Miwok Tribe Opens Smaller Outdoor Gun Range

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has opened a much smaller outdoor gun range on tribal land in El Dorado County than originally proposed.

The change comes after some people living nearby expressed concerns about sound and safety. The gun range is just off Highway 50, near homes, two schools and a church.

The tribe planned to operate a 29-lane range open to the public.

Now its opened a 6-lane range for only tribal members and their guests.

The Tribe said no shooting is allowed during school hours or Sunday church services.

Jamie Vincent-Arcangel's 11-year-old daughter goes to one of the schools nearby. She said she appreciates the fact that shooting will not be allowed during school hours.

But Vincent-Arcangel said an indoor facility would be a better alternative to the outdoor location.

"It's disturbing to the lifestyle and the homes," said Vincent-Arcangel. "It's obviously less disturbing to me because I was worried about the schools. But, even still, it just seems like a bad idea."

The Miwoks held several community meetings and met with the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors about the gun range, even though, as a sovereign nation, the Tribe didn't need county approval.

The Tribe said it will continue to address concerns of people who live near the range.