The U.S. Forest Service has banned recreational sport shooting and other activities in the Coram Experimental Forest due to public safety concerns. The new regulations prohibit the discharge of firearms, air rifles and gas guns, as well as overnight camping, campfires and firewood cutting in the experimental forest.
The shooting ban does not apply to legal hunting activities.
The Coram Experimental Forest is a research and recreation area in the Hungry Horse Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest. It is a high-use area that draws hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-highway vehicles. It’s also a study area for researchers.
“This regulation is common across the National Forest System to protect visitors and resources,” USFS Spokesperson Wade Muehlhof said in a news release.