The Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club (LSC) proposes that the Land Board make one section of state land near Lincoln, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County, available for perpetual use as a shooting facility to serve the needs of the Lincoln area, nearby people and communities, and people traveling to attend events at this proposed facility. There are currently no established shooting facilities to serve the people of the Lincoln area.

The Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) joins the LSC in advancing this proposal.

The terrain included in this request is relatively flat mountain foothills. At about 5,200 feet in elevation, it is high, has mixed tree, brush and grass coverage, and is only modestly useful for other purposes.

In a separate section, the LSC will suggest several alternative ways the Land Board could satisfy this request.

The Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club (LSC) is an organization of firearm owners and sportsmen in the Lincoln, Montana area. This area is in Lewis and Clark County. The LSC is a Montana nonprofit corporation, first incorporated in 2014 (D248398, see Exhibit A). However, the LSC is the successor to the Lincoln Gun Club, first registered in 1971. LSC is approved as a 501(C) (3), tax exempt entity under IRS rules (See Exhibit B).

The Montana Shooting Sports Association is a Montana nonprofit corporation and statewide organization that was founded in 1990 to be and has become the primary political advocate for Montana firearm owners (see https://www.mtssa.org/leadership/). MSSA has now achieved passage of 73 pro-firearms bills, including the Shooting Range Protection Act (76-9-101, M.C.A., et. seq.), the Shooting Range Development Act (87-1-276, M.C.A., et. Seq.), that shooting ranges are not “nuisances” under law, and to allow use of easements to secure shooting range safety zones (see https://www.mtssa.org/successes/).

III. The Parcel

The parcel being requested is one section (640 acres) and is described as:

Section 16 T15N R07W, near Lincoln in Lewis and Clark County.

It has a geocode of:

05-2442-16-1-01-01-0000

At about 5,200 feet in elevation, Section 16 is a relatively flat area in rolling foothills, is separated about 1/3 – 2/3 by Alice Creek, and is served by the Alice Creek Road. This section is about 10 miles northeast of Lincoln, and about 2 miles north by northwest of the intersection of highways 200 and 279. It is about 2.5 miles off of Highway 200 via Alice Creek Road.

It is unknown if the State of Montana has this section leased for any purpose. This section does not contain any developed infrastructure such as highways, power lines, pipelines, irrigation ditches, gravel pits, businesses, or residences or other buildings. It is bare, undeveloped land. There are no known archaeological, historical, or heritage features on this parcel. There are no known wildlife or plants unique to this parcel.

Why 640 acres? There are several reasons. The LSC intends to eventually develop a 1,000-yard shooting bay as a part of this range. 1,000 yards is more than 1/2 mile, not including parking behind the bay firing line and road access to the bay.

Also, one significant challenge all shooting ranges face is having an adequate safety fan around a range. That is an area where other access can be excluded for safety reasons. It is because of an inadequate safety zone that the Montana Law Enforcement Academy range in Bozeman was closed. This was from poor initial planning by whoever initially located that range without an adequate safety zone.

Finally, there are a variety of shooting opportunities planned by the LSC for their shooting range evolution. For safety reasons, these different activities will need space for separation.

In this location and given the available terrain, it will require a full section to meet the long term needs of the LSC (See Exhibit C).

IV. Reasons for Land Board Cooperation

There is currently no dedicated, safe, and suitable place for the people of the Lincoln area to shoot, to sight in hunting arms, to hold shooting competitions, or to educate young shooters. The absence of a managed shooting facility in the Lincoln area results in dispersed recreational shooting on unmanaged lands. Such dispersion increases the potential for trespass, fire risk, litter, and administrative burden. Establishment of a managed facility under responsible local control concentrates activity in a controlled environment and reduces impacts elsewhere.

