Ban on target shooting in Los Padres National Forest extended to 2020
Los Padres National Forest officials have announced that a ban on recreational target shooting will remain in effect until at least January, 2020.
The Forest Order has been in effect since July 7, 2018.
In October 2018, LPNF requested to reinitiate consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act to address new or updated critical habitats and listed species.
LPNF says the restriction will protect federally listed wildlife species by preventing impacts caused by recreational target shooting.
Althought LPNF doesn’t expect target shooting to violate the Endangered Species Act, target shooting will remain banned as a precaution. Once fish and wildlife issues a revised biological opinion, forest officials will consider lifting the ban.
Discharging a firearm is prohibited except in the designated target ranges at the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club. Licensed hunters who are hunting during legal open hunting season are exempt.
Fines can reach a maximum of $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization who breaks the order. A maximum six-month prison term is also a possibility.
