Photo image behind the Colorado Parks and Wildlife logo courtesy of Rio Blanco Herald Times
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has announced that it is accepting applications for shooting range construction and improvement grants through the Shooting Range Grant Development Program. The program was established in 2009. It is the largest of its kind in the nation and has supported dozens of shooting range improvement projects across Colorado.
Applications are due by March 15, 2024. Program funds can cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs.
Criteria include:
Basalt SWA Shooter at Range. Image courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
- A substantive public benefit.
- Evidence that the range is (or will be) approved by the appropriate local government or landowning agency.
- An Environmental Stewardship Plan before final funding is awarded.
- Adherence to established guidelines for the construction of shooting ranges.
- 25 percent of the project’s cost from non-federal sources.
- Completion within two years of the grant award year.
- Requests for a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum to be determined by the review and approval process.
An estimated $750,000 will be available in the 2024 grant cycle. That amount could increase based on available funding. Archery ranges are eligible for grant funding.
Shooting Range Grant Program Coordinator Travis Long says these grants have helped develop new ranges, improve safety, and upgrade facilities at existing ranges.
“Many ranges have told us that their membership and usage dramatically improved as a direct result of program investments,” said Long. “That helps grow the sport by bringing in new participants as well as retaining existing ones.”
Some examples of range improvements over just the last few years include taller berms and backstops, better lighting and electrical connections, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, new firing lines, and shade structures, the development of entirely new ranges, and the creation of additional recreational shooting opportunities.
“Public access commensurate with funding support is an important consideration,” said Long. “CPW is committed to the continued expansion of recreational shooting opportunities for everyone in our state, and this program highlights our commitment to a collaborative approach to achieve that goal.”
More information, including the grant application, is available on CPW’s website. The CPW states, “Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, or the grant program coordinator Travis Long, Travis.Long@State.CO.US as soon as possible to discuss your project.”
CPW will also be hosting educational booths at the upcoming International Sportsmen’s Exposition in Denver from January 11 to January 14. A CPW info booth will have officers and staff who can answer questions on programs like this.
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