Montana has a very high incidence of firearms ownership. Because of this, Montana also has challenges providing safe and suitable places for people to shoot. Montana has express policy about this challenge at 76-9-101, M.C.A., which says:

“Policy. It is the policy of the state of Montana to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state by promoting the safety and enjoyment of the shooting sports among the citizens of the state and by protecting the locations of and investment in shooting ranges for shotgun, archery, rifle, and pistol shooting.”

The proposed facility, when developed, would accommodate rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery shooting. It would also provide a safe and suitable place for hunter sight-in, for youth firearms safety education, and for shooting competitions. It would be eligible for support under the Montana Shooting Range Development Program”

87-1-276. Purpose. The purpose of 87-1-277 through 87-1-279 and this section is to create a continuing program and mechanism to provide funding, through the department [DFWP], to private shooting clubs, private organizations, local governments, and school districts for the establishment and improvement of a system of shooting ranges throughout Montana.

With the high incidence of firearms ownership and use in Montana, it is no surprise that under-served localities can experience land use conflicts associated with shooting. These conflicts can include trespass, litter, damage, and safety issues. A classic example is the problems DNRC has been struggling with in the Bozeman area, especially south of I-90 near the Logan exit. It would be much better for Montana to be proactive with opportunities such as this LSC proposal.

The places where such problems do NOT occur or are minimal are where adequate safe shooting facilities are provided and are actively managed by engaged local clubs on property the club controls and is therefore motivated to manage well. Having committed members of a local club to manage an adequate local shooting facility is key to reducing area land use conflicts related to shooting. This LSC proposal is an attempt to address such land use conflicts in advance. A safe and suitable place for these people to shoot will contribute to the safety of the community and will minimize unsafe shooting at undeveloped locations.

State law countenances using public lands for shooting ranges.

87-1-279... (6) The department [DFWP] shall promote the use of publicly owned land for shooting range facilities. The department may negotiate with federal, state, and local agencies to encourage land trades, shared or specific use designations, and other mechanisms to provide land for shooting range facilities.”

Precedent. In 2006, the Land Board granted a shooting range easement to the Wilderness Sportsman’s Club for a community shooting range in Seeley Lake.

Constitutional issues. The Montana Constitution’s direction that state lands be used for the school trust will be discussed. Because youth safety and hunter education will be conducted at the proposed shooting facility, this will also aid education in Montana. Further, the Montana Constitution at Article VI, Section 13 declares that “The militia forces shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of the state except those exempted by law.” The U.S. Constitution assigns to the states the mission of training the militia - “… reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia …” The proposed shooting facility will aid in fulfilling this constitutional role.

V. Support

This proposal has broad support. See the attached letter of support from the Lewis and Clark County Commissioners (See Exhibit D), and another from the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff (See Exhibit E).

We support the Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club’s Land Board Proposal to obtain a section of state land near Lincoln for a community shooting range:

Senator Matt Regier

Senator Barry Usher

Senator Mark Noland

Senator Carl Glimm

Senator Mike Yakawich

Senator Greg Hertz

Senator Gayle Lammers

Senator Becky Beard

Senator Bob Phalen

Senator Daniel Zolnikov

Senator Denley Loge

Senator Theresa Manzella

The following 125 people of Lincoln, MT and Upper Blackfoot Valley area signed the Montana Shooting Sports Association Letter (petition) dated July 29, 2025, indicating their support to petition the Land Board for permanent use of a section of State land for the Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club to establish a safe and suitable place for area people to shoot:

Zach Muse, Fire Chief LRFD

Gavin Roselles, Powell County Sheriff

Brian Patzer, President Lincoln Sportsmen's Club (LSC)

Marshall Visger, Pastor Lincoln Baptist Church

Wendell Weaver, Vice President LSC (2025)

Ernie Lundberg, Area Chair Ducks Unlimited

Bruce West, Board Member LSC (2025)

Brian T. Jennings, Secretary LSC

William L. Yaeger, Treasurer LSC

Dennis Hefti, Range Master LSC

Scott Skerlock, Vice President LSC (2026)

