By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch A ban on hunting and other uses of firearms will remain in effect indefinitely in an area of about 2,000 rural acres in the Graham-Kapowsin area. The Pierce County Council, which was considering loosening the ban that's been in effect for 14 years, decided instead last week to postpone the proposal. Faced with clashing viewpoints among property owners and residents in the no-firearms area, council members asked a citizen advisory group to review safety issues and related concerns. No indication was given when or if any changes in the ban might be considered again by the council. The council opted for a delay March 1, the same day the council was scheduled to vote on a proposed ordinance that would have changed the no-shooting rules. The affected area totals 2,088 acres that are bounded on the west by State Route 161 (Meridian), on the east by Orting-Kapowsin Highway East, on the south by 288th Street East and on the north by 264th Street East. The ordinance, which was introduced by Councilman Jim McCune, was prompted by residents in the area who want to use their firearms for hunting and protecting their animals from predatory wildlife. Mark Rayburn, a longtime resident of the area, gave the council a petition he said was signed by 38 property owners in favor of removing the ban. He complained that the ban was enacted in 2002 without giving residents in the area enough opportunity to contest or discuss it with county officials. The original banned area has shrunk slightly over the years. Last October, the council lifted the firearms restriction on approximately 600 acres, as recommended by the Firearms Advisory Commission, a council-appointed body that advises county government on gun-related issues. Before that, the council removed the prohibition from another 168 acres. Council members said that according to the Sheriff Department, most gun-related complaints in the area are about noise rather than safety concerns. Brent Matthews, a Graham resident, said the ban should be lifted entirely. "There was no clear reason for the original restriction,GÇ¥ he said. But other residents said the ban protects the public from accidental injuries or property damage from shooting. Renee Fisher noted the Graham-area population is growing, which means "there will be less vacant landGÇ¥ that could otherwise serve as a buffer for hunting. The focus should be on Graham's future, "not on what Graham once was,GÇ¥ she said. The issue now is back in the lap of the Firearms Advisory Commission. Its nine members include representatives of shooting clubs, residents of unincorporated areas of the county, and representatives of the Sheriff Department and the Planning and Land Services Department. The two county officials don't have a vote in recommendations the commission makes to the council.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment