EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – Recreational target shooting restrictions have gone into effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) starting Wednesday due to elevated fire danger.
PSICC officials said in a press release that the order applies to all national forest system lands within the exterior boundaries of the South Platte Ranger District, South Park Ranger District and Pikes Peak Ranger District. Those districts include the counties of El Paso, Teller, Park, Jefferson, Douglas and Clear Creek.
Officials said the purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources. It also supports the emergency Stage 1 fire restriction that went into effect last Friday and is intended to minimize the potential risk of human-caused fires across PSICC.
Restrictions are necessary, officials said, because of dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreational use across the forests and grasslands. Recent dry, windy and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential risk of wildfires.
Officials said under the target shooting closure, visitors are prohibited from discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun. Violating the restrictions can result in a misdemeanor fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.
Officials said the restrictions went into effect Wednesday and run through Aug. 1 unless canceled for another reason.
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