THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting public comments on a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination that analyzed the environmental impacts of permanently closing the shooting range on the Asotin Creek Wildlife Area in Asotin County. The range is closed following March 2026 flooding damage.
“Unfortunately, the cost both financially and environmentally to put the creek back where it was to protect the range would be astronomical,” said Wildlife Area Manager Bob Dice. “The work required also exceeds typical land management approaches for land acquired primarily to provide habitat for fish and wildlife.”
Many creeks and streams in Washington, including Asotin Creek, have meandered and changed course over the years, in a natural process.
“When humans attempt to change this and force water bodies into unnatural channels, it can cause a creek or stream to become disconnected from its’ floodplain and result in degraded habitat and water quality,” Dice said. “In addition, we also often find out that nature has other plans, and the creek or stream returns to its’ natural course over time.”
Due to the topography of the area, funding constraints, and proximity to private homes, the Department has been unable to identify a feasible or practical area to relocate the range to on the wildlife area. Over time, the range site will be rehabilitated into habitat by planting willows and cottonwood.
“We understand that this is a loss to the public as the shooting range is very popular and there aren’t many alternative shooting sites in the area,” Dice said.
After reviewing the documents posted on WDFW’s SEPA webpage, members of the public can comment on the state environmental policy act (SEPA) determination for the proposed closure through the PublicInput comment portal links at Asotin Shooting Range or by emailing AsotinShootingRange@PublicInput.com. Comments can also be submitted by mailing to Lisa Wood, care of WDFW, at P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on May 18, 2026. Following the closure of the public comment period, staff will consider the comments received and make any needed adjustments to the proposal.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural ecosystems, protecting the state’s land and water for its wildlife and people.
