Shooting range plan misfires

Sept. 27, 2005

DARRELL L. BREESE\Frontiersman reporter

PALMER - Tension between Mat-Su Borough Assembly members Jim Colver and Jody Simpson began in August over the selection of a shooting range.

Like a smoldering ember, that tension sparked again Tuesday during discussion of an ordinance to set aside land in the Point MacKenzie area for use as a rifle range.

A 4-3 vote rejecting reclassification of a 320-acre borough-owned parcel on Point MacKenzie Road, approximately one mile north of the Alsop Road intersection, doused the fiery discussion between the assembly members.

The squabble between Colver and Simpson started when Colver introduced a resolution calling for the examination of the possibility of developing a shooting range on borough land in the Point MacKenzie area.

Simpson attempted to amend the resolution, expanding the study area to include borough land in the Palmer-Wasilla core area.

After being shot down, Simpson came back in the next meeting with a resolution of her own, including the core area.

Her resolution also called for an evaluation of development issues related to the selected site. Colver was quick to sign on as a co-sponsor of the resolution.

It was obvious from the debate that both were fighting for their plan over the others.

In addition to meeting opposition for his ordinance, Colver was also up against the public.

One by one, a handful of individuals addressed the question of designating the land as a shooting range. Most questioned the lack of a plan for development and the cost involved.

Among them was longtime Valley resident Noel Woods, who applauded Colver's proposal to develop a legal public shooting range, but questioned the lack of a plan.

"There are dangers and drawbacks with this site," Woods said. "The land is flat and it will cost a lot to develop a natural barrier.

"The intent is admirable," Woods continued, "but the designation of the land as a shooting range fails to address some vital issues, like the development cost and the operation and management of the facility."

Colver responded to the series of comments asking about the development of the site by stating that will come later.

"The bullets aren't flying yet," Colver said. "This is just a designation of the site as a rifle range - putting the classification in place for future development and before it is too late to classify the land as a shooting area. We will have time to put together a plan for development later."

That is where Simpson differed with Colver, insisting that her resolution - scheduled to be ready for public hearing in May - addresses the development questions, operation and management issues and involves the public.

"The other resolution in process incorporates more input from the public and the shooting community," Simpson said.

"It also sets in place more than one location in the borough to be considered. It is a better overall comprehensive approach, not just setting aside raw land."

Simpson went on to say that the fact that neither the planning commission nor the parks, recreation and trails commission supported the site considered during the meeting was a clear indication more information is needed before moving forward.

"The people who testified and the comments from the borough committees were evident that they want more information," Simpson said. "Mr. Colver called it a slap in the face to the local road service areas earlier tonight when we considered funding a storage area for sand, but now he is ready to move forward without involving the community council or having the support of the planning or parks and rec commissions."

The possibility of a shooting range is not dead. The proposed site resulting from Simpson's resolution is scheduled to be ready for public comment by May 15, and for assembly consideration during the June 21 meeting.

Simpson, whose term expires in October, will not be on the assembly to support her resolution, but has pledged to continue to work for it as a citizen.

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or darrell.breese@

frontiersman.com.