Ron Shortridge, Board Member LSC (2026)

Tim Sowa

Mark Sowa

Donna Copenhaver

Debbie Patzer

Richard Cosner, NLG Arms

Sheryl Peterson

Kevin Forkan

David Brandow

Denise Vandermark-Brandow

Steven Copenhaver

John Felciano

Gary Smith

Patrick Bickel

Aaron Massey

Scott McCaughtry

Cynthia Sowa

Kinley Cooley

Trenton Grantier

Quinton Grantier

Teresa Castagne

Kelly Hagan

Taylor Jennings

Jennifer Jennings

James Reynolds

Lisa Reynolds

Olivia Dietz

Tahne Jo Raynor

Shane Raynor

Todd Copenhaver

John Manley

John T. Manley

Andrew Gomez

Thomas Applegate

Chris Caldwell

Jeff Jorgensen

Cole Orth

Cory Garneau

Robert T. Browne

Bill Baker

Cody Baker

Cody Dailey

Becky Dailey

Scott Zarske

Julie Zarske

Ashley Eddington

Fred Valiton

Tony Tams

Denise Browne

Grant Slaght

Mary Delaney Slaght

Dave McKee

Bille Jo Baker

Andrew Patterson

Carver Thompson

Kynslee Thompson

Emily Patterson

Alyssa Daniels

Ty Daniels

Bri Cunha

Daniel Schatz

David Van Dyke

Keven Patzer

Wyatt Jorgensen

Trey Phillips

Joshua Spatig

Fran Heath

Amanda Hallsted

Tim Welker

Forrest Rogers

Linda Shadel

Norine L. Joyce

Walt Joyce

Jon Lamson

Melaya Joyce

Logan Joyce

Chad Sutej

Clarence Stine

Billy J. Bratcher

Lynda Mosher

Donna Forkan

Chris Joyce

Kelley Patzer

Mary Patzer

Judy Hefti

Brenda Henwood

Gerry B. Malek

Michael T. Hagen

Kasey Reisbeck

Tabatha Reisbeck

Nancy L. Duel

Dave Duel

Stephanie G. Weaver

Emmett L. Weaver

Don LaRoque

Tamara Jordan

Norma Hughes

Irene E. Weaver

Katherine A. Schweiterman

Mike Schweiterman

Frank J. Malek

Renee Lundberg

Sandra Nobi

Laszlo Nobi

Louie W. Bouma

Mishayla Fallis

Bridger Reisbeck

Alex Haas

Kathy Tams

Cindy Bettinelli

Jid Bettinelli

Michelle Mattick

Tim Mattick

Melissa L. Youderian

VI. Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club’s Commitment

The LSC is willing to agree to the following terms as a part of this proposal, if control of the parcel in question can be transferred to the LSC.

Hunter education. LSC agrees to allow the shooting range to be established on the parcel to be used for training by FWP Hunter Education instructors and the FWP Hunter Education Program, as needed, forever.

State to retain timber rights. The LSC is willing to accept that the State retain timber rights to the land in question, thereby minimizing any loss to the state school trust fund (understanding that the LSC will need to clear some portions of the land for ranges, parking and other facilities, but that such clearing will be kept to a minimum).

Fire hazard reduction. The LSC will actively engage in a fire hazard reduction program on the land in question.

Weed management. The LSC will actively pursue weed management on the parcel in question.

Accept covenants. The LSC will accept covenants with the land specifying that the land may only be used for the purpose of a shooting range, together with the necessary adjuncts thereto.

Survey and transfer costs. The LSC will pay the costs associated with transferring the property, including the cost of a survey of the property.

Operate and maintain range. The LSC will operate and maintain the shooting range in perpetuity, paying all costs of operation, liability insurance and improvements, and allowing any member of the general public to become a member of the LSC if the applicant is eligible to purchase a Montana hunting license, and pays dues that are a reasonable share of the cost of LSC business.

