16 USC 8423 - Range access

U.S Code last checked for updates: Feb 22, 2025

§ 8423.

Range access

(a)

Definition of target shooting range

(b)

Assessment; identification of target shooting range locations

(1)

Assessment

Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, the Secretary concerned shall make available to the public a list that—

(A)

identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district that has a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B);

(B)

identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district that does not have a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B); and

(C)

for each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district identified under subparagraph (B), provides a determination of whether applicable law or the applicable land use plan prevents the establishment of a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B).

(2)

Identification of target shooting range locations

(A)

In general

(B)

Requirements

The Secretaries, in consultation with the entities described in subsection (d), shall, for purposes of identifying a suitable location for a target shooting range under subparagraph (A)—

(i)

consider the proximity of areas frequently used by recreational shooters;

(ii)

ensure that the target shooting range would not adversely impact a shooting range operated on non-Federal land; and

(iii)

consider other nearby recreational uses, including proximity to units of the National Park System, to minimize potential conflict and prioritize visitor safety.

(3)

Establishment of new target shooting ranges

(A)

In general

Not later than 5 years after January 4, 2025, at 1 or more suitable locations identified on each eligible National Forest and Bureau of Land Management district under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary concerned shall—

(i)

subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, construct a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (B) or modify an existing target shooting range to meet the requirements described in subparagraph (B); or

(ii)

enter into an agreement with an entity described in subsection (d)(1), under which the entity shall establish or maintain a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (B).

(B)

Requirements

A target shooting range established under this paragraph—

(i)

(I)

shall be able to accommodate rifles and pistols;

(II)

may include skeet, trap, or sporting clay infrastructure; and

(III)

may accommodate archery;

(ii)

shall include appropriate public safety designs and features, including—

(I)

significantly modified landscapes, including berms, buffer distances, or other public safety designs or features; and

(II)

a designated firing line; and

(iii)

may include—

(I)

shade structures;

(II)

trash containers;

(III)

restrooms;

(IV)

benches; and

(V)

any other features that the Secretary concerned determines to be necessary.

(C)

Recreation and Public Purposes Act

(c)

Restrictions

(1)

Management

The management of a target shooting range shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary concerned determines are necessary for the safe, responsible use of—

(A)

the target shooting range; and

(B)

the adjacent land and resources.

(2)

Closures

(d)

Coordination

(1)

In general

In carrying out this section, the Secretaries shall coordinate with—

(A)

State, Tribal, and local governments;

(B)

nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, including organizations that are signatories to the memorandum of understanding entitled “Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports Roundtable Memorandum of Understanding” and signed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management on August 17, 2006;

(C)

shooting clubs;

(D)

Federal advisory councils relating to hunting and shooting sports; and

(E)

individuals or entities with authorized leases or permits in an area under consideration for a target shooting range.

(2)

Partnerships

The Secretaries may—

(A)

coordinate with an entity described in paragraph (1) to assist with the construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of a target shooting range; and

(B)

explore opportunities to leverage funding to maximize non-Federal investment in the construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of a target shooting range.

(e)

Annual reports

(f)

Savings clause

(Pub. L. 118–234, title I, § 123, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2844.)

cite as: 16 USC 8423