Efforts to rotate the direction of the Machickanee Shooting Range in Morgan are creeping forward as Oconto County works to incorporate safety measures before reopening the range. The range, at 3490 Garrity Road in Morgan, closed in May 2014 amid ongoing safety concerns and noise complaints from neighbors.
At an Oconto County Forestry, Parks and Recreation Committee meeting Wednesday, department head Robert Skalitzky presented plans showing the proposed new layout of the range. The plans include new shooting stations, berms and backstops that will be constructed using money from a $175,000 grant from federal wildlife restoration funding.
But a lot needs to happen before the project begins.
“We need to go out there and make a path for vehicles to get down so it can be laid out,” Skalitzky said, indicating this could take place this fall. He said satellite maps do not give an accurate picture of the terrain of the area.
The archaeological and environmental impact studies have already been conducted, but there are a number of permits the county needs before beginning major work.
The committee plans to schedule a public meeting for town of Morgan residents but no date has been set.
“We need to solidify the plan before a public meeting,” committee chairman Greg Sekela said. “We need to get the permits and have a concrete plan first.”
The committee will decide whether the site will be supervised, what hours it will be open and the size of the parking lot, back stops, berms and shooting stations.
Two Morgan residents attending the meeting expressed concerns about supervision at the facility after Skalitzky said it’s possible no supervision would be provided.
“No, no, no,” said a woman, who declined to be named in the Times Herald. “That’s not an option. The county is liable for stray bullets. You’re not going to stop people from being stupid.”
Setting the hours of operation will occur further along in the process, but Skalitzky gave assurance the hours will be adhered to. The property will be fenced along the Garrity Road front and will be gated.
“If we close the gate,” he said, “it’s closed.”
“The purpose of the range is to provide a safe place for people to shoot their weapons,” Sekela said. “We want to provide as much opportunity for recreational activities that we can.”
Dave Behrend, of Morgan, suggested the committee ensure that sound barriers extend beyond the end of the gun muzzles so they are effective in capturing the sound.
Other topics discussed were the amount of space separating each shooting bench and who would be responsible for managing the lead shot left behind.
The range will open with limited hours in November in order for area sportsmen to sight in their weapons for hunting.
“We’ve had people from the Green Bay area calling to see when it’s going to be open,” committee member Al Stranz said.
Skalitzky said the county will prepare the site by mowing weeds and putting up the shooting stands.
Only rifles and shotguns will be allowed. No handguns will be permitted.
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