§8423 Range Access

Summary

Require the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to find and set up public target shooting ranges on their lands. A "target shooting range" means a developed, managed place run or allowed by the Forest Service or BLM (or their concessioner or lessee) where people can legally fire guns, practice shooting, do archery, or take part in related activities. Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, the agencies must publish a list showing which National Forests and BLM districts already have such a range, which do not, and for those without one whether law or land-use plans stop a range from being built. For each district where a range is allowed, the agencies must pick at least one suitable site, thinking about where people already shoot, avoiding harm to nearby non-Federal ranges, and reducing conflicts with other recreation and park units. Not later than 5 years after January 4, 2025, and subject to funding, the agencies must build or upgrade ranges or make agreements with partners to do so. Ranges must handle rifles and pistols, may include skeet/trap/sporting clay and archery, must have safety features like berms, buffers, and a firing line, and can include shade, trash cans, restrooms, benches, or other needed items. The agencies must manage ranges for safe use, coordinate with state, tribal, local governments, clubs, nonprofits, and leaseholders, may use partners and outside funding, and must report progress starting 2 years after January 4, 2025 and yearly through fiscal year 2033. The agencies can also run additional ranges beyond those required.