Summary of working group meetings and FWC staff proposals for Babcock Webb Shooting Range:

For over 30 years the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has provided a public shooting range at the Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area. Four years ago, FWC staff started using some funding, originally allocated for wildlife management programs, to hire Range Safety Officers (RSO's) to oversee the shooting range. Through the efforts of the RSO’s, there has been significant progress in promoting the safe, fair and fun aspects of recreational shooting at this facility.

The improvements in oversight resulted in a tremendous increase in the number of shooters using the facilities. Over the past few years there have also been shortfalls in funding the FWC uses to pay the salaries of the RSO’s. Realizing there needed to be a plan to address probable changes, FWC staff assembled a working group – consisting of frequent users of the facility – to look at economical ways we could enhance the facilities, reduce expenses and continue to provide quality oversight.

The group identified several areas where we could improve the facilities and shared ideas for enhancing the operation of the range. Members of the team also discussed ways we could reduce expenses while still maintaining a quality shooting experience. After hearing the thoughts and concerns of the working group, FWC staff is proposing a number of actions.

Please review the proposed actions and offer us your feedback on each. The survey will take five to ten minutes to complete. We really need to hear from you.