(COLORADO) — The Forest Service will now manage target shooting as it manages other popular activities, like motor vehicle use and camping, according to a decision signed by the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Forest and Grassland Supervisor Ryan Nehl on Friday, Jan. 17.

Due to the increasing popularity of target shooting, six developed shooting ranges will open and areas popular for dispersed target shooting will close, such as areas next to Rampart Road. These efforts are expected to take several years and will not affect legal hunting.

“Thank you to the public for your ongoing patience and participation throughout this multiyear process,” said Nehl. “Balancing multiple uses on Forest Service lands poses unique challenges and opportunities, and the public’s involvement helped guide this outcome. We hope that continued interest will lead to a successful implementation.”

The forest service says it will reduce use conflicts, improve the visitor experience, and protect natural resources.

“The Southern Shooting Partnership has worked with the U.S. Forest Service for eight years to curb the dangers and impacts from dispersed shooting on the Pike National Forest while maintaining ample opportunity for recreational shooting,” said Douglas County’s Environmental Resources Coordinator and the Chair of the Southern Shooting Partnership Andy Hough. “We could not have asked for a better outcome than the decision that was signed today.”