March 1, 2008
Entering its 38th year of operating the Range, the Rocky Rod & Gun Club has seen its membership grow from a small group of local shooters and sportsmen to nearly 450 members in 2007. The Range is also used by law enforcement agencies, youth groups, firearms training providers and the Canadian Forces. Over 40% of the members are from outside the Rocky trading area, which tells us that there are very few Ranges that offer what we do. This increasingly heavy use has created challeges in maintaining the Range to the required standards for certification as an Approved Range. It has also created a problem in accommodating organized shooting events, other groups and agencies while having the range available for regular members' use. Irresponsible use and vandalism has not helped the situation and has increased the Club's awareness of liability and the need to tighten up insurance requirements. At the Club's September 2007 meeting, measures were voted on tho address some of the issues resulting in major policy changes. This Newsletter will highlight the changes and rationale for them. In 2008, the Club is welcoming Alberta Frontier Shooters who will be locating their renown Cowboy Action facility to the Rocky Range after having to move from their site southeast of Edmonton.
Range Guest Pass
Range Guest Passes are required if you intend to bring a guest to the Range. The Passes cost $5.00 and are available where you get your Memberships. The Pass will satisfy the requirements of the Shooting Ranges Regulations, and will provide insurance coverage for your guest while they are at the Range. No keys are issued with the Range Guest Pass.Range Rental Agreement
Heavy use of the Range has created problems accommodating all the users. A Range Rental Policy has been developed to address the scheduling and insurance concerns. A Range Rental Agreement will have to be submitted by all non-RRGC affiliated groups, before January 15, for approval by the Executive and inclusion in the annual range schedule. There should be no surprises for members arriving at the Range only to find some group is using it. Contact the Club Executive for rates, terms and conditions.Range Operations & Maintenance
The pressures of 450 shooters, irresponsible use, accumulations of garbage that should have been disposed of at home instead of deposited in the Range garbage cans, and outright vandalism have taken their toll last year. The Club was unable to retain a maintenance person that could commit the necessary time to look after the Range. The Executive and a few volunteers do what they can, but need the help of members to keep the Range in good order. If you can volunteer some time, equipment or services, please contact one of the Executive.The Club still intends to hire a part time maintenance person to put in a couple of days a week. If you know of anyone that might be interested, have them contact one of the Executive. Compensation is negotiable.
Meetings
Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month, in January, February, March, April (Annual General Meeting), June, September, and November. The June meeting is held at the Range, the remainder at the Lou Soppit Community Centre in Rocky.Your input into Club and Range operations is important.
Dues Structure
Regular dues for 2008 have been increased to $75.00, plus $15.00 for spouse and each family member included on the application. The increase was necessary because:- Costs of materials and services have increased over 30%
- Vandalism at the Range adding additional expense.
- Lack of participation by the general membership resulting in increased reliance on hired contractors and equipment
- Need for a paid maintenance person and range supervisor.
- Cost of lease renewal in 2012 is unknown, therefore a contingency fund is necessary. Cost was over $12,000 at the last renewal in 1992. There are rumors of the Province increasing rental rates for leases on public land.
- A contingency fund is also necessary for unforeseen site remediation or legal costs.
