It's all in who you know!!!

I don't want to count chickens before they hatch, so, I'll try not to do so in this informational note. If for nothing else, this information means a lot to us at the Trash No Land organization.  It could mean big things coming, or, it could simply mean some great recognition.

This past week, Bryan, our Vice President, and I met with the Statewide Coordinator for the Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife Hunter Safety Education program. We spent all day with him, and our ODF contact, riding around together having great conversations covering the full spectrum of recreational shooting on public land.

He loves our organization, our direction and our values! He's excited about the fact we are working 'outside the box' in the development of the Wolf Creek shooting lanes in Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, (not your typical shooting range!). He is going to recommend that our organization be included into the Oregon Hunter Safety Education program as part of their statewide class curriculum. (That doesn't mean it's a done deal, but it means there is great hope we may be part of the everyday Hunter Ed classes throughout Oregon). I'm trying to be reasonably by thinking it may only be as a handout brochure, however, it may very well include a bit of discussion on public land target practice and perhaps class use of the lanes for their field requirements.

He has offered several ways to help us towards developing more shooting lanes on state lands. Assistance with ODFW grants for new lanes, required soil studies for federal grants and brochure design and printing are just a few. He will be a great asset to our ability to accomplish our goals of helping to provide quality, safe and sustainable shooting on public lands, raising awareness and causing a positive difference in recreational shooting.

He has invited Bryan and I to speak at the Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges meeting in December in Salem. We accepted. We plan to introduce Trash No Land and speak about our existing and proposed lane developments. The OASR can help in several ways... They are the ones who provide the soil studies we need (at no cost to us), they offer special donations to deserving organizations and offer some other great financial benefits as well.

Here is the letter of support he wrote for our recent grant application, from the NRA Foundation, for the improvements we're seeking at the existing North Fork Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes...

To Whom It May Concern:

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Program would like to express our support for the grant that you are seeking with the NRA Foundation. Your shooting lanes on public lands (partnerships with Oregon Department of Forestry) provides a vital role in providing a safe place for the public to shoot at. These shooting lanes and the mission of the Trash No Lands closely match the mission of the Oregon hunter education program; this mission of promoting safe, lawful, and responsible recreational shooting is much needed. This essential partnership will allow for hunter education instructors to teach future shooters and hunters the proper firearm safety practices at these shooting lanes.

Your concept of providing shooting lanes on public land will allow the public to have a safe place to shoot it will also provide the hunter education program a long term place to provide hunter education instructors a place to do the live fire requirement of these classes. ODFW fully supports any projects that update and expand shooting ranges.

This is a most excellent and valuable contact to have!  I have a good feeling that things will be growing very well for us in 2018!  I hope we live up to their expectations and deliver the team work necessary to accomplishing the goals of achieving positive change in recreational shooting behaviors.

As for the team work part, we just saw it happen in a big way!  Late last week, we heard of the NRA Foundations' grant application that was to close on Nov 14th and if we wanted to get in on that, for financial help this coming Spring/Summer, we'd best apply now!  A few emails and phone calls later, we had several, from our 'War Room' team planning committee forum, working extra overtime to compile all the info needed to satisfy the application requirements.  Down to the wire!!!  It is a $10,000 + grant request to do improvements and upgrades to the existing Wolf Creek Lanes!

I clicked the 'Send' button 2 min's before the deadline and got an immediate response that 2 fields need input.  I uploaded a PDF and edited the second one, then made the mistake of reviewing the rest of the application (for the 5th time at least).  I hit 'Send' again at 7 min's after the deadline!  My heart sunk as I saw the time.  I thought, "I missed it.  After all that work!  I missed it!"  A few min's later I received a confirmation that the application was successfully submitted!  Three days later now, and I just received an official confirmation from the NRA Foundation!  We made it!  Grant Request successfully submitted!

That was real team work!  No way could I have put this together and made the deadline in that short of time by myself.  Thank you to Lisa, our Media Consultant, Randy of ODF, Aaron, our Treasurer/Board of Directors and Bryan our Vice President.  You all took your rolls seriously and didn't waist any time in getting busy to get it done!  THANK YOU!

It's time to dig in, folks, and focus on what we can do to build this organization into a viable, strong and 'get it done' type organization.  We need to build membership, funds, programs and start seeing some results for our efforts.  We need to have a ton of fun while doing it.  This is not work, it's fun with a benefit that makes a difference.  Let's go for it!

Bill

Improving Recreational Shooting

The volume of trashed shooting sites, on our public lands nearest to the major metropolitan areas, is a big problem.  Illegal dumping, shooting of trash, unsafe conditions, leaving behind spent targets and casings and a general lack of awareness of rules, is ruining our privilege to shoot on public land.  It reflects badly on all who shoot, whether hunting or simply for target practice.  Left unchecked, our privilege to shoot may soon become a thing of the past.

This would be a sad ending to the generations past, present and future who cherish the freedom to recreate as we wish.  The enjoyment of teaching the young ones, sighting in the hunting rifle, getting to know and use your new or old gun, or just a fun day impressing your friends, could be gone if we don't get involved with correcting the problem now!

