Shooting banned in popular forest

KALISPELL — The U.S. Forest Service has banned recreational sport shooting in the Coram Experimental Forest due to public safety concerns.

The Daily Inter Lake reports the ban includes the discharge of firearms, air rifles and gas guns.

The shooting ban does not apply to legal hunting activities.

The Coram Experimental Forest is a research and recreation area in the Hungry Horse Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest.

Officials say the experimental forest is a high-use area that draws hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-highway vehicles. It’s also a study area for researchers.