Cops Detail Shooting Range Idea, Residents Launch Opposition Petition

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – In an attempt to answer questions and quell fears among Long Washington Township residents, the police department released a statement Tuesday morning further explaining the intentions – and amount of use – for a proposed shooting range in town.

Washington Township Police Chief Jeff Almer gave a presentation to the township committee last week about the proposed range, which would be outdoors and accessible to police officers only for training. The location chosen is an open parcel of land on the north end of Reservoir Road.

See related: Police Look To Build Shooting Range In Long Valley

Less than a week later, after some township residents began an online petition to put a stop to the range before it was further considered, the police department further explained its intentions behind the range, as follows:

Washington Township is exploring the concept of an outdoor range located on Reservoir Road near Route 46. After looking at numerous other locations throughout the entire township, this was the best suited for the purpose due to its accessibility, natural backdrop, safety, ease of construction, and minimal impact on the community.

The concept is still in the early stages, but the goal is to provide a location that would be used for qualifying, 6-8 days per year. It would be used soley by the township’s police department, so that they can maintain their weapon proficiency and so that all officers can receive the best possible training, including but not limited to, rifle training, which is an essential tool to active shooter preparedness.

Normal training days usually take three to four hours each, and aside from occasional practice sessions by individual township officers, the range would be used sparingly, if at all. It would be a beneficial tool to the department that would allow training to be scheduled and conducted in the most efficient and logistical way as possible.

The range would be closed to qualifying from December 1 to March 1, and would be closed all weekends and holidays. The proposed hours of operation would be from 9am to 6pm. The cost of building and maintaining the range, thanks to donations, volunteers, the local police union, and assistance from community members would be zero to the taxpayer. All safety precautions will be put into place including 25’ berms, fencing, trees, and signage. The only trees that would be removed are in the area where the actually range would be, and all surrounding areas would be left as they are. The parking area would consist of the open stone area that is already on site.

We welcome all questions and concerns. Attached is a diagram of the proposed range. The concept will be reviewed by the county in late March and at the township planning board in April. We realize that there are questions and welcome all inquiries, and we ask that all those who have concerns or support the project, attend the meetings so that everyone can be heard.

Residents opposed to the range, many of whom live in the Hidden Hills development just up the road from the land in question, have begun an online petition against the proposal.

As of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday some 170 signatures have been obtained and a Facebook page for the cause can be found here.

The group has also organized an informal meeting set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 at St. Mark’s Church on Spring Lane.

Pictured: Outline sketch of proposed shooting range. Photo Credit: Washington Township Police