That's pretty screwed up. We're already taxed to use those lands, now they want a special membership too? Where is all of the money going?
It would be cool if we had a shell corporation or some kind of organization with buying power that could scoop up some cheap land out in the county and clear it out. I imagine it would be slightly spendy in the beginning but the more people that join, the dues would drop. If we could get it down to say $10-$15 a year it might keep us from having to put up with the state on this issue in the future.
Benefits could include...
- improved safety (sensible range rules)
- clean premises (simple clean up policy)
- bathrooms & maybe a rain shelter
- fire pit
- biggest charcoal grill in the county (BBQ, Fire Pit & Shooting - the perfect afternoon retreat)
I might sound like a goof for saying it, but if the state can't demonstrate competence in managing the money, someone needs to push them aside & show em how its done.
P.S. Happy 4th of July.
Don't forget that this land the group now "owns" will still be subject to State Regulation.
It would have to be zoned for "Shooting Range".
All structures would require Building Permits
At least one restroom would need to be Handicap Accessible even if no Handicapped persons around.
Don't forget that in order to get a permit for the Shooting Range you would also have to provide an Environmental Impact Statement that isn't just cobbled up on your keyboard but involves the services of everyone from Engineers to Environmentalists.
And then you have to be prepared to withstand all the assaults from neighbors in Court. Don't like the noise, go to court to block the building permit. Loose there, go back to court to challenge the EIS. Still loosing, file a complaint with everything from EPA to ADA.
Are you ready for that?
Oh, by the way, the BBQ probably would require a permit from the local Fire Authority and another from the Department of Health.
So much for getting away from State Meddling.