SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5099
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 20, 2019
Title: An act relating to establishing recreational target shooting areas on public lands.
Brief Description: Establishing recreational target shooting areas on public lands.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Fortunato, Schoesler and Wagoner.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks: 1/24/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, WATER, NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages nearly 3 million acres of uplands and over 2 million acres of aquatic lands. DNR must manage those lands using a multiple use concept where it is in the best interests of the state and the general welfare of the citizens, and is consistent with the management objectives of the land. Multiple use means the management of state-owned lands under the jurisdiction of DNR to provide for several uses simultaneously. For example, many state trust lands managed by DNR are also used for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, motorized vehicle riding, recreational target shooting, and other outdoor recreation activities.
Target shooting on DNR managed lands is currently allowed in recreation facilities specifically designed for target shooting, and on most DNR-managed lands in areas with an unobstructed, earth backstop that can stop all projectiles safely. No shooting is permitted within 500 feet of a recreation site, residence, business, or structure. Shooting is also not permitted across, along, or down roads or trails. Target shooters must dispose of spent items and remove all shell casings, targets, and ammunition packaging.
Summary of Bill: DNR must designate and manage recreational target shooting areas on department-managed lands in Mason and Skagit counties by December 31, 2019. In addition, DNR must work with stakeholders to evaluate and designate additional recreational target shooting areas on department-managed lands.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Some citizens are frustrated by the lack of progress by DNR in designating recreational target shooting areas. There needs to be a better relationship between DNR and the recreational target shooting community. Safety should be the number one concern. No shooting signs have been posted in areas previously allowed for recreational shooting. An area that is ideal for recreational target shooting that has been open for years has recently closed without warning or any public involvement. DNR has held public meetings on the topic of recreational target shooting but no decisions are made.
CON: It is time to change how recreational target shooting is managed on DNR lands and provide designated areas.
OTHER: There are staff safety and implementation cost concerns with increasing recreational target shooting on DNR lands. There are not enough DNR enforcement officers to manage the recreational target shooting areas. There are irresponsible shooters and dispersed shooting is not occurring in a safe manner. DNR needs to designate shooting areas and then they need additional resources to manage those areas.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Tim Sheldon, Prime Sponsor; Shane Muhleman; Herb Gerhardt, DNR Volunteer; Melvin Armstrong, citizen. CON: Brock Milliern, DNR. OTHER: Seamus Petrie, Washington Public Employees Association; Joan Fleming, Back Country Horsemen of Washington; Kelly Wood, Friends of Capitol Forest.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.