Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission authorizes process to explore a practical shooting range on county land
Summary
The commission authorized county staff to begin the process of evaluating a practical shooting range on a county‑owned parcel (APN S A‑E‑4135); proponents said the range would host matches that attract out‑of‑area participants and raise funds for local nonprofits.
Iron County commissioners voted to begin the process for a practical shooting range on county‑owned land (APN S A‑E‑4135), after hearing a presentation from Pat Brower of Iron Mountain Training Group (IMTG).
Brower said IMTG has run matches that draw competitors from Salt Lake, Las Vegas and Colorado, raising funds for local veteran nonprofits and increasing tourism. He asked the county to authorize staff to explore using a county parcel northeast of the existing shooting range that has natural backstops and could be developed with modest excavation and berming to create multiple bays, parking and better access.
County staff said the parcel appears suitable—isolated, with natural barriers—and noted public‑works interest in preserving some parcels as future borrow pits. Commissioners discussed potential structures for lease or management: a county‑owned site managed under a lease or net‑lease by a private operator; or a county partnership that assigns maintenance and scheduling to a private group. The group discussed safety, storage, and ongoing operation; IMTG and the Southern Utah Veterans Association offered volunteer and fundraising support.
Vote and next steps: The commission voted to begin the process (motion passed, recorded as approval to proceed with analysis and discussions). Staff will report back with options for road and site improvements, potential leases or management structures, cost estimates for earthwork and berming, and draft liability/usage agreements.
Ending: Supporters said a dedicated practical shooting range would permit larger matches, draw visiting competitors and produce modest tourism dollars while providing a controlled facility for training and community fundraisers.
