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Pollution, stray bullets cause two Whatcom County shooting ranges to shut down

Courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources Photo: Saga Communications

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two of Whatcom County’s target shooting areas are being shut down.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says shooting will be banned from the Van Zandt Dike area and the Middle Fork System as of May 1. Road access to Van Zandt Dike will also close on that date.

Both local police and residents have complained about illegal camping, stray bullets ending up in nearby neighborhoods and trash dumping. Portions of both areas were closed intermittently over the past year to try and mitigate those issues. Photos of the shooting areas can be found here.

A DNR law enforcement officer says that continued unsafe actions on both properties are not environmentally friendly.

Both Van Zandt Dike and Middle Fork System will remain open for other recreational activities.

DNR hopes to have target shooting reinstated ahead of hunting season this fall.

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