Clean up or close down

Over the last year, Inyo National Forest personnel have spent more than 50 hours cleaning up undeveloped shooting areas north of the Mammoth Geothermal Plant. On Nov. 17, the Forest Service removed more than three tons of trash and materials that had been used for targets and left at the sites. Many of the items removed, such as televisions, refrigerators, propane cans, and fire extinguishers contain toxic materials and heavy metals. In addition to being a blight on the landscape, the trash left behind can be a hazard to the public and wildlife.

Where allowed, target shooting on national forest lands is a legal activity. Leaving behind trash, glass, cans, targets, and shells is NOT legal. Where abuses occur, the U.S. Forest Service has the authority to close areas to target shooting.

The Forest Service is asking the public to help keep these shooting areas open by limiting targets to materials that can be readily collected and disposed of and by removing all materials brought to the site after target shooting. Failure to comply will result in a citation and could lead to closure of the areas.

After cleanup (Photos: USFS)

If you have questions about this request or are seeking additional information on target shooting on national forest lands, please contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center at 760.924.5500.

The following is prohibitted on national forest lands:

Discharging a firearm or any other impediment capable of  taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area 261.10 (d)(1)  $400 or M.A.

(2) Across or on a Forest Development road or water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any  person or property is exposed to injury or damage 261.10 (d)(2)   $400 or M.A. –Press Release