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.


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
Useful Links
- Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
- Excitement Surrounds Upgraded Excise Tax-Funded Shooting Range Near Fairbanks, AK. - Partner with a Payer
- South Cushman Shooting Range reopens after renovations
- Newly renovated shooting range | Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Wildlife Restoration Target Range Development Handout (PDF 994 kB)