VII. Alternatives

The Montana Shooting Sports Association strongly advises that local firearms owners attempting to establish a shooting range, or to manage or develop a range, must own the land for the range. Without ownership, or secure, long term control, members and volunteers simply will lack the motivation to contribute the money and long hours needed to develop and maintain a decent and safe range. LSC has recently been ousted from an unsecured range location with no notice, a location in which it had invested hundreds of man and equipment hours.

Also, shooting ranges must have a considerable footprint, not only for the developed portion of the range, but for a safety fan around the shooting areas.

Shooting ranges are not profit-making operations. They are break-even propositions because range operators plow all available income back into development. This is also why a local club cannot afford to pay competitive lease rates for shooting range property. Thus, the cost of adequate land for a range is a major barrier to shooting range establishment. This is why the enacted policy of the State of Montana to encourage safe and suitable places to shoot is so vital.

Alternative 1. (Preferred alternative). The State deeds Section 16 to the LSC, with conditions that the parcel may only be used for a shooting range and that the parcel reverts to the State if it should fall into dis-management or if the LSC should become inactive.

Alternative 2. The State deeds Section 16 to Lewis and Clark County with the understanding that the County hand either deed or secured indefinite use to LSC for a shooting range.

Alternative 3. The state grants an easement to LSC for the perpetual use of Section 16 as a shooting range.

Alternative 4. The State enters into contract with LSC to allow LSC to use Section 16 for a shooting range for $1 per year for a minimum of 50 years.

VIII. Impact Analysis

A. Financial Impact Analysis

Estimated grazing revenue for Section 16 (low-productivity rangeland):

640 acres × 0.043 AUM/acre ≈ 27.5 AUM annually.

27.5 AUM × $25/AUM ≈ $687 annual grazing lease value (approximate).

This represents the approximate annual revenue potentially forgone if grazing is displaced.

B. No Net Loss Comparative Table (Estimated Annual Values)

Category	Estimated Annual Value	Notes
Grazing Lease Revenue	($687)	Approximate forgone revenue
Fire Hazard Reduction	$200–$600	Fuel mitigation, defensible space, volunteer labor value
Weed Control & Monitoring	$100–$500	Ongoing treatment & compliance
Active Site Stewardship & Maintenance	$300–$700	Road maintenance, litter removal, supervision
Net Estimated Impact	Neutral to Positive	Stewardship offsets grazing revenue

C. Legal Analysis

Where the trust corpus is protected, timber rights retained, reversionary provisions included, and long-term stewardship enhances land condition, the Board may reasonably conclude that the arrangement secures legitimate and reasonable advantage to the trust.

The relatively modest grazing value, compared with active management and reduction of unmanaged recreational impacts, supports a finding that the proposal does not materially impair trust revenue and is in the public interest.

D. Risk Mitigation Protections

- Retained timber rights.
- Recorded use covenants limiting purpose.
- Reversion clause for non-use or mismanagement.
- Liability insurance.

IX. Conclusion

For the reasons stated above, the LSC requests that the Land Board make the described real property available to the LSC for the purpose of establishing a community shooting range in the Lincoln area. Such action by the Land Board would serve the public interest in a significant way. The LSC requests that the State Land Board direct the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to execute documents consistent with Land Board findings and the terms of this proposal.

Exhibit A

From the Montana Secretary of State website:

Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club

Request Information

Filing Number	D248398
Entity Type	Domestic Non-Profit Corporation
Entity SubType	Public Benefit Corporation with members
Status	Active-Good Standing
Formed In	Montana
Principal Address	2866 SPRUCE LANE LINCOLN, MT 59639
Mailing Address	PO BOX 114 LINCOLN, MT 59639
Registration Date	05/01/2014
AR Due Date	04/15/2027
Registered Agent	Noncommercial RA1600709 Brian Jennings 215 8TH AVE LINCOLN, MT 59639

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Lincoln Sportsmen’s Club

Proposed Range Development

Exhibit D

Exhibit E