f e at u r e
Who You Gonna Call?
Range operators who need specialized help can call on the NSSF By Cathy Glazer
I
ncreased operating costs, new environmental regulations, and getting along with “not in my backyard” neighbors are among the challenges shooting ranges must grapple with in order to be successful today. To help member ranges deal with these and other challenges, two years ago the National Shooting Sports Foundation created the Range Action Specialists program, a unique group of experienced consultants with proven problem-solving track records.
The Range Action Specialists program helps NSSF member ranges deal with modern challenges, such as environmental regulations.
Because bringing in consultants can be expensive, NSSF subsidizes some of the cost. “We receive so many calls from range owners in need of assistance,” says Zach Snow, NSSF manager of shooting promotions. “NSSF created this program to help ranges with existing problems
and to encourage the range community to become more proactive, with best management practices and environmental stewardship plans.” Each of the six members of the Range Action Specialists team brings a different area of expertise to the program. They are: Ken Lewis, National
Protective Services; Richard Peddicord, Ph.D., environmental consultant; Ed Santos, Tactical Services Group, Inc.; Don Turner, Don Turner LLC, range developer and consultant; Scott Kranz, URS Corporation; and Leo Dombrowski, attorney. Among the many ranges that can attest to the program’s effectiveness is Seattle Skeet & Trap. Last year it began the process to amend its lease to allow additional range development. It sought help from the Range Action Specialists program. “We used the range-design assessment produced by Scott Kranz to support our request to the county for expansion of our lease,” says Seattle Skeet & Trap board member Kathy Hernandez-Bell. “We are most grateful that the NSSF provided us with funds to produce the range design. It was one of the major factors in convincing the King County Division of Facilities Management to finalize the lease amendment with us.” When the program began in 2010, the North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Association was one of the first ranges
to take advantage of it. Located on Puget Sound’s premier island, the facility has been enjoyed by shooters and archers since 1933. In recent years, its 325 members have watched development from the nearby town of Oak Harbor spread closer to their corner of the island. To head off future problems and to make sure the community saw them as responsible stewards of the land, the group contacted Snow for help. The Range Action team helped them develop an Environmental Stewardship Plan. An NSSF Range Action Grant helped defray the cost. “It was very cost-effective for us,” says Frank Bergschneider, a member of the association’s board of trustees. “Ranges have enough problems. This is a good program for all ranges to get out ahead of problems.” The NSSF Range Action Specialists are available to all NSSF member ranges. For details, visit the Industry section of the NSSF website (nssf.org) and look for Resources for Ranges. Or contact Zach Snow, at zsnow@nssf.org.
The Range Action Specialists LEO DOMBROWSKI Attorney with Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP. Dombrowski has more than 20 years experience in the legal fields of environmental, health and safety, and toxic tort matters. He regularly counsels and represents industrial and commercial clients. » Appears in state and federal courts on behalf of range owners, operators and users »Negotiates permits and range management issues » Expert on application of noise ordinances and health and safety requirements regarding ranges Scott Kranz Senior Project Manager, URS Corporation, Portland, Oregon » More than 18 years of environmental and engineering consulting experience in the areas of waste management, environmental compliance, land-use regulations, and the shooting sports » Expertise in range safety and
environmental best practices » Indoor and outdoor range design, retrofitting, lead- management plans » Land-use planning and permitting, wetland services Ken Lewis National Protective Services team leader, and training area and range consultant » More than 24 years of active military and law enforcement experience » Training in range operational capabilities and management, safety, employee management, and management through standard operating procedures » Assistance with writing BMPs, SOPs, policies, procedures, plans, etc. Richard K. Peddicord, Ph.D. Dr. Peddicord is recognized as one of the country’s most experienced leaders in the area of environmental evaluation and
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management of outdoor shooting ranges. » Assistance to range designers, engineers, architects to optimize environmental management » Analysis of applicable regulations and advice about implications and compliance » Scientific investigation and evaluation of implications of specific issues Ed Santos Founder and president of Center Target Sports and the Tactical Services Group, Inc. (TSG). Santos is a threat-management specialist and serves as an expert witness on matters of shooting range operations, design and safety, and personal and industrial security. » Named SHOT Business magazine’s “Range of the Year,” 2010 » Named “Best Indoor Range in the USA” by Glock Sport Shooting Foundation » Offers a complete package of
consulting services for opening a shooting range and retail store » Planning and zoning process understanding and presentations Don Turner Don Turner LLC provides innovative solutions for existing and developing ranges. Turner redeveloped and managed the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Arizona, where he served as project leader for shooting ranges statewide, and developed the Clark County Shooting Park in Nevada. » Develops and reviews all aspects of shooting range operations, including best management practices » Develops/recommends public and member services, customer service programs » Grant-writing services » Reviews existing range operations, safety procedures, services, personnel policies » Specializes in governmental interactions with ranges, codes, etc.