Potlatch Corp's Donation Helps Youth Aim for Gun Safety

LEWISTON - Forty million Americans enjoy the shooting sports. But for newcomers, one of the biggest challenges is having a safe place to get started. Thanks to a $25,000 donation from Potlatch Corp, Idaho Fish and Game's indoor shooting range in Lewiston will provide the ideal starting place. Potlatch's donation will help Fish and Game purchase and install a bullet trap system, target returns, shooting bays and sound-reducing wall materials to a partially completed range located next to Fish and Game's Lewiston office at 3316 16th Street. The building is equipped with electrical, heating and ventilation systems. "Having an indoor facility in Lewiston will help pass on the sporting tradition to the next generation," said Matt Van Vleet, public affairs manager for Potlatch's western region. "It's important that we get kids interested in shooting at an early age, but equally important is ensuring they have a safe, convenient place to shoot where experienced instructors can guide them." When completed, the range will benefit the community well into the future. Not only will it provide a safe, year-round facility for the 1,200 area hunter education students who graduate annually, but it will also be utilized by law enforcement agencies for firearm qualifications. "This is a great partnership and we want to thank Potlatch for supporting the community and helping our area youth," Fish and Game Clearwater Regional Supervisor Cal Groen said. "Whenever we can team-up with others to promote firearm safety and the shooting sports - it's a great thing." Once the range is completed, Fish and Game will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony where the public can learn more about the safe, recreational use of firearms, along with guidelines for access and recreation on Potlatch's 670,000 acres in Idaho. Hunter education instructors will also provide newcomers a chance to practice their shooting skills using .22 rifles, and "shoot or don't shoot" scenarios utilizing Laser-Shot technology.