Law enforcement shooting range built near Plummer

PLUMMER - Area law enforcement agencies now have access to a shooting-training facility in the Plummer area.

The new shooting range just south of Plummer and east of U.S. 95 is a joint effort between the city of Plummer and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's police departments.

The range meets Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements.

"All of our officers were traveling to shooting ranges in St. Maries or Coeur d'Alene," said Les Hall, Plummer police chief. "This piece of land was perfect for us."

The range is on property - owned by the city of Plummer - that's no longer being used as a rock quarry. The range is not open to the public.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe donated labor and machinery to level the site and create a land berm behind the targets. It also donated an outbuilding and $5,000, which will be used to buy materials for a better backstop and possibly another outbuilding for officers to use during bad weather.

"We cannot think of a better investment than to partner on a training facility to help us all better serve our communities," said Cody SiJohn, the Tribe's police chief.

St. Maries River Railroad donated old railroad ties to be used for a backstop. Stimson Lumber chipped in $250.

The shooting range is surrounded by land owned by Potlatch and the Idaho Department of Lands.