Gun Culture And Society
New manager selected for SLO shooting range
New manager selected for SLO shooting range
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍San Luis Obispo, California
In a significant milestone for the San Luis Obispo firearms community, nearly a year after the closing of the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area Public Shooting Range, preparations for its reopening are underway. On October 27th, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced an Intent to Award range operations to San Luis Obispo Firearms and Safety Training (SLOFAST). This nonprofit organization is stepping in to manage the facility, with Robert Brennan, a board member, expressing gratitude for the confidence placed in their team. "We are deeply honored by this opportunity and grateful to CDFW for their confidence in our team," SLOFAST noted on its website. The organization aims to ensure that the shooting range remains a model for safe, environmentally responsible, and community-focused recreation. The proposed management agreement would allow SLOFAST to oversee the 488-acre site situated off Highway 1, between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. However, the award is still pending finalization as the CDFW must complete its formal contracting process before SLOFAST can officially assume management. As of now, the group has set February 2026 as its target date for reopening the range to the public, pending the necessary state-required repairs. According to Brennan, these repairs include addressing safety concerns such as a damaged bridge, deteriorating concrete, and dry-rotted decks. "The more volunteers we have, the faster we can reopen," he emphasized, highlighting the reliance on community support for the restoration process. The closure of the shooting range in December 2024 was attributed to findings from an audit that revealed multiple contractual violations by the previous management organization, the San Luis Obispo Sportsmens Association. In response to this situation, SLOFAST was established shortly after the range closed, with the mission to "save" it for future generations. Brennan passionately stated, "I'd love my children or my grandchildren to be able to go out there and shoot. We want to make sure this land stays open to the public for the foreseeable future." Once the site is deemed safe for public access, only the front range will reopen, which includes rifle and pistol lanes, archery, skeet, and competition bays. The back range, however, will remain closed due to concerns regarding unexploded World War II munitions in the area. SLOFAST aims to address the safety issues outlined by the Fish and Wildlife Department. "Once we address the safety issue, then the government has to say its safe," Brennan explained, emphasizing the diligence required in meeting state regulations before reopening. While the specifics of the management transition are still being finalized, the news marks a hopeful return for avid shooters in the area. The organization is committed not only to maintaining the range but also to promoting a responsible approach to shooting sports and environmental stewardship. As community members look forward to the reopening of the San Luis Obispo Shooting Range, it remains essential to gather support and actively participate in the restoration efforts that lie ahead. Volunteers, donations, and advocacy will play crucial roles in making this dream a reality for the community. In conclusion, the reestablishment of the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area Public Shooting Range is a pivotal development for the local gun culture and broader shooting community. As more details emerge about SLOFAST's plans and progress, it will be vital for local shooters, hunters, and advocates for gun rights to stay engaged and informed. The commitment of the SLOFAST organization reflects a growing appreciation for community-based shooting facilities and the importance of ensuring they remain accessible and safe for future generations.