August 31, 2016

IFW To Hold Public Hearings/Informational Meetings On Shooting Ranges

AUGUSTA, Maine ? The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will hold two combination informational meetings/public hearings to discuss proposed improvement plans and facility rules for department-owned shooting areas in Fryeburg and Augusta.

IFW currently operates two shooting areas on department-owned property at the Major Gregory Sanborn Wildlife Management area in Brownfield and Fryeburg, and the Summerhaven shooting area in Augusta. The two established shooting areas have been utilized for years, and have seen a marked increase in use in recent years.

The informational meetings will begin at 5:00 p.m. and the focus will be the proposed facility upgrade plans which include improved parking, an upgraded shooting area, enhanced sound suppression and containment improvements.

Following the informational meetings, the public hearing will begin at 6:30. The public hearing will focus on proposed rules for the shooting ranges which include planned hours of operation, staffing, age requirements, and other items.

The public hearings and informational meetings are scheduled as follows:

? September 7, 2016 at the Brownfield Community Center on 90 Main Street in Brownfield; informational meeting at 5:00 p.m. and public hearing at 6:30 p.m.

? September 8, 2016 at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault on 203 Whitten Road in Hallowell; informational meeting at 5:00 p.m. and public hearing at 6:30 p.m.

For those who are unable to attend the public meetings, you can also submit written comments until September 19th. Comments, or requests for a copy of the proposed rules, should be sent to Becky Orff, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333; or by e-mail at Becky.Orff@maine.gov.

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