Project Overview
Due to heavy use over the years, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Division of Facilities Development (DFD) made the decision to modernize the shooting range at the Yellowstone Wildlife Area in southwest Wisconsin. This project’s result was a modernized facility that meets the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) safety standards, complies with ADA regulations, minimizes future maintenance needs, and provides improved user convenience. Collins provided planning and design services, and prepared bid documents containing plans and specifications for improvements to the shooting range.
The range now features a 100-yard range with eight shooting stations, a 50-yard range with six stations, and a new 25-foot range with six stations. All shooting lines are covered with baffle protection and each includes one accessible shooting station. The design of new berms, diversion dikes, and swales balanced the overall earthwork on-site to eliminate the need for haul-off of on-site materials that might possibly contain lead. Also, with the site being prone to periods of stormwater flooding/ponding, the design of swales, diversions, and an underdrain addressed the issue while avoiding significant above ground storm sewer facilities within the shooting ranges, per the DNR’s wishes.
During the construction process, the contractor discovered substantial bedrock below the surface. When this was discovered, Collins worked with the DNR to develop an option to relocate the 25-foot range to an area with more optimal soil conditions. The changes were developed within two weeks and caused no delay in construction.