Can't live with range? Leave

To the Editor:

In response to Mr. and Mrs. Moser's letter in last Friday's Western News. I'll try to address their concerns.

First, the range will be funded by a grant from the NRA and government grants already set aside for Parks and Recreation.

As to trying to keep it a secret, no one is. The Forest Service sent letters to all those thought to be impacted.

Now we get down to the noise issue. Early tests show that where you live you won't be able to hear it at all. It is a good mile down river and on the other side. The trains on the tracks right across the river make much more racket than the shooting range will. Are you going to stop the railroad too?

As to the South Side Road: the people of Lincoln County know how to drive these roads. If you don't, I suggest that you stay off them. It may come as a surprise to you but this is hunting country and hunters need a place to sight in their rifles. Also there are a lot of us that just like to shoot. Having an organized range is a boon to any Montana town.

Libby has a 500-yard range with houses all around it. We are only proposing a 300-yard range. That would be quite an undertaking to put underground.

We have been trying to get a range for many years and now we have the funding. If you still feel you can't live with it, I suggest you go back to wherever you came from. You won't be missed.

Ken French

Troy