HARRISBURG, Pa., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan today signed a lease with a sportsmen's club at Black Moshannon State Park that paves the way for resumption of the long-standing tradition of trap shooting at the Centre County facility.

Philipsburg Rod & Gun Club was closed to trap shooters almost five years ago amid concern expressed by state and federal environmental officials over elevated levels of lead shot deposited through the years on sections of the 23-acre shooting range leased from the park.

"All parties involved -- club officers, shooters, elected officials and our Bureau of State Parks -- must be commended for staying a course that will see resumption of a historic activity while providing environmental safeguards for the park's future," said Allan.  

Under terms of the lease agreement, extending until 2021, the club will remove lead pellets that have accumulated in the range outfall area during the many years that shooting has occurred at the range. The club will be operating under an environmental stewardship plan and implementing best-management practices at the range consistent with recommendations by state and federal environmental agencies.

"Joining with state and federal elected officials, environmental agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Environmental Protection, our bureau employees and the club's officers and members all have worked long and hard to hammer out this accord," Allan said. "There are clear-cut measures outlined for lead clean-up, and future operations curtailing any future build-ups."  

The PRGC shotgun range began in 1937 and its clubhouse was built in the 1960s. At times, club membership has listed 150 trap shooters.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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