Changing status of shooting area seen as 'win-win'

The Adair shooting range northeast of Yuma has been a cornerstone of local shooting sports for many years, but it could soon undergo a significant change.

A proposal has been put forward to turn over ownership of the range to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The range was originally owned and operated by Yuma County. It is still owned by the county but now is operated by Adair Inc., a organization composed of local sporting groups.

The sporting groups became involved some years ago when concerns were raised about the county's ability to afford to operate and improve the public shooting range, which is used by various shooters and archery groups.

Now those sports groups have approached the game and fish commission to make an ownership transition to the state. Supporters of the idea say it is simply an attempt to preserve the range for future users.

They also say operation of the range would not change. It would continue to be available to local shooters and there would be no admission charge, as is the case now.

The advantage of the change from the viewpoint of local supporters is that additional funding might be available from the state, as well as shooting range expertise. The game and fish commission already owns five state ranges and is trying to acquire five more.

The idea is that the change would provide "stable and committed support way into the future, ensuring that it (Adair) would always be a range available to the residents of Yuma County," according to Robbie Woodhouse, a Yuma County member of the fish and game commission.

Public input is being sought about the proposal at the meeting of the Yuma County Board of Supervisors Monday at 9 a.m. at 198 S. Main St.

Although this seems to be a "win-win" situation for everyone involved, now is the time for local residents to raise their concerns and questions so that the supervisors know this is the right step to take.