Number: 1996-09
WHEREAS, many of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) affiliates maintain non-governmental shooting ranges throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, the NWF believes that ethical and safe hunting requires practice at ranges to develop proficiency with firearms and bow; that shooting sports are a valid family outdoor recreational activity; and further recognizes the importance these ranges serve as a training area for the state and local police agencies; and that they provide other important public services; and
WHEREAS, well-managed, safe and legal shooting ranges serve natural resource conservation by reducing indiscriminate shooting practices and the use of areas that are not managed, which can be unsafe and spread lead and debris through the environment; and
WHEREAS, the problems chronically plaguing shooting ranges are due to increased residential development in rural areas which are virtually the same as the problems that led many state legislatures to pass “The Right To Farm Act”; and
WHEREAS, many shooting ranges have been in existence for decades and should have an inherent right to function as would any other lawful, legitimate business in spite of residential encroachments; and
WHEREAS, in 1994 the State of Michigan passed a model shooting range protection act; and
WHEREAS, this Range Protection Act protects sport shooting ranges if the range conforms to recognized operation practices as described by the National Rifle Association through its published and comprehensive range policies; and
WHEREAS, the Range Protection Act allows a range that was not in violation of existing law when it was built, to continue to operate even if the operation does not conform to new or amended ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Range Protection Act states that each person participating in sport shooting at a range conforming to accepted practices accepts the obvious and inherent risk associated with the sport;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 1-3, 1996 in West Palm Beach, Florida, encourages appropriate state legislation protecting sport shooting ranges.