VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Media Contacts: Alison Thomas (802) 371-9975

Nicole Meier (802) 318-1347

Ryan Leamy (802) 498-8087

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Grants Available to Improve Shooting Ranges

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont Fish & Wildlife is offering shooting range improvement grants to encourage upgrades of shooting ranges for enhanced 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. Grant applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on March 15. The grant period begins July 1, 2019.

Eligible projects include shooting range re-development, noise abatement structures, safety berms, shooting pads and stations, 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.

$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 Ali Thomas at (802) 371-9975.

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VTF&W photo by John Hall

John Hall, Outreach Division

[email] john.hall@vermont.gov

[website] www.vtfishandwildlife.com

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

1 National Life Drive, Dewey Bld

Montpelier VT 05620