Due to ongoing public safety concerns, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources will close the Van Zandt Dike area and the Middle Fork System in Whatcom County to target shooting starting May 1. Motorized access to Van Zandt Dike will also be closed starting May 1.

 

Closure of the gate leading into Van Zandt Dike comes following ongoing reports from concerned neighbors and law enforcement officials of unsafe shooting practices in the area. The illegal activity has led to multiple short-term closures on different road segments in the last year, however continued concerns have prompted the upcoming closure.

 

Reports from law enforcement officials indicate shooters using targets with no backstops, causing bullets to end up near Acme Valley where houses are located. Reports also indicate continued vandalism in the area including trash dumping, timber theft, and illegal camping.   

 

“While I am disappointed to hear about this closure, DNR’s decision prioritizes keeping people safe and the environment healthy while balancing the need to maintain access to recreation opportunities on state public lands,” said Whatcom County Councilmember Kaylee Galloway. “I hope people will see this as a call to action to better appreciate and steward our shared public lands and to avoid these issues in the future.”

 

“The few that have acted irresponsibly and are requiring this closure to happen due to safety concerns and resource abuse unfortunately impact the many recreators who are respectful while on our state lands,” said Jay Guthrie, Region Manager for DNR’s Northwest Region.

 

“DNR does a great job providing opportunities for everyone to get outside, but with that comes a responsibility to respect the land and keep each other safe,” said Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham). "Most people used these areas responsibly. It's a shame that a few people acting dangerously made it necessary to close the land to the public."

 

“Target shooting is a privilege, not a right,” said DNR’s Northwest Region Law Enforcement Officer Greg Erwin. “DNR aims to provide safe recreational opportunities that still protect Washington’s resources for all and future generations, but the current behavior in this area is not safe or environmentally friendly. I have seen firsthand many instances of unsafe shooting locations, excessive debris left behind, and damage to live and newly planted trees. This behavior is not acceptable, and I support these closures.”

 

Walk-in, non-target shooting activities are still allowed in Van Zandt Dike while motorized use is restricted. Officials hope to reopen the gates before the start of the 2024 hunting season in early Fall 2024.

 

The majority of DNR parcels allow target shooting, except where prohibited by local ordinance or where no-shooting signs are posted. Shooting on DNR parcels is allowed 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset and requires biodegradable targets and an earthen backstop. Incendiary devices – such as exploding targets, sky lanterns, or tracer ammunition – are illegal on all 13 million acres of DNR-protected lands. Violators of the shooting closure could be subject to fines.

 

Learn more about the rules for safe shooting at dnr.wa.gov/targetshooting

 

For photos of damage caused to the area, click here

 

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Courtney James

Communications Manager

360-522-2534