QUICK SUMMARY
Whatcom County's Plantation Shooting Range plans to reopen its indoor facilities for law enforcement in January 2026, followed by public access in March. The outdoor range, however, faces delays due to ecological cleanup, potentially pushing its reopening to 2028. The state Department of Ecology mandated this cleanup after lead contamination was detected.
Whatcom County's Plantation Shooting Range will reopen its indoor facilities for law enforcement in January 2026, followed by public access in March 2026. Parks Director Bennett Knox presented these updates to the Whatcom County Council’s Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee. The reopening of the outdoor range faces considerable delays, with a projected timeline now extending to 2028. Knox highlighted that previous estimates indicated a possible reopening as early as 2026, but challenges with the Department of Ecology have complicated the timeline. The state mandated the cleanup due to hazardous lead levels detected on the outdoor range floor. Knox stated that the delays provide "breathing room" for the refund process related to the range's upgrades and cleanup. The Plantation Shooting Range's improvements are crucial for local shooting sports and law enforcement training. The cleanup and upgrades reflect ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and environmental compliance in the area.