Denali Borough committee schedules work session after state notice on Pangini gravel pit; explores managed shooting range

The Denali Borough Community and Outdoor Recreation Committee on Tuesday responded to a state Department of Natural Resources public notice proposing restrictions on the use and discharge of firearms at the Pangini gravel pit at milepost 252 of the Parks Highway, and scheduled a July 7 work session to begin borough planning and public outreach.

Why it matters: The Pangini pit has long served as an informal shooting site for residents; committee members warned that an abrupt closure could push recreational shooting into less safe locations. The committee said it wants to work with the state and local partners to develop a safer, managed alternative rather than see an unplanned displacement of shooting activity.

Committee members and staff summarized the state notice and the borough's options. Stephanie, the community development director, said the DNR public comment period is open through June 24 and that the borough's community and outdoor recreation plan already identifies a formalized range as a potential project. "The state issued a public notice about proposing the restriction of the use and the discharge of firearms at that gravel pit," she said, noting the comment deadline.

Speakers described years of misuse at the pit — from late-night shooting to trash and spent casings — and raised concerns about contamination and long-term maintenance. One participant told the committee the site had become "thoroughly contaminated" and urged a managed long-term solution; that statement was made by a participant who did not provide a full name during the meeting. The mayor said borough staff have discussed the issue with DOT and DNR and that the borough could act as a convening venue to pursue partnerships and a nonprofit steward for long-term maintenance. "I think we've talked about — well, yeah — this is a local issue that I think we can work through together," the mayor said.

The committee debated immediate next steps. Members noted quorum and notice constraints that limit what the committee can do before the comment deadline. They agreed to convene a July 7 work session at 6 p.m. to gather community input, draft administrative recommendations, and prepare materials that committee members and individuals could submit during the DNR comment period. Staff said the borough can also submit administrative materials and that a later regular meeting could be used to adopt any formal, unified comment or resolution if members decide that is appropriate.

What's next: The committee will publicize the July 7 work session and will prepare outreach materials. DNR's formal comment period remains open through June 24. The committee also discussed longer-term options — including identifying nonprofit partners, working with DOT on site management, and designing a gated range with a backstop and maintenance plan — as part of future work-session agendas.