A recreational shooting closure on some of the Coronado National Forest land along Redington Road east of Tucson has been extended β but shooting now will be permitted in a previously closed area east of the 6.3-mile point on the road.
The original closure, which prohibited shooting between the 5- and 7-mile points on the road, was put in place in January 2013 because shooters had trashed the area with shooting debris and bullet-riddled targets. Removal of shooting debris and a risk assessment pertaining to lead concentrations in the soil were carried out during the closure.
βExtending the closure will allow the area to continue to recover β improving vegetative growth, forage and cover for wildlife,β said Heidi Schewel, spokeswoman for the Coronado National Forest.
The closure extension will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2018, or until rescinded. It prohibits shooting within 0.6 of a mile on either side of the road from the western boundary of the national forest along Redington Road to the 6.3-mile point on the road.
βResponsible recreational shooting is allowed above mile marker 6.3 to move some of the shooting activity occurring farther up into Redington Pass to a more manageable location, and to provide a more accessible location for recreational shooters,β Schewel said.
Violation of the closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Exemptions to the closure include persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act, or any person possessing a valid Arizona hunting license lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game. Also exempt are federal, state and local officers or members of an organized rescue or firefighting force performing an official duty.
