— A groundswell of public opposition is growing rapidly
against the recently approved gun range project, with multiple formal appeals already filed,
potential lawsuits pending, and a community petition surpassing 800 signatures and
climbing daily. Residents, environmental experts, business owners, and faith leaders are
united in demanding an immediate halt to the project over serious safety, environmental, and
legal concerns.
Flawed Survey and Omitted Critical Data
Central to the controversy is the deeply flawed site survey submitted by Riddle Construction.
The survey, which was used to obtain project approval, omits over a dozen critical data
points, including residential homes, private wells, septic systems, and key environmental
features. These omissions have triggered widespread concern that the project was pushed
forward without a complete understanding of the public safety and environmental risks involved.
Moreover, the survey fails to note how alarmingly close residential properties are to the
active firing zones. Families live within a proximity that experts have deemed dangerous and
unacceptable, particularly given the plan for live gunfire seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m..
Disruption to Community and Religious Life
The noise and safety risk extend to a local religious chapel that holds worship services and
community gatherings throughout the week. Its location, within the sound and safety radius of
the range, has prompted faith leaders to speak out about the irreparable disruption this poses
to spiritual and communal life.
Toxic Environmental Risks from Lead Contamination
Of urgent concern is the risk of soil and groundwater contamination from lead, which could
have devastating long-term consequences for local agriculture, wildlife, and human health.
With the range sited in a rural, agricultural zone, runoff from lead ammunition threatens
livestock, domestic animals, crops, and private water supplies. A full EPA environmental
assessment is pending, and residents insist no operations should move forward until these
risks are thoroughly evaluated.
Economic Fallout and Property Value Decline
The project is already resulting in a sharp drop in property values, harming families’ equity
and contributing to a loss in property tax revenue that will impact county budgets and public
services. Local businesses—particularly in agriculture and eco-tourism—also stand to suffer
from the environmental uncertainty and reputational damage.
Community Response: Petitions, Appeals, and Legal Action
In response, over 800 community members have signed a petition opposing the gun
range, and the number continues to grow. Formal appeals are underway, and legal teams are
preparing to file for injunctive relief and further litigation if necessary.
“This project was rushed through without transparency, accuracy, or accountability,” said one
resident and petition organizer. “We are not anti-business. We are pro-safety, pro-environment,
and pro-community. This range puts all of that in jeopardy.”
The coalition is calling on county officials, state agencies, and the EPA to act immediately to
suspend the project, launch a comprehensive environmental and zoning reassessment,
and prioritize the long-term safety and well-being of the region.
Board of Commissioners Meeting. Many from the local community will be in attendance at
the next Board of Commissioners meeting on May 21, 2025 at 9:30am to speak out about the
gun range. We encourage all to attend. Meeting will be held at 1 Historic Courthouse Square,
