the same issues: retirees and tree-huggers moving into the woods on the edge of the local National Forest, then complaining loudly about locals shooting, hunting, cutting firewood, etc. The loudest complainers were wealthy retirees who had both the time and the money to make nuisances of themselves to every bureaucrat and politician who had any say in the matter.

The Arizona Game & Fish Department attempted to built a shooting range---one laid out with safety in mind, to be staffed by full time range masters. The NIMBYs took them to court. One site was "too close" to homes---it was miles outside of town and several miles from any existing homes. The next site was "environmentally sensitive" because once in a while antelope had been seen walking across it. Another "posed a threat to ground water resources."

Game & Fish started trying to build a range back in 1996 or so. They're still tied up in court, and in the meantime most of the National Forest for miles in every direction has been closed to shooting.

If this site is a former dump, that might be one way to apply leverage to the Forest Service. Has the dump been properly cleaned up? Seems if the Forest Service wants to "preserve" it, perhaps they needed to have their feet held to the fire by means of a lawsuit demanding that they spend a big chunk of their budget cleaning it up and completely remediating the damage done by dumping? Bureaucrats fear losing budgeted money more than anything else...

[trlcavscout]

Same fucking signs at some of the areas at the pawnee grasslands. Dirty bastards!

[MOUNT-N-SLOT]

These bullets hit my house!!! I want that shooting place CLOSED!!!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/funnies/Iraqiwomanwithbullets.jpg

Alright... WHO THREW THE BULLETS AT THIS LADY's HOUSE AND MESSED IT UP FOR ALL OF US?!?!?!?! [ROFL3]

[Dravur]

Has anyone heard of any plans to reopen this place? It is only about 15 miles from my house.

I REALLY want to use it again

[Rant1]

[Eldorado556]

I was up there the weekend they closed the Allenspark site.

I just did a little exploration on some of the nearby Forest Service roads and found some good places. I'd say you might be able to get 100 yards if your creative.

As long as you follow the regulations you're good to go.

150 yards from a residence, occupied area or developed site, and you don't shoot across a Forest Service road or body of water.

[mrghost]

Any updates for the North Site? I've never even had a chance to check it out yet.

[MrPrena]

Any updates for the North Site? I've never even had a chance to check it out yet.

Tag, update would be great.
I miss that place.
Last time,I've been to NorthSite is around may 2009.

[MrPrena]

Can someone confirm that NORTH SITE (ALLENSPARK) is now open to public?
I just read someone on ar15 that they went there.

[MrPrena]

Tag, update would be great.
I miss that place.
Last time,I've been to NorthSite is around may 2009.

[Ed_S]

It's still closed, I was up there on Saturday and its still covered in 'No Shooting' notices.

With the current ban in place you have to be West of Hwy 72 to shoot.

[MrPrena]

It's still closed, I was up there on Saturday and its still covered in 'No Shooting' notices.

With the current ban in place you have to be West of Hwy 72 to shoot.

Some gps coordinate west of 72 would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Ed_S]

Try up the trail that starts here:

40° 9'32.04"N 105°28'7.64"W

I was up here and had the place to myself.

The trail (217) is for vehicles but not cars!

Trail (105) starts up Hwy 7 (http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=123) and joins 217. I've seen regulat SUV's on 105.

[00tec]

Try up the trail that starts here:

40° 9'32.04"N 105°28'7.64"W

I was up here and had the place to myself.

The trail (217) is for vehicles but not cars!

Trail (105) starts up Hwy 7 (http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=123) and joins 217. I've seen regulat SUV's on 105.

Seems every time I go to that spot I end up with at least a few hundred good brass, and a whole bunch of junk.

[Ed_S]

The place was pretty clean for junk. No shotgun cartridges which was nice to see.

As for brass I probably picked up 1/2 gallon bag worth of 9mm and .223 brass. It's sitting in my garage as I have no use for it.

[00tec]

The place was pretty clean for junk. No shotgun cartridges which was nice to see.

As for brass I probably picked up 1/2 gallon bag worth of 9mm and .223 brass. It's sitting in my garage as I have no use for it.

The first time I was up there, the douches next to us started shooting clay pigeons while I was down range. Strangely, they picked up all the shotgun shells, but left a whole bunch of. 223

If you ever make it down to the Thornton area, you're more than welcome to drop off that brass :D

[MrPrena]

Thanks Ed_S and everyone.

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

The place was pretty clean for junk. No shotgun cartridges which was nice to see.

As for brass I probably picked up 1/2 gallon bag worth of 9mm and .223 brass. It's sitting in my garage as I have no use for it.


Ill take it I have a dillion 650 that needs more food[Beer]

[Ed_S]

Anybody is welcome to them (I'm in Longmont), I don't have time to reload:(

I always pick up mine plus whatevers close but I've never seen so much brass left lying around.

This is the general condition (I have a full size image if anyone wants):

[Eggysrun]

Anybody is welcome to them (I'm in Longmont), I don't have time to reload:(

I always pick up mine plus whatevers close but I've never seen so much brass left lying around.

This is the general condition (I have a full size image if anyone wants):

I'll take em!

[RJLou]

Temporary ban expires end of this year... anyone have any updates / more info? Can they make the ban permanent or just continually post "temporary" emergency closures? Any news on the range proposed? I can't find anything except old news articles about this.

