Published: September 23, 2009 11:31 am      

Revised fee proposed for forest service shooting ranges

The USDA Forest Service is looking for feedback on a proposal for a revised recreation fee at its two shooting ranges, the Chestnut Mountain Range in Whitfield County and the Sumac Creek Range in Murray County. The revised fee would be $5 per person per day. The current fee is $5 per vehicle per day.

A use fee is needed to help pay for maintenance and improvements at the shooting ranges. For example, these fees were used to install a new toilet at the Chestnut Mountain site in 2007 and a new range shelter roof, shooting benches and other improvements were made to the Sumac Creek Range in 2008.

“We recognize how important these sites are to our local communities and those who use the sites,” said Conasauga District ranger Michele Jones. “We have made improvements to the two shooting ranges based on visitor desires and feedback. Maintenance costs at shooting ranges are higher than most other recreation sites. Restructuring these fees will help us maintain the site to the level and quality people have come to expect.” The Sumac Creek Range is located off Old Ga. Highway 2, on Forest Road 391, about two miles east of Cisco. Chestnut Mountain Range is found off Ga. Highway 136, on Forest Road 212, about seven miles west of I-75.

For more information or to comment write to Conasauga Ranger District, 3941 Highway 76, Chatsworth, GA 30705. You may also comment by phone at (706) 695-6736, e-mail to Larry Thomas at lrthomas@fs.fed.us or in person to the office in Chatsworth between 8 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.