The program is being funded in part by a Clean Michigan Initiative grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The National Shooting Sports Foundation is assisting MUCC in implementing this important shooting range program.

Under the program, operators of shooting ranges have the opportunity to enroll in the SRESP and receive guidance and assistance from MUCC in managing their ranges to minimize potential adverse environmental impacts from lead.

To initiate the program, MUCC conducted four SRESP educational workshops in Kent, Oakland, and Mackinac counties and at the MUCC State Convention in Lansing in May and June, 2005, and one in Lansing in February, 2006. A total of 100 clubs/ranges attended the five workshops. To qualify to be enrolled in the SRESP, clubs must attend an educational workshop, perform a site assessment, develop a draft management plan, participate in a second on-site workshop to review and discuss the draft plan, finalize the management plan, and commit to and implement the management plan.

Upon completing these steps, as confirmed by a site visit by the MUCC program coordinator, and entering a program agreement with MUCC, a club will be enrolled as a member of the SRESP. To maintain membership in good standing, clubs must regularly assess their sites, update the management plan, and continually assure best management practices are followed. Enrollment is for two years and is renewable.

The SRESP is being implemented in partnership with the DEQ. Ranges enrolled and in good standing in the program will be seen by the DEQ as making a good faith effort to manage lead at their ranges. Enrollment in the program has benefits beyond stewardship of the natural resources and wildlife, including improved community relations and range aesthetics. However, enrollment in the program does not provide any additional legal protection against DEQ enforcement or against liability for environmental damage.

MUCC urges all clubs with shooting ranges to enroll in the program. As responsible environmental stewards, shooting ranges have an obligation to properly manage lead. This program will provide an excellent opportunity for clubs to gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage their ranges in an environmentally sound manner.

For additional information concerning the MUCC SRESP or questions about the program, contact Linn Duling, MUCC SRESP Coordinator, at 517/346-6454 or e-mail Linn Duling.