The Haines Sportsman’s Association is in the process of building more than $100,000 worth of improvements to the range.
Local volunteers and Sportsman’s members have contributed labor and funding to the project that include extending the rifle range, clearing and grading the pistol range, pouring a concrete foundation for a new pistol building and building new ADA compliant outhouses on the pistol and trap ranges.
“A lot of the work was creating more level surfaces and two ADA porta john vaulted toilet systems to create better accessibility for people. Part of the grant was written to make it more accessible as we all age here,” quipped Sportsman’s Dave Long.
Cheryl Stickler, Sportman’s treasurer, said donations of equipment use, operator time, labor and other expenses were made by members, range users and local businesses.
“That’s all of us putting our sweat equity out there,” Long said. “We got a lot of good donations from local groups.”
A large portion of the funding came a from a $33,000 grant from the Friends of the NRA—money that was raised by local residents at the annual banquet the organization holds each year.
The Haines Hot Shots will be holding a fundraiser this Saturday at the range from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.