BLM and SITLA propose partial closure of South West Mountain shooting areas; county seeks alternatives

Officials from the Bureau of Land Management’s West Desert District and School Trust Lands (SITLA) outlined a proposed target‑shooting closure on the South End of West Mountain and discussed alternatives with the Utah County Commission.

Todd Marks, assistant field manager for the BLM Salt Lake Field Office, said the proposed closure would affect 1,369 acres total — about 961 acres managed by BLM and 408 acres on SITLA land — and followed years of signage, berms and increased patrols aimed at reducing unsafe shooting practices. Marks said a state crime lab ballistic study recovered rounds including .223 caliber at impacted residences and concluded the stray rounds were originating from West Mountain generally but could not reliably pinpoint a single firing lane.

Marks said BLM considered several alternatives: directing shooters to the North End of West Mountain (where berms and existing backstops are used), encouraging use of developed county ranges such as Thistle and Soldier Pass, and advancing a proposed Citizen Marksmanship Program range on the South End that is undergoing NEPA review and would likely operate as a fee facility to cover operations and maintenance. "We looked at a couple of alternatives," he said, noting the agency was pursuing public engagement, federal‑register notices and coordination with shooting sports councils.

Mayor Marty Larson of Genoa told the commission the issue had become urgent in his town after repeated impacts to resident property. "I do believe it is urgent enough to act now sooner than later," he said, asking the commission to weigh immediate safety measures alongside long‑term alternatives.

Public commenters representing the shooting community urged preserving local access and offered volunteer help. Leif Ernst, a Provo resident, said contractors had offered to build berms at no cost near the Payson dump and warned that closures could push shooters to other, less appropriate locations.

Commissioners pressed BLM and SITLA on enforcement feasibility, how a closure might displace unsafe activity, estimated costs for a developed range and the risks of pushing shooters to the North End where homes exist. BLM acknowledged there are uncertainties about exact costs and compliance but said the agency would return with refined alternatives and incorporate public works, city law enforcement and additional outreach.

Next steps: BLM and SITLA will continue public engagement, pursue NEPA and Recreation and Public Purposes Act processes where applicable, run additional technical work on boundaries and enforcement, and return to the commission with proposals and cost estimates.