For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Pavey (509) 536-1200
Release No.: OR130-FY2011-0003
Fishtrap Lake Target Shooting Emergency Closure
Spokane, WA – On October 12, 2010, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued an emergency
closure order prohibiting recreational shooting and target practice on approximately 5,290 acres of public
land in the Fishtrap Lake Recreation Area. This area is located approximately 30 miles southeast of
Spokane, Washington, near the town of Sprague. This closure will be in effect until further notice.
The emergency closure order prohibits recreational shooting and target practice on BLM-administered
public lands that are located east of the Sprague Highway Road (County Road #9315), starting at the
northern end of the area and continuing south to the livestock fence that is located just southwest of the
Farmers Landing trailhead. A map of the closed area is available at the Spokane District Office at 1103 N.
Fancher Road, Spokane Valley, WA, on the internet at www.blm.gov/or/districts/spokane, and on kiosks
throughout the affected area.
In recent years, an increasing number of residents and visitors have expressed concern about target shooting
in or near areas where other activities were occurring at Fishtrap Lake Recreation Area. The BLM has
responded by enforcing Federal regulations which prohibit shooting across roads, trails, bodies of water,
and toward areas where people are camped, picnicking, or otherwise gathered. Despite efforts by the BLM,
potentially dangerous situations involving recreational shooting and target practice have increased as the
number of visitors to the area has grown. In recent weeks, this dangerous situation has escalated
tremendously. The intention of the emergency closure is to immediately provide for public safety while the
BLM considers more long-term solutions.
The BLM began considering options to resolve this issue two years ago and solicited comments from the
public regarding a proposed supplementary rule that would create a permanent closure. Since then, the
Spokane District has begun a revision of its resource management plan (RMP) and has determined that the
RMP would be the best forum for developing a long-term solution. However, the BLM does not anticipate
completion of the RMP revision until 2012.
-BLMAbout the BLM: The BLM manages 245 million acres of public land known as the National System of Public Lands.
The lands are primarily located in 12 Western states, including 75 million acres in Alaska. With a budget of about $1
billion, the bureau also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s
multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present
and future generations.
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ORDER
EMERGENCY CLOSURE
RECREATIONAL SHOOTING AND TARGET PRACTICE
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 12, 2010
Recreational shooting and target practice are prohibited on certain federal public lands
in Lincoln and Spokane counties of Washington, as depicted on the attached map. This
emergency closure will be in effect until further notice.
The affected lands are
administered by the Border Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, and this order
is issued under the authority of Section 303(a) of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1733) and 43 CFR 9268.3(d).
An emergency closure is necessary to provide for visitor safety. The use of firearms
for hunting is allowed, consistent with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
regulations and seasons. Recreational shooting and target practice will continue to be
allowed on BLM-administered public lands outside of the closure area, as depicted on
the map.
Any person who violates the above closure may be tried before a United States
Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000, imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or
both. Such violations may also be subject to the enhanced fines provided for by 18
U.S.C. 3571.
This closure will provide for public safety while the BLM considers a more permanent
solution.
For more information contact the Border Field Office at (509) 536-1200.
/S/ June E. Hues
June E. Hues
Field Manager
Border Field Office