STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission yesterday passed second and final reading of a new ordinance that will add some teeth on building a shooting range within the county.
The ordinance was drafted in response to plans by the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks to build a 400-acre public shooting range in southeast Meade County near the intersections of Elk Vale and Elk Creek Roads.
Those plans have been opposed by landowners, along with wildlife and environmental activists who say the disruption from what is being billed as the largest gun range in the United States far outweighs any benefits from such a facility.
During the Tuesday meeting, Chief Deputy State’s Attorney for Meade County Ken Chleborad said, previously opening up a shooting range in the county was fairly easy. He added the ordinance would only boost regulations in order to keep the public and their property safe in case someone would be interested in opening up a shooting range in the county.
Second reading added some rules for outdoor lighting installations and fixtures.
It passed unanimously.