Trash No Land is facing this challenge head on.  We are on high alert to this problem and are aggressively involved in providing solutions.  We realize it will take a multitude of efforts to make a difference and we are willing to step up to the plate and knock down a home run or two for recreational shooting.  Are you?

We are currently developing several education and awareness programs that are designed to improve and preserve recreational shooting.  To implement these programs, we have immediate cash needs for the production of printed publications, in-class training materials, video training productions and public land shooting lane developments.

Would you like to see improvements in recreational shooting?  The only thing holding us back is cash money.

With your help of a financial donation, we could reach thousands with our message of responsible shooting on public lands.  If you can help, please consider a contribution to our efforts.  Your donation is tax deducible.

Use your credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. http://trashnoland.org/donate.htm .

To learn more about Trash No Land or to become a member, visit our website at trashnoland.org .

 Thank you!

Bill Cogley

WIN A NEW 3 BURNER CAMP STOVE!

It's on, folks!  Our Facebook Like & Comment "Stewardship keeps it open" contest.

We're growing our organization to help improve Public Land shooting for our great Northwest by raising awareness of our organization and the message we deliver. Your help is greatly appreciated!

If you have already 'Liked' our Facebook page, you may still enter by adding the comment; "Stewardship keeps it open" in this contest thread. But be sure to 'Like' our page to qualify!

To qualify for the drawing, be sure to 'Like' the FACEBOOK PAGE, not just 'Like' the contest post, and post a comment in this contest thread; Stewardship keeps it open!. There are some entries who haven't 'Liked' the page yet, so double check to be sure you'll be in the running!

Only on Facebook;

https://www.facebook.com/trashnoland/photos/a.936027409821226.1073741827.936019916488642/1484698384954123/?type=3&theater

Good luck!

Bill

COMMIT RANDOM ACTS OF CLEANUPS!

The Trash No Land 'Stew Award' goes out to Craig & Tracy, of Albany, Oregon, for their dedication to Stewardship in Recreational Shooting.

Craig and Tracy recently donated 5 hours of their recreation time to help keep recreational shooting, in the Mary's Peak area SW of Corvallis Oregon, open for all of us.

So our 'Stew Award' shout out goes to Craig and Tracy. Thank you for your random act of cleanup!

If you wish to share your random cleanup efforts, please send information and photos to info@trashnoland.org . Together, we will make a difference!.

Stewardship keeps it open.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TARGET SHOOTING NOW PROHIBITED TNF... FIRE DANGER

Put those firearms back in the safe, folks! Target shooting is now prohibited in Mt. Hood National Forest, until we get past this extreme/unusual fire potential situation.

Of course, we're not surprised, right?!!!. I'm sure most of us have chosen not to shoot in this extreme weather condition, because of the extra potential for wildfires.

The order to prohibit shooting has been signed (Sept 4th) and is currently in force. The official announcements will be publicized real soon. They are currently enforcing this order and are preparing to post signs at primary shooting locations about the closure.

So please, share this info with fellow shooters and don't go! It's not worth it!

Thank you all for your understanding and patients!

 

Using Suppressors in Public Land Shooting

We support the use of suppressors in public land shooting, as it helps reduce noise and enhances the recreational experience for all who visit our great outdoors.

We will have a special presentation of several suppressor options at this event, presented by Sporting Systems of Vancouver.  You won’t want to miss this!

Description:

We will be cleaning up outdoor target shooting sites. WA DNR will provide bags, garbage disposal, insurance, a free 1 day Discover Pass parking permits and hours will be applied toward a free annual Discover Pass.

Hunters, Target Shooters, Families & General Public!  All are invited!  All are welcome!

A BBQ LUNCH is on Trash No Land!  Win free prizes!

WIN THIS!!!

Buck Mark 22 with 1000 Rounds!

Each volunteer receives a FREE raffle ticket and has a chance to win this Buck Mark 22 with 1000 rounds of ammo! No ticket purchase necessary. Winner must be of legal age to own & possess a handgun firearm. FFL transfer is included.

This awesome FREE PRIZE is graciously provided by Sporting Systems, Vancouver, WA, who encourage you to come help promote stewardship, sportsmanship and responsibility in public land shooting!

(Donations requested but not required!).​

Location:  Yacolt Burn State Forest at Arrowhead Pit on the L1500

Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/wfsuHG9u8Xo      GPS:  45.718232, -122.317349

From Hockinson area on NE 182nd Ave, Turn East on NE 139th St.  Becomes NE Rawson Rd and then becomes the L1400 Rd.  Stay till the intersection of the L1000 Rd in Yacolt Burn State Forest.  Slight jog right and then immediate left on the L1500 Rd.  Go up about 1 mile to the Arrowhead Pit.  Only 1 mile of easy gravel road.

