Supervisors May Approve Zoning Change To Allow Shooting Range On Millville Plains

During an unusual evening meeting of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, Board Chair Patrick Jones will again try to get a zoning change to allow him to build a large bustling shooting range complex on Millville Plains. The 152 acres on Leopard Drive would feature long-range rifle firing lines, handgun bays, and clay target shooting ranges. Structures would include a 5,000 square foot clubhouse with a 3,300 square foot covered patio, a 1,000 square foot caretakers quarters and a 700 square foot clubhouse especially for use by law enforcement. Jones would want to operate the club 5 days a week from 8AM to 8PM and hold up to 14 events a year with up to 200 people; 2 of them with up to 500 people. It would also allow overnight RV camping. Many neighbors have expressed opposition to what they say will shatter the peaceful solitude of their homes. There are also concerns about environmental degradation from the range, which runs along Bear Creek. The zoning change was approved in April by the Planning Commission and needs the approval of the board before getting its final permits. When it came up in May it was also pointed out that many of the documents used to support the project are a decade old and are no longer valid. Jones recused himself and left the building during the discussion. The meeting begins at 5:30PM Tuesday.