Cactus Village Community

Ben Avery Shooting Range ...by Councilman Dave Seibert, Dist 1

Jul 09, 2003

At the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway is the Ben Avery Shooting Range. This range is a world class facility used by citizens and law enforcement and is the ?“crown jewel?” of ranges in Arizona. In 1995, I made a promise to Ben Avery and others that I would do my best to protect this range in its current location from those who have expressed an interest in the sale or lease of all or part of the range.
In the drafting of the general plan for this area, I addressed the Planning Commission, suggesting a 1 mile buffer west of I-17, from the development of uses that would be detrimental to the operations of the range. The NRA had suggested a minimum ?½ mile buffer surrounding the range. Following my recommendation, the Planning Commission and my colleagues on the City Council approved the larger buffer.

I have maintained contact with the Governor?’s Office regarding the future of the Ben Avery Range. Governor Napolitano has sent a letter indicating her support for the future of the range at its current location. Special thanks to Governor Napolitano for supporting the future of this range.

The battle to keep this range in its entirety, at this location, will require public support in order to be successful. I welcome your involvement in this endeavor to protect and preserve this treasure for future generations. . .☺