Rules regulate target shooting, recreation on state trust lands Published Jan. 7, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- State trust lands provide a habitat for native wildlife and access for a wide range of recreation activities, but have necessary rules designed to keep people safe. State trust lands are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. One of the main activities seen on the land is target shooting. According to Department of Natural Resources, the rules for target shooting are as follows: · Target shooting is allowed from 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset. · Target shooting is permitted in areas with an unobstructed, earthen backstop capable of stopping all projectiles and debris in a safe manner. · No shooting within 500 feet of a recreation site or structure. · Persons shall not target shoot carelessly, recklessly or without regard to safety. · Persons shall not shoot within, from, along, across or down roads or trails. · Persons shall not discharge tracer or incendiary ammunition or projectile devices. · Explosives of any kind are prohibited. This includes Tannerite, explosive targets and propane tanks. · No alcohol or drugs are permitted. · ONLY items that are commercially or privately manufactured for the specific purpose of target shooting are allowed. (Vegetation, structures, furniture, computers, vehicles, glass, garbage of any kind, signs, gates, appliances, and other like items, are prohibited to be used as targets) · Remove all debris and ammunition casings when leaving. Some areas may be designated or posted as "no shooting." "These rules affect any Fairchild Airmen who want to go out on state trust lands to target shoot or partake in any other activity," said Kyle Pomrankey, Washington State Department of Natural Resources grant and volunteer coordinator. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle riding, hunting, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, snowmobiling and more. "There has been State Trust Land Parcels around the Spokane area where there have been petitions filed to restrict shooting," said Pomrankey. "Some areas have already been closed to target shooting. If everyone knows and follows the rules, then maybe these parcels will not be closed to target shooting." Department of Natural Resources wants everyone to enjoy their visit to these lands and asks that people protect the lands and recreate safely. For more information on State Trust Lands, contact the Washington State Department of Natural Resources at (509)685-2719.