DNR seeking public comment for environmental assessment of Marathon County shooting range grant project

MARSHFIELD--The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed issuance of a grant award through the DNR Shooting Range Grant Program.
The village of Spencer will develop a new shooting range at 106263 County Road C in Spencer, Marathon County.
Subject grant funds originate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pittman-Robertson Basic Hunter Education and Safety Subprogram.
The proposed village of Spencer Gun and Archery Range will include a compact gravel driveway, two parking areas, firing lanes for guns and archery, and berms. The land disturbance will be just over half an acre. Construction will include clearing and grubbing of just over half an acre, adding wetland fill, installing a culvert and underdrains, concrete work and earthwork.
The DNR is dedicated to promoting hunter safety, hunting and shooting sports. To meet these objectives, the DNR has developed the Shooting Range Grant Program to assist with the development of new ranges and improvements to existing ranges that make their facilities available to the public.

The DNR’s vision for shooting ranges in Wisconsin is to increase opportunities for shooting in a safe environment. Doing so will maintain Wis-consin’s hunting heritage and the economic impact those activities have.
Per requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347, as amended), the DNR assessed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed projects and documented the results.
The public can review the draft environmental assessments for the village of Spencer Gun and Archery Range and is encouraged to submit comments. Submit comments electronically by Jan. 11, 2025, to Sarah Brenner at Sarah.Brenner@wisconsin.gov.
To request a hard copy of the draft environmental assessment or to receive the draft environmental assessment in an alternate format, please contact Sarah Brenner at Sarah.Brenner@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0928.