Walton County hears neighbor complaints over temporary 4‑H shotgun range; county says it will seek alternatives

Residents near Criswell Park pressed Walton County commissioners on Sunday for limits or relocation of a temporary 4‑H shotgun practice site, saying the noise and potential lead runoff are harming neighborhood life and could pose environmental risks.

County staff described the site as a temporary practice location for Walton County 4‑H shooting sports and said they are working to reduce community impacts. “What we’re gonna do is we’re gonna work to get that posted on the county website, as well as a copy of the practice schedule,” said John, a Walton County staff member. He told the board the county has already identified an alternate maintenance-only entrance through Criswell Park to avoid using an access driveway between two houses.

Neighbors said that change does not address the louder problems. Alan Terry, who lives about one mile from the site, said the noise is frequent enough to interrupt Sunday afternoons and urged commissioners to set a firm deadline for finding a permanent location. “If it is temporary, my encouragement is that the council put an end date on it so that there’s a pending event knowing that, hey, we gotta make a decision by such and such date,” Terry said.

Several speakers raised environmental worries after county staff referenced EPA guidance for outdoor shooting ranges and described existing best management practices used on site. Jonathan Ordway, who farms downstream of the site, said he fears lead that lands on acidic soils could oxidize and wash into creeks used by livestock. A neighboring resident asked for “written guarantees regarding regular water testing and cleanup efforts” and a posted practice and tournament schedule.

County staff described this season’s schedule, and said practices and competitions are already planned through early summer. Staff said March practices were planned for Sunday afternoons, April and May had a mixture of Sunday and weekday practices because of travel to district competitions, and there are two July events including an end‑of‑year gathering in the first week of July. The county also said it has been in contact with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to explore a possible partnership but that no agreement exists yet.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly framed the current site as a stopgap while they seek a permanent home for the Walton County 4‑H shotgun team. “We are diligently trying to find a permanent place for them,” a county official said during public comment, noting private landowners have been reluctant to accept county liability for a permanent range. Staff said the 4‑H program must train this season while alternative locations are located; county speakers asked for public patience and said they would post schedules so neighbors can plan.

Residents urged firmer safeguards: regular water monitoring, caps on days and hours, limits on tournament size and a clear sunset or relocation deadline. County staff suggested the season concludes around early July and said the county would pursue options and report back.

The board heard about roughly seven public comments focused on noise, environmental exposure and property‑value concerns, and moved on to other agenda items after discussion. Commissioners ended the public‑comment block without taking a formal vote on restrictions or a relocation plan.

Looking ahead, staff said they will post practice schedules and related information on the county website and continue conversations with the state DNR and local landowners about permanent alternatives. County staff asked for time this season to find and secure a new location while keeping the 4‑H team active.