Hunter Access
Completed Projects

South Cushman Shooting Range Improvements — Tanana Lakes Recreation Area

Coordinates: 64.79401, -147.69615
Game Management Unit: 20B
Land Manager: Fairbanks North Star Borough

Description

Located within the Tanana Lakes Recreation area at the end of South Cushman Road in Fairbanks, this facility serves an estimated 100,000 users per year. Peak usage takes place in August as hunters prepare for the hunting season at the 300 yard rifle range. Other target shooters and education courses also utilize this facility. Over time, it had become increasingly difficult for the dilapidated outdoor shooting range to meet the needs of all shooters. This project alleviated those difficulties through a series of range renovation and safety improvements.

Looking from the end berm back at the rifle range firing line before construction
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Looking from the improved (taller) end berm back at the rifle range firing line after construction: (Photo credit: FNSB)

Purpose

The original 300-yard range's lack of dividing berms and controls requires hunter education and other training courses to utilize all shooting lanes preventing concurrent public use. The firing line roof structure has degraded over time and required attention to provide shooters use of the facility in inclement weather.

The objective of this project was to expand capacity and improve safety in accordance with National Rifle Association (NRA) standards. Improved and newly constructed protective berms increase safety for range users and those in the vicinity of the range. A center berm establishd two separate shooting areas that allow training courses to take place while maintaining public range access at the same time. And a new and improved roof structure provides protection from the elements while shooting. Other improvements include refurbished shooting benches, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant benches, hard surface pathways, new and ADA-accessible parking areas, concrete ADA accessible paths connecting firing lines to the restroom and parking, a concrete vault toilet.

Outcome

This project was completed and the facility reopened to the public in August 2022. The result is a safer and ADA accessible public outdoor shooting range for all ages and abilities.

Project Partner

Fairbanks North Star Borough SRA Shooting Range Location

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