[MrPrena]

Temporary ban expires end of this year... anyone have any updates / more info? Can they make the ban permanent or just continually post "temporary" emergency closures? Any news on the range proposed? I can't find anything except old news articles about this.

Tag for any info or update.

[hatidua]

Anyone been by there lately?

[Tim]

It was closed in August and looked long term but that was a long time ago. TTT.

[Ed_S]

U.S. Forest Service extends, expands temporary shooting closureRelease Date: Dec 20, 2012
Boulder, Colo.(Dec. 20, 2012) – The U.S. Forest Service has extended a recreational shooting closure for the Allenspark dumpsite and ordered a new temporary recreational shooting closure for an area south of Nederland.
These actions serve as an interim measure while U.S. Forest Service officials and other local land managers across Larimer, Boulder, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties work toward a more sustainable, long-term solution.
In April 2010, a closure to recreational shooting was put in place at the Allenspark dumpsite so public health and safety could be analyzed through an environmental assessment. The closure, previously scheduled to end this year, has been extended until forest officials take action to rescind it. A decision on the Allenspark dumpsite is expected by October 2013.
The new temporary closure south of Nederland, Colo. is effective Dec. 20, 2012, until rescinded and restricts recreational shooting activities (hunting and paintball excluded) on approximately 1,040 acres of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. To see map and order please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5163247
District Ranger Sylvia Clark said, “I am glad we are moving forward with a landscape-level approach. Having input and ideas from counties and other parties involved will be critical to creating more sustainable and long-term solutions.”

[vim]

Clearly a high priority for them.

[cfortune]

Lame. I miss North Site :(

[merl]

no shock there the rangers hate target shooters, and offroaders, and bikes, and campfires...

Actually I think they hate everyone who wants to do anything on 'their' land

[jerrymrc]

no shock there the rangers hate target shooters, and offroaders, and bikes, and campfires...

Actually I think they hate everyone who wants to do anything on 'their' land

Having seen how they are up close and personal years ago I have to agree. I have met some of the good guys on the ground but it seems that any of the people that pass judgment are anti everything.

Welcome to your National Forest. Activities allowed: Watching the trees grow.

[cfortune]

no shock there the rangers hate target shooters, and offroaders, and bikes, and campfires...

Actually I think they hate everyone who wants to do anything on 'their' land


I was up shooting at a spot near North Site after I found out it was closed. Ranger pulled up and I began clearing my weapons.

He got on his intercom, instructed me to finish clearing my weapon, place it on the table (I always bring a table), make my hands visible, and walk slowly towards his vehicle. He then gave me a pop quiz on shooting regulations. Then instructed me to stand there until he had reached the road and become out of sight. Needless to say, that was the last time I went shooting in the Arapahoe national forest.

[blacklabel]

I was up shooting at a spot near North Site after I found out it was closed. Ranger pulled up and I began clearing my weapons.

He got on his intercom, instructed me to finish clearing my weapon, place it on the table (I always bring a table), make my hands visible, and walk slowly towards his vehicle. He then gave me a pop quiz on shooting regulations. Then instructed me to stand there until he had reached the road and become out of sight. Needless to say, that was the last time I went shooting in the Arapahoe national forest.

Makes me appreciate the interactions that I've had with the rangers out at Pawnee.

[hatidua]

I'd like to find some BLM land that allows shooting and campfires. Contending with the constantly-changing regulations at these near-urban sites removes the fun of recreational shooting for me.

[Ed_S]

All my interactions with the Rangers in RNF have been ok to date. When they closed the North Site one Ranger gave me a map and help with finding some other locations.
Based on some of the people they must meet I’m not surprised if sometimes they may not be at their best?

[Danimal]

I was up shooting at a spot near North Site after I found out it was closed. Ranger pulled up and I began clearing my weapons.

He got on his intercom, instructed me to finish clearing my weapon, place it on the table (I always bring a table), make my hands visible, and walk slowly towards his vehicle. He then gave me a pop quiz on shooting regulations. Then instructed me to stand there until he had reached the road and become out of sight. Needless to say, that was the last time I went shooting in the Arapahoe national forest.

I get harassed all the time by parks in Arapahoe, so I load out with my battle belt and hike way the hell up in there with my slidefire stock and wait for them to come up to me. I double it as my workout and hike to this real high spot west of carnage canyon. One actually made it up to me one day and it was great the way that he tried to accuse me of something illegal. I was outside the closed area by a good margin, and had followed all laws to the t. He was so sure that I had an illegal weapon and I had to actually show him the ATF letter that came with the stock. Fortunately I had just bought the stock two days earlier and had the box as a target and the letter just happened to be in my bag with me. Everything that I do up there is the biggest inconvenience to them, and I just don't get it. I had a guy stop and tell me that I was shooting my bow too close to the road and I needed to relocate. I was about 50 yards away from the road firing directly away from the road into a deep ravine at an archery target. Jerks.

[merl]

I'm basing my opinion mainly on a public meeting a few (probably 5 now) years back to discuss use of the forest around Boulder. this was part of the process to close north site.

[hatidua]

I've been approached by authorities a few times while LEGALLY shooting on public land and their demeanor has never been pleasant.