Plantation Rifle Range could reopen this year with limited operations

The Plantation Rifle Range in Bellingham, WA, could reopen its doors for limited operations as soon as September 2025, contingent on the completion of significant upgrades costing $1. 7 million. Parks and Recreation Director Bennett Knox provided an update to council members, detailing the final steps needed to secure a final occupancy permit. The indoor range has remained closed since July 2021, while the outdoor facilities face more severe challenges due to contamination issues. Inspections conducted between 2017 and 2021 uncovered between 3-6 tons of lead that had contaminated the soil, prompting the Department of Ecology to classify the outdoor ranges as dangerous waste management units.

Knox stated that a comprehensive study is being finalized for submission to the Washington State Department of Ecology, a prerequisite for any cleanup efforts. The anticipated cost for this cleanup is around $13. 5 million, with partial funding expected from grants and the Real Estate Excise Tax. The community eagerly awaits the reopening, as the range has long been a vital resource for shooting enthusiasts. This situation underscores the ongoing environmental challenges faced by public facilities and the importance of regulatory compliance in ensuring public safety.