Marlborough forest target shooting ban
I know this has already been discussed in previous posts but found this article in the local newspaper.
Forest vandalism
http://0.gravatar.com/avatar/62c4604...6%3Fs%3D33&r=GMATTHEW PEARSONMore from Matthew Pearson
Published on: January 10, 2015Last Updated: January 10, 2015 8:10 AM EST
http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/201...in3.jpg?w=1000
Shooters who blasted trees and left hundreds of shell casings strewn about have prompted Ottawa to ban target shooting in the Marlborough Forest, a huge swath of land southwest of Richmond.
For years, the forest has been a common place to go for people to practise their marksmanship skills, without any major incidents.
But a recent spike in the number of people apparently using the forest in a “dangerous and disrespectful manner” has forced a crack down, the city says.
Pictures speak for themselves. A sign at the forest’s entrance, paid for by sponsors, was riddled with bullets, while garbage and debris from target practice was piled up and the ground left littered with red, green and blue shell casings.
Meanwhile, trees — some greater than 20 centimetres across — were pumped so full of shells that they were severed or had to be cut down.
https://postmediaottawacitizen2.file...e-litterin.jpgDamaged tree in Marlborough Forest.
City of OttawaOne area in particular, off Paden Road, was ground zero for numerous complaints to police, bylaw officers and the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources.
Scott Moffatt, the Rideau-Goulbourn councillor elected in 2010 and again last fall, says he received complaints throughout his first term in office. In particular, there appears to be an increase in the number of people coming from outside of the area to target shoot there, he said.
“The appearance is they don’t care about anything because they just leave crap everywhere,” Moffatt said.
The city posted signs last fall, advising forest users that the discharge of firearms for anything besides hunting, as regulated by MNR, is prohibited.
People who continue to skeet or target shoot in the forest could be subject to stiff fines under the city’s trees and natural areas protection bylaw. Fines range from as much as $10,000 for a first conviction to $25,000 for subsequent convictions.
Police are “using this time for education” about the change, said David Barkley, the manager of forest services, when asked if anyone has been charged for illegally shooting in the forest since the signs were posted in September.
Cleaning up the forest last summer ate up $10,000 of the department’s operating budget, he said.
The target-shooting ban is a classic case of a reckless minority ruining it for a respectful majority, said outdoorsman Wes Clyburne.
“There’s always a slob or two who ruins it for everybody,” he said. “You can’t legislate away idiots.”
Having a safe place for hunters to go target shooting is a good idea, Clyburne said, because it allows them to test their firearms before hunting season to ensure everything is in working order. Plinking, which involves firing at informal targets such as pop cans or swinging steel plates, is also popular.
But Clyburne says every hunter safety course — which everyone must pass to get a licence — encourages hunters to clean up after themselves.
Target shooting is not allowed in any other city-owned forests or property, but there are several gun clubs and shooting ranges in the region.
https://postmediaottawacitizen2.file...0895429371.jpgShells litter area favoured by target shooters.
City of OttawaThose are reasonable options, Clyburne said, but they often require memberships and may not be economical for the hobby hunter who just needs to fire off a few rounds at the start of the season to make sure a gun is working properly.
That’s why the Marlborough was a good option for many.
The forest is Ottawa’s largest conservation area. At nearly 8,200 hectares, it’s bigger than every urban ward in the city. And it has a range of diverse users, including hikers, hunters, snowmobilers and scientists.
It’s also takes in private land and there are residents living within its bounds.
Moffatt said he’s received two complaints from forest users who aren’t pleased with the ban and think it’s a heavy-handed response.
He admits that the wide net cast probably catches people who have always cleaned up after themselves, but he supports the decision.
“I, too, saw those pictures,” Moffatt said. “You have to do something.”
