Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Chairman Assures Community That Tribe Is Addressing Concerns Regarding Proposed Gun Range

PLACERVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 23, 2015) - The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Tribe) is addressing the concerns of the nearby community regarding a proposed gun range. Tribal Chairman Nicholas Fonseca assures, "We are investigating and vetting all concerns. We will not move forward with the project until all concerns are addressed."

Earlier this year, the Tribe announced preliminary plans to build the 29-lane outdoor gun range on approximately two acres of its trust land south of Highway 50 off Shingle Springs Drive. During the Tribe's presentation to the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 24, opponents expressed concern about sound and safety.

Fonseca explains that the "Tribe understands that as a sovereign nation we don't fall under the jurisdiction of the county and aren't required to address these concerns. However, we are dedicated to doing what is right and best for the community. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Board of Supervisors to ensure that all of the sound and safety issues are mitigated." He continues, "As promised, the Tribe has retained an acoustical engineering firm to evaluate solutions to mitigate the noise and to make recommendations for further noise mitigation. The development hinges in large part on the results of those studies."

The idea of a public gun range was launched to fulfill a need for a modern, controlled, safe place to shoot in El Dorado County. Originally, the Tribe was planning to build a small gun range for use of its members and their guests. Tribal Administrator Ernest Vargas explains, "We started hearing how much El Dorado County needs a new gun range and thought we could address that need. The proposed state-of-the-art gun range will meet or exceed all federal standards for safety, environmental and occupational controls."

To maximize safety, Vargas explains, "the low-angled roof firing line will be complemented with multiple baffles, a 15-foot berm and a sophisticated bullet entrapment system." The Safety plan is posted on the Tribe's website at www.shinglespringsrancheria.com.

Vargas has also heard concerns that the gun range is planned as an amenity for casino guests. He explains, "While some Red Hawk guests may use the gun range, this drug and alcohol free facility is designed primarily for El Dorado County residents to enjoy a safe and family-oriented activity."

Hours of operation will be dependent on study results. In keeping its word about testing, Fonseca noted that the Tribe is constructing a small, temporary test facility on the property. "This is not the proposed gun range," he stressed. 

"I want to reiterate our offer to meet with any individual or group about their concerns. You can call me directly at (530) 387-4970 or send an email to gunrange@ssband.org. It's frustrating when I hear comments that the Tribe isn't responding to concerns because the truth is we are responding to all calls and emails. Feel free to contact us," Vargas said.

-Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians-