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Land Board tables Lincoln-area shooting-range agenda item after extensive public testimony
Summary
After more than two dozen public speakers and organizational representatives offered mixed views, the Board of Land Commissioners voted to table the Lincoln-area shooting-range item (0626-10) for further consideration.
The Board of Land Commissioners on June 15, 2026, tabled agenda item 0626-10, a proposed action related to a Lincoln-area shooting range, after hearing extensive public testimony from proponents and opponents.
DNRC Director Amanda Kaster introduced the item. The board heard organized support for the proposed range from leadership of the Lincoln Sportsman Club (including President Brian Patzer and several club officers) and a statement from Gary Marbut, president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association. Opposing testimony included private citizens, representatives of the Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (Jeremy Prather), and remarks associated with the Montana Wildlife Federation (Kevin Farron). The meeting record lists more than two dozen public commenters and organizational representatives on both sides of the proposal.
Opponents raised concerns recorded in the meeting materials and an included written handout about potential impacts near the proposed site, including noise, loss of property value, effects on livestock grazing, increased fire risk, contamination and lead runoff into Alice Creek Basin, and loss of public hunting access. The handout included specific statements that a nearby resident and lessee said the proposal would "render the house un-livable" and that runoff "could endanger" wildlife; the handout is included in the meeting packet as 'Handout 0626-10.' Proponents emphasized recreational uses and club operations; the minutes list multiple club officers providing testimony in support.
After public testimony the governor, Greg Gianforte, moved to table the item; Austin Knudsen seconded. Board members and DNRC staff briefly discussed next steps and technical questions. The motion to table carried unanimously, and the item will be returned to a future board meeting for further consideration. No final decision to approve or deny the shooting-range matter was made at this meeting.
The record shows the board received both organized and individual input and decided to pause action to allow additional review and consideration of the range proposal and its site-specific impacts.
