BLM extends comment period, schedules public hearing on West Mountain Shooting Range | News, Sports, Jobs

Courtesy of the United States Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management has extended the public comment period and scheduled a public hearing next week on the West Mountain shooting range project after public requests for more time to review and comment.

The comment period, which was scheduled to end June 20, has been extended to July 19. A public hearing is scheduled for July 11, with representatives from the Civilian Marksmanship Program, which would maintain the range, and Payson City participating.

The proposed range would span about 528 acres and sit on BLM-owned land in West Mountain. The southern end would be adjacent to 10400 South and west of Lateral Canal Road, and the project would border a few residential homes along 6300 West and a handful of farms.

According to a draft plan posted on the BLM website, it would include an outdoor and indoor shooting range, an archery range, a clubhouse for meetings and classes, a store and a restaurant.

The shooting range would be maintained by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, a nonprofit organization created by the federal government that focuses on training and educating citizens on the responsible use of firearms.

Courtesy of the United States Bureau of Land Management

Ashley Snipes, BLM public affairs specialist, noted that the area is already used for scattered shootings and the proposed facility will add more security measures.

“If approved, the transfer of approximately 528 acres to the CMP supports local recreation access and adds a layer of public safety with more structure for the activity,” she said in an email.

The proposal has sparked mixed opinions on social media, with some expressing concerns about the size and proximity of residential homes and others expressing excitement about the potential recreational space.

A petition has been launched on Change.org against the project, which had just over 1,000 signatures as of Tuesday.

With the responses the office has already received, Snipes said they have gathered a few alternative locations to consider for the program.

Currently, the BLM is conducting an environmental assessment of the proposal. Once the comment period closes, Snipes said the agency will review all comments received and incorporate them into the project evaluation.

Once the review is complete, the draft will be made available to the public and another public comment period will open, Snipes said.

The public hearing on the project will begin at 2:46 p.m. on July 11 in the banquet room of the Payson Municipal Building. Residents can still submit public comments online through July 19 at eplanning.blm.gov.

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