During a joint work session held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and the Pagosa Lakes Owners Association (PLPOA) board on Feb. 3, a representative of the Wolf Creek Gun and Bow Association (WCGBA), Greg Dykstra, gave a presentation on an archery range being proposed in PLPOA boundaries at the intersection of Trails Boulevard and Bonanza Avenue.
Dykstra explained that the WCGBA was awarded a “provisional grant” from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in the amount of $63,140 to construct the archery range, noting that terms of the grant are for the WCGBA to cover the costs of constructing the range with the CPW grant reimbursing the association.
He mentioned that WCGBA is expecting final approval of the grant in March.
Dykstra also noted that the WCGBA is partnering with the PLPOA and plans to lease the land for the proposed archery range from the PLPOA.
He explained that the land is located within one of the PLPOA’s greenbelts.
Dykstra further explained that the PLPOA is not contributing any funds to the project.
“The PLPOA is not paying a dime for this,” he said.
Dykstra presented a conceptual design for the range, illustrating the entrance to the range coming off of Bonanza Avenue.
He added that part of the inspiration of this project came from being approached by a WCGBA and PLPOA member about providing a safe space for beginner and youth shooters to practice and develop their skills.
Dykstra also gave an overview of the layout of the proposed archery range, noting there would be a range with targets from distances of 20 to 80 yards, a beginner/youth range, along with a pavilion and shaded area with picnic tables. He also mentioned the range would be compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
Dykstra acknowledged there is another archery range in the county, the Larry Fisher Range, located near Stevens Field Airport, but commented that it does not get much use due to the terrain and accessibility.
“Our range … is very well accessible,” he added.
He went on to explain that the original design had the driveway entrance to the range coming off of Trails Boulevard.
“We were trying to do our due diligence in reducing the cost of developing this range while keeping the natural landscape as natural as possible,” he said.
Dykstra explained that if the driveway entrance were to come off of Trails Boulevard, it would have to be paved, according to the Archuleta County Planning Department.
“The proposed driveway is now a concern,” Dykstra stated in regard to the Bonanza Avenue entrance.
He explained the county engineer suggested two other locations for the entrance, one off of Trails Boulevard and one farther up the hill on Bonanza Avenue.
Dykstra also commented that the WCGBA requested to meet with the county engineer to discuss the driveway entrance options, but were told that meeting cannot take place until a building permit for the archery range is issued.
“I think [that] is very unprofessional, in my opinion,” he said.
Dykstra also expressed concerns about future plans to pave Bonanza Avenue, meaning the archery range entrance would then have to meet the county’s standards in terms of paving and parking for the Bonanza Avenue entrance as well.
“We would like to leave it as natural as possible,” he added, citing concerns of landscaping requirements.
Dykstra went on to indicate that the WCGBA will likely turn down the grant if a variance from the county in regard to paving and parking standards is not received.
“If we don’t get a variance, this project’s dead,” he said.
Commissioner John Ranson asked County Attorney Todd Weaver if the BoCC could ask questions about bringing the matter before the board at a later meeting, noting they were in a work session at the time.
“This really isn’t the proper forum for it,” Weaver said, explaining that there is nothing to seek a variance on at this point in time and that the conversation held during the work session may cause all members of the BoCC to need to recuse themselves from the matter at later meetings.
“I was worried about that,” Commissioner Veronica Medina stated.
“I am too,” Weaver replied, indicating he would “have to look into that,” noting that the BoCC can only consider information presented at a hearing.
Development Director Pamela Flowers was in attendance and explained that the WCGBA would need to start by submitting an application with its final plans to see if variance is even required.
She noted that the WCGBA submitted a permit request for the archery range, “but that’s not enough for us to operate off of.”
Medina interjected stating that she was “really worried” about the county attorney’s concerns on the matter being discussed in the appropriate forum.
“I feel like we many have shot all of ourselves in the foot on this one, and I hope we haven’t done that,” she said.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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