You may have heard about the renovations taking place at the Dansville Shooting Range in Ingham County. The renovations are progressing nicely, but the range is not open to the public until all of the work is completed. The berms are reconstructed, most of the eyebrows are completed, and the shooting stations are almost finished.

The renovation project will be divided into two phases. The DNR will reopen the range to the public after phase 2 is completed. Phase 1 of the project (range infrastructure) has a tentative completion date of August 27, 2014. Phase 2 of the project (the shooting structure's concrete apron, concrete shooting stations, accessible pathways consisting of crushed limestone and the target areas) will begin after phase 1 as resources become available. The DNR may staff the range on a seasonal basis once the renovations are completed. These changes will provide Michigan's citizens a safe and controlled place to develop their shooting skills.

Conservation Officers and other law enforcement officers will be patrolling the shooting range and taking enforcement action against persons using the range while it is temporarily closed.

Also, the DNR staffed shooting ranges (Ortonville, Pontiac Lake, Rose Lake, and Sharonville) will be open on Monday, September 1, for the Labor Day holiday.

With fall coming soon, now is the time to sign up for a hunter safety class when offerings are plentiful. Search for a class close to home or sign up for an online class at www.michigan.gov/huntereducation. Remember, you can purchase hunting and fishing licenses online 24-hours a day or make a reservation at Michigan's 102 state park and recreation areas at www.michigan.gov/campgroundreservations. Visit the DNR shooting range website at www.michigan.gov/shootingranges for updates on range happenings.

Mary Benson
Shooting Range Specialist
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
bensonm6@michigan.gov