From Orchards:  I205 & SR500:  https://goo.gl/maps/zNIoL

Through Hockinson:  https://goo.gl/maps/TyosX

From Camas area:  https://goo.gl/maps/2ZL03

After Lunch enjoy some great target shooting fun!  See & hear, (if you can), suppressors in action!

Bring ear and eye protection and appropriate legal targets.

Bring Gloves, Boots, Jeans, Rake, Shovel, Legal Targets and something with a trigger!

Supporting Partners: Sporting Systems, Sportsman's Warehouse, Cabela's, Butcher Boys Meats

Trash No Land is a Nonprofit Charitable Volunteer organization

promoting responsible shooting on all public land.

© 2016 Trash No Land, Inc.

SHOOTING LANE DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Thoughts for consideration when developing improved shooting lanes on public land.

Here are a few thoughts, on last years project, that were designed into the improved shooting lanes in Tillamook State Forest on North Fork Wolf Creek Rd (overseen by Randy Peterson of TSF in Forest Grove, Oregon.

This is the place where Oregon Dept. of Forestry improved 4 shooting lanes. My Vice President Bryan Olson, myself and a couple other knowledgeable recreational shooters, were fortunate enough to consult in the design stages and completion of these lanes.

Your first impression is "Wow! This looks like a nice place to shoot". And that's exactly the impression we wanted to give. Make it attractive so people prefer to use this place instead of any old weeded, brush filled or treed place in the forest.

The picture below is a short pistol range, (lane #2). Park in front of the boulders and walk up the gravel path to the Jersey barrier shooting line. There is a soil backstop berm, in front of the big hill, at about 35 yards from the barrier.

Notice the sign! It's a map of the shooting lane (Lane #3 is about 60 yards long and includes a short pistol berm on the right side). It shows where to locate targets and highlights the No Shoot Zone (around the edges).

Think of a golf course with a map of the hole at each tee. The sign incorporates messages of ODF shooting rules, fire safety and related referral information to Trash No Land and Northwest Firearms. (Be careful not to add too much information. They won't spend the time to read it!)

Here is a photo of lane #3 before the improvement (trash all over the hillside!). That is very difficult to clean up and rarely ever gets done!

Here's a picture after the improvement. Since the improvement has been completed, Trash No Land has done 3 cleanups there and each time all the trash was within the shooting lanes! No trash was spread out around the hillside. That made for quick and easy cleanup! Just what we had hoped for! On-going stewardship is happening weekly!

We consistently see targets placed within the lanes. Not outside in the dry grass or brush. This is the primary reason for the design of these lanes. To reduce the potential for wildfire. No dry grass or tinder, not shooting into downed logs/stumps/live trees. Certainly time will tell, however so far, these lanes have out performed the plans we made. They are attractive, inviting, popular, easy to cleanup, promote stewardship and help prevent fires.

A couple more design elements that should be considered...

The shooting line. Yes, Jersey barriers work well, but, double barriers work better! That's because they are 3 feet apart, filled with gravel, in-between, and have boulders on each end. Why?...

1. To establish a designated shooting line. Shooters no longer need to bring out tables and try to line them up in some fashion that might resemble a shooting line. It's for shooter safety, convenience and attractiveness!

2. Makes for a nice table top when shooting. We didn't want the typical scene of a pickup backed in with the tailgate down and all the firearms laid out on the tailgate. What often happens is, the shooter returns to his vehicle, picks up the next gun and sweeps the crowd at the firing line while returning. With a built-in table top, the shooter now brings all his guns to the line and lays them out, pointing down range. We've see it over and over again. It's a natural safety feature! (below photo is Lane 4, about 75 yards).

3. To enter the firing line, you have to walk around the barrier, (not through it). When you do, it's only natural that you glance across the line and notice if anyone is fondling their firearm. Although "Range Cold" has been called, this is another safety check we had planned on to aide as a double check for no hands on guns while changing targets.

4. Boulder parking. Notice the space between the boulders and shooting line. That was done on purpose. It keeps vehicles just far enough away to deter the idea of working out of your vehicle. You unload and pack your firearms to the shooting line Jersey barrier table top.

5. ADA accessible. A good gravel pack allows for wheel chair access to set up targets. NICE!

6. Promotes user stewardship. Most of those who use these lanes tend to keep them in good condition. Certainly, some do not care and will leave their mess, but for the most part, users are keeping it reasonably picked up. It's the part about 'looking like a recreational place' that helps. Several of our members use this place on a regular basis and report almost weekly on the conditions. Most reports are of only a couple bags worth of trash but in real good condition each week.


Needless to say, I'm excited about these lanes! They have been successful in each area we had planned for. Especially the fire prevention part!

I hope this information helps with your planning efforts and perhaps you could incorporate an idea or two from here.

We all know recreational shooting will be around for years to come. It is tradition and is a viable type of recreation on public land. If we work together in recognizing it’s concerns and potential, we can help shape its future and make it into something that is acceptable to all who visit the forest.

Thank you! I appreciate your work towards improving responsible shooting on public land.


Bill
www.trashnoland.org
A 501(c)3 Charitable Volunteer Nonprofit organization.