Shooting range opens in Cherokee National Forest

The opening ceremony Wednesday in Polk County was attended by U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, who helped secure $300,000 in federal money for the range. Wamp shot a bullseye at the range during the event.

The idea for the range came from Forest Service Ranger Russ Arthur and Polk County detective Kevin Cole, who were trying to create a place for officers and deputies to train.

The range also will be open to the public. It will be maintained by local and state law enforcement agencies through a cooperative agreement.

Polk County Executive Hoyt Firestone said the range is one of the best public facilities in the Southeast and was needed because of high interest in hunting in Polk County. He said the location is well away from other public uses and is at least five miles from the nearest resident.

The range is open during daylight hours daily, except Tuesdays. It replaces the old Spring Creek, Brush Creek and Thornburg shooting ranges.

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On the Net:

Cherokee National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/