What is the latest on the shooting range?

Updated Feb 8, 2011

On Feb 1 every Flagstaff City Council member but Scott Overton voted in favor of a resolution saying that the shooting range should be moved. If you want to watch the 35 minutes of discussion click: City Council video then click on item 15a. Everyone but Mr. Overton said wonderful things about Walnut Canyon and how important it is. If you want to thank the Council members click:

council@flagstaffaz.gov

Updated January 25, 2011

Next City Council Meeting, Tuesday February 1

This will be the official council discussion of what happened on the 18^th. They will NOT take public comment at this time, so there is no need to attend. Watch the live streaming video/television at home to see what happens.

To watch the Jan 18^th meeting on video click here: City Council video and then on item 15A. Part One is the AZ Game and Fish presentation and the Council questions to them. Part Two begins the public comment. To view the testimony by the National Park Service representatives open Part Two and move the slider until the left side reads 15:52. You will recognize the NPS speakers by their uniforms. Representatives of the National Park Conservation Association,(both the State and Regional Directors) The Friends of Flagstaff Future, The Sierra Club, The Hopi Tribe, Habitat Harmony, The Progressive Democrats of Northern AZ, The Friends of Walnut Canyon, and many individuals spoke against the Foster Ranch site. Many new points were raised about the impact the range would have on Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Interestingly, almost all of the speakers on the “opposing side” did not mention the Foster Ranch at all, but just testified how much a range was needed. Several used the words “this is not the perfect site.” Many of those supporting this point of view were from out of town, including a large group from Phoenix area and one, at least, from as far away as Yuma. One woman testified that she was attending because a friend in the state of Ohio called her after seeing a message on the National NRA website urging people to attend this meeting.

Updated January 4, 2011

Another City Council meeting! Please try to attend!

On Tuesday January 18^th at 5:30 pm the Flagstaff City Council will again discuss the Foster Ranch Shooting Range. The Friends of Walnut Canyon are asking that The Council write a letter saying simply that the Foster Ranch location is “inappropriate” and the range should be relocated.

Updated January 3, 2011

On December 6, 2010 there was a joint meeting of the Flagstaff City Council and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. Although a discussion of Walnut Canyon was on the agenda, at the last minute it was determined that the shooting range could not be discussed at that time. So those who attended that meeting were allowed to speak at the beginning of the meeting during the “Public Participation” portion of the meeting. Representatives of the Friends of Walnut Canyon, the Sierra Club, The Friends of Flagstaff Future, the National Parks Conservation Association, and several individuals spoke. If you wish to watch the video of this, please click here and then click on item 3 video of Joint City County meeting

The following day, Dec 7, 2010, the Flagstaff City Council held a discussion on the shooting range. Because of the confusion the day before Item 15 was moved to the beginning of the agenda, and Betsy McKellar was allowed 10 minutes to present the position of the Friends of Walnut Canyon who had in excess of 10 members at the previous night’s meeting. This is an excellent presentation of the impacts of the range on the National Monument, and why the range should be moved to the Raymond Ranch Wildlife Area only 15 minutes down the road. She is followed by many of the same presenters as the night before. Some with entirely different comments, and some repeating the same points as the previous night. To watch this and the Council discussion afterwards click here, then click on item 15

video of City Council meeting Dec 7

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