We knew this was coming....
http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/show...ng-Closures-on-the-Pike&p=2007679#post2007679
From the USFS:
U.S. FOREST SERVICE TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE VISITOR SAFETY
IN ELPASO COUNTY
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 13, 2012 – The Pike National Forest, Pikes Peak Ranger District is taking action along Mount Herman Road, Forest Service (FS) Road #320 to resolve serious safety issues associated with recreational shooting that does not conform to safe shooting practices. The District will close two areas on Thursday, June 14, 2012.
Each area along the Mt. Herman Road is approximately ¼ acre in size and is outside the restricted shooting areas and do not meet the guidelines requirements for safe recreational shooting. The areas will be signed closed and violations will be issued for illegal use of the area.
They are located approximately seven miles from Rampart Range Road if heading towards Monument or if heading towards Rampart Range Road from Monument, it is approximately 3 miles up Mount Herman Road from the Red Rock Ranch Road. The two sites are within a ½ mile of each other.
These specific locations do not provide an earthen backstop, as needed to ensure for safe shooting. Shooting from these areas without an earthen backstop allows ammunition to travel long distances posing a serious threat to one or more of the following: trail users along Limbaugh Canyon Trail # 715, users in the canyon below, as well as, travelers winding through the switchbacks on Mount Herman Road.
These areas are also heavily impacted with spent casings and other trash, as well as extensive resource damage to trees. The Friends of Monument Preserve have assisted with clean-up of the areas this week in partnership with the Pike National Forest.
A third location, to be closed in the future, is located on FS Rd #381 off of Gold Camp Road.
This area is too close to the Wye Campground to safely discharge a firearm.
Recreational shooters in the National Forests should comply with the guidelines for safe
recreational shooting:
Ensure that you are not shooting within the restricted areas shown on the shooting closure
map.
Do not discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, occupied
areas or into or within a cave.
Never shoot from or across a traveled route (this includes any type of road or trail located
on the Forest).
Never shoot at trees, don’t place targets on trees.
It is unlawful to shoot across a body of water, or in any manner or place where
individuals or property are exposed to injury or damage.
Shoot only at intended target ensuring that your bullets are going into a good earthen
backstop. Do not shoot into solid rock.
We recommend you use only paper or biodegradable targets. Collect all your casings and
trash before you leave the area. Do not shoot glass or metal.
It is unsafe to shoot after dark.
Never shoot from a motor vehicle.
Always remember alcohol and firearms DO NOT mix!
Be aware and know what is public property versus private property. Never shoot across a
canyon or down into a drainage.
Please respect the land and other users of the Forest.
For information on recreational shooting please visit:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/psic...theractivities
Click on target shooting to select the appropriate District of the Pike National Forest.
Im pretty irritated to say the least about how the FS/RD handled this. Their ever so awesome of an effort to help us out really shows :bs:
http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/show...ng-Closures-on-the-Pike&p=2007679#post2007679
From the USFS:
U.S. FOREST SERVICE TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE VISITOR SAFETY
IN ELPASO COUNTY
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 13, 2012 – The Pike National Forest, Pikes Peak Ranger District is taking action along Mount Herman Road, Forest Service (FS) Road #320 to resolve serious safety issues associated with recreational shooting that does not conform to safe shooting practices. The District will close two areas on Thursday, June 14, 2012.
Each area along the Mt. Herman Road is approximately ¼ acre in size and is outside the restricted shooting areas and do not meet the guidelines requirements for safe recreational shooting. The areas will be signed closed and violations will be issued for illegal use of the area.
They are located approximately seven miles from Rampart Range Road if heading towards Monument or if heading towards Rampart Range Road from Monument, it is approximately 3 miles up Mount Herman Road from the Red Rock Ranch Road. The two sites are within a ½ mile of each other.
These specific locations do not provide an earthen backstop, as needed to ensure for safe shooting. Shooting from these areas without an earthen backstop allows ammunition to travel long distances posing a serious threat to one or more of the following: trail users along Limbaugh Canyon Trail # 715, users in the canyon below, as well as, travelers winding through the switchbacks on Mount Herman Road.
These areas are also heavily impacted with spent casings and other trash, as well as extensive resource damage to trees. The Friends of Monument Preserve have assisted with clean-up of the areas this week in partnership with the Pike National Forest.
A third location, to be closed in the future, is located on FS Rd #381 off of Gold Camp Road.
This area is too close to the Wye Campground to safely discharge a firearm.
Recreational shooters in the National Forests should comply with the guidelines for safe
recreational shooting:
Ensure that you are not shooting within the restricted areas shown on the shooting closure
map.
Do not discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, occupied
areas or into or within a cave.
Never shoot from or across a traveled route (this includes any type of road or trail located
on the Forest).
Never shoot at trees, don’t place targets on trees.
It is unlawful to shoot across a body of water, or in any manner or place where
individuals or property are exposed to injury or damage.
Shoot only at intended target ensuring that your bullets are going into a good earthen
backstop. Do not shoot into solid rock.
We recommend you use only paper or biodegradable targets. Collect all your casings and
trash before you leave the area. Do not shoot glass or metal.
It is unsafe to shoot after dark.
Never shoot from a motor vehicle.
Always remember alcohol and firearms DO NOT mix!
Be aware and know what is public property versus private property. Never shoot across a
canyon or down into a drainage.
Please respect the land and other users of the Forest.
For information on recreational shooting please visit:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/psic...theractivities
Click on target shooting to select the appropriate District of the Pike National Forest.
Im pretty irritated to say the least about how the FS/RD handled this. Their ever so awesome of an effort to help us out really shows :bs:
