Special Meeting Notice: “No Blue Sky” Barriers for 200-300 Rifle Range
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: At the Range
The Board is calling a special meeting to approve the expenditure of funds for installing “No Blue Sky” barriers/baffles in the 200–300 rifle range.
Why Are These Barriers Needed?
- The barriers are designed to block line of sight and create a physical safety buffer between shooters and the 125 KVA power lines on the north side of the range.
- In January, eight repairs were made to the power lines due to damage.
- The issue was discussed at the annual banquet, and since then the Club has:
- Launched an education program to raise awareness.
- Created signs (not yet installed) identifying the hazard.
- Posted updates on the Club’s website and Facebook page.
- A recent inspection revealed the power lines were struck four times this summer.
- Severing a wire could cause a large power outage in Redwood Falls.
- It is a federal and state crime to shoot power lines—whether intentionally or accidentally.
- Continued damage puts the Club at risk of having the range permanently shut down by the power company.
Proposed Solution
A committee was formed to research and recommend solutions. After visiting the range in Watertown, SD, and conducting online research, the recommendation is to have a local contractor build and install a baffle system:
- Four rows of baffles spanning the full width of the range.
- Each baffle row:
- Stands 7.5 feet above the ground.
- Measures 4 feet tall.
- Is constructed from recycled bridge planking.
- Estimated cost per row: $4,752
- Total estimated cost: $19,008
- The Club has sufficient funds to cover this project.
Volunteer Help Needed
We’re always in need of volunteers—especially now:
- We need help installing the signs that have already been created.
- Posts are on site; we just need a few members to help dig and mount them.
Club members have consistently stepped up in the past, often fixing things without even being asked. Thank you!
Range Expansion Project
The Club is currently expanding the pistol bays to the east of the existing bays:
- Total cost: $40,000
- A grant of $20,000 was awarded by the MidwayUSA Foundation.
- The expansion will support:
- 4H Shooting Sports
- Defensive Pistol League events
- Additional space for member practice
- As construction progresses:
- Steel from the easternmost bay will be moved to the westernmost bay.
- The shelter in the east bay will be moved forward as the bay is deepened.
- Please bear with us during this improvement process.
Board Elections and Member Involvement
Several Board members will be stepping down at the end of the year.
If you’re interested in:
- Serving on the Board (elections in January)
- Volunteering at the range
- Helping with the annual banquet or other events
Let us know! You don’t have to be on the Board to make a difference.
Monthly Club Meetings
Starting in November, Club meetings will be held at:
Where: American Legion – Redwood Falls
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month
The Club depends on member involvement. Thank you for supporting our shared mission.