MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont Fish & Wildlife is offering shooting range improvement grants to create more access to safe places to shoot.
Developed to encourage upgrades of shooting ranges to enhance their safety and operation, the Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program seeks grant applications from clubs and government agencies involved in the operation of shooting ranges, including archery ranges until 4:30 p.m. on March 15. The grant period begins July 1, 2018.
Eligible projects include shooting range re-development, noise abatement structures, safety berms, shooting benches, overhead shelters, and the construction or improvement of access roads and parking lots. Grant money may also be used for lead mitigation, such as recycling, reducing range floor surface drainage or liming range property.
An estimated $60,000 in grant funds will be available this year. These funds are derived through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Program which is based on federal excise taxes on hunting and shooting equipment.
Ranges that receive one of these grants must provide at least 20 hours of public use per month when in operation and be open at reasonable times for hunter education courses.
For further information or to download an application packet, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Click on “Hunting and Trapping,” and then on “Shooting Ranges in Vermont.” Or, contact Daneil Pieterse at (802) 272-6923.