Group discusses shooting complex details

On Friday, August 18, members of different entities met informally at the County Annex to discuss the possibility of bringing a world-class shooting complex to Hot Springs County. The representatives were from the Hot Springs County Commissioners, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Thermopolis, the Town of Shoshoni, and the Thermopolis Gun Club. 

Commissioner Paul Galovich led the discussion where various ideas of locations were mulled over. Their initial discussion was to see if the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would be willing to have some of their land used for the shooting complex’s location. The Mayor of Shoshoni, Joel Highsmith, produced some research that the use of BLM’s “Disposal Property” might be an option. Concerns about grazing and mineral leases were also discussed. 

The time frame involved with BLM was also a concern because there might need to be environmental impact studies needed and public comments. The process might take years, depending on the “red tape” involved. Discussion led to the possibility of cutting through the red tape if the Governor or some other senior officials can help expedite the process.

Concerns about the costs were also brought up. Governor Mark Gordon wants to spend a combination of funds totaling $10 million to pay for the shooting range. The participants of the meeting speculated that that amount of money would not be enough. Different existing shooting ranges in the nation were compared and for Wyoming to have a world-class facility, one participant said it might cost $20 million. Inflation was also a concern. 

There was a discussion about what would be the qualifications for the shooting complex location. To address this, Chamber CEO Meri Ann Dorman asked the participants to fill out the Wyoming State Shooting Complex Survey 2023. It is due by September 15. 

Also, on September 27, at 8:30 a.m. in Riverton, there will be the 2023 State Shooting Complex Oversight Task Force Meeting. The specific location has not been set.

Commissioner Paul Galovich and the group determined at the meeting, the next steps were to contact BLM in Worland and see if there was any interest from them about this possibility. 

State Senator Larry Hicks also gave his response over email correspondence and said, “The task force is currently working on the criteria for the complex. I do not anticipate this work will be completed later this fall. With that said, I will give you some preliminary requirements that are likely to be essential for eligibility. 1. Must have a minimum of 2,000 yards for long-range shooting. Preferably with a high degree of topographic relief (hills, canyons, etc.). 2. Will likely have a minimum of 1000 acres of land. 3. Has to have water, sewer, and wifi available on site.. 4. Ability to host up to 500 people in the local or regional community. (Motels, camping, etc) 5. Other amenities/attractions available to participants at complex events. 6. All-season road access and road and parking lot maintenance (who). 7. This is very preliminary but items of information the task force will likely consider.”

The next meeting will be on August 28 at 5 p.m. at the County Annex. Participants are asked to bring their ideas of potential sites.