I just stumbled across this NRA posting NRA Range Development & Operations Conference in Reno is right around the corner (http://www.nrablog.com/post/2011/10/03/NRA-Range-Development-Operations-Conference-in-Reno-is-right-around-the-corner.aspx), in Reno, NV, October 15-19, 2011. It's a bit pricey, but it appears to address all public and private range issues, but as Appleseed continues it's growth with DARs, this info may serve to help not recreating the wheel.
Tom
I've been to an NRA range conference. They spend a good deal of time on business plans, logistics, insurance, etc. They do cover range design & layout. OSHA requirements, EPA requirements, air filtration, safety berms, backstops, overhead containment, etc.
It was informative but if you were to build a 25M range to their recommendations it'd be a million dollars. 20 foot high safety berms and overhead containment so no projectiles could leave the range. If you can see blue sky from the firing point it's not good enough.
I encourage everyone to attend a conference and see just how much is involved in setting up and running a range.
mm,
Thanks for the feedback on the presentations, the admission price alone is scary but it sounds like you get your moneys worth. There is a reality driven/based range that will meet various state's criteria for safety and insurability, but this seemed like a good starting point done by folks that have BTDT, and are writing the 'book'.
EPA, for as much as they are vilified, has sided with ranges and hunters occasionally; the last time (I'm aware of) is by refusing to bring any suits forward against the use of lead, in the ground by way of shooting & fishing. The case or back door run, was by the anti hunters, firearms, fishing, &c. groups.
As odd as it may seem, a Thank You letter to EPA, even this late for taking this stance should be considered.
Tom
The EPA can be your friend, but....
As long as it remains a shooting range it has EPA exemptions. If the range is ever abandoned or closes it now becomes an EPA covered "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act" site. Expensive remediation, plan accordingly.
They have helped us with our private range in Mansfield/Tx.
Yes, when sitting/standing/prone on the line you should not be able to see sky.
T.R. & mm,
Thanks for the insights about the conference and EPA's handling of abandoned sites.
Tom