Proposed donation of land west of county shooting range prompts county review of liability and management

During the meeting’s public-comment period, Patrick Brower described a new offer from landowner Frank Nichols to donate a parcel west of the county shooting range to support development of a practical shooting facility.

Brower said the alternate parcel would be easier to access and "better suited for the project," and estimated the footprint needed at about "two to three acres" for several bay areas. He described a mixed public-private plan in which Nichols would donate the land to the county while some operational elements could be privately managed. "Frank would donate the land to the county, so it would still be a county range," Brower said.

Commissioners and staff discussed next steps: schedule a meeting with county attorneys and risk/indemnity staff, review existing contracts from other local ranges, and examine insurance, liability and management structures. Parks and recreation and tourism staff indicated they would join planning conversations; a county official said attorneys would be asked to draft or review any proposed agreement.

Speakers referenced model agreements used elsewhere. Brower named Southern Utah Practical Shooters and Red Cliffs (sometimes referenced in meeting as Bridal Cliffs) as organizations whose agreements the county could review to structure management, safety, access control and liability mitigation. One commissioner suggested contacting Washington County officials who oversee similar arrangements.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff signaled political willingness to pursue the donation if legal and liability concerns can be addressed, which could expand infrastructure for events such as the Utah Summer Games and provide a managed public shooting facility.

Meeting evidence includes the public-comment record and commissioners’ responses indicating a follow-up meeting to review agreements and legal requirements.