A shooting range proposed by Mat-Su Borough District 7 Assemblymember Ron Bernier has been met with stern opposition from residents in the Zero Lake, Willow, and Houston communities at this week’s Assembly meeting.
Last year, Bernier asked that staff find parcels that could be designated for a shooting range and one was identified in the Zero Lake area. Notices are sent to property owners within a quarter mile of the proposed site. There are two residences immediately adjacent to the land. In addition, the notice was sent to the Houston Chamber of Commerce, which no longer is operational. The Willow Area Community Organization, or WACO, did not receive notice though the site is in that council area.
Many residents spoke in favor of shooting ranges in general, but none were in favor of designating this land on Zero Lake Road for a range. Residents noted the substantial funding that would be needed to upgrade the road for access to the site. In addition, trails surround the area and several residents noted their use of the land for recreation…