Buckeye Reporter

A major renovation project is underway at the Grand River Wildlife Area shooting range in Trumbull County, Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is overseeing the $11.3 million upgrade, which aims to bring the facility up to the standard of ODNR’s other leading ranges at Delaware and Spring Valley.

The improvements will include 119 shooting positions with distances from 50 feet to 200 yards, new sheds and benches, ADA-compliant sidewalks, upgraded safety features such as side berms and backstops, improved stormwater drainage systems, a 14-position walking archery course with an elevated ADA platform, and a 7,000-square-foot outdoor education center and wet lab. These enhancements are designed to serve shooters of all skill levels while supporting ODNR’s educational programs.

Funding for the project comes primarily from federal sources. According to information provided by the Division of Wildlife (DOW), about 90% of funding is through the Target and Marksmanship Training Support Act—an amendment to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service—with DOW providing a local match of 10%.

The renovated Grand River Shooting Range is expected to be completed by spring 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for later this year.

Kendra Wecker, chief of ODNR’s Division of Wildlife, commented on recent activity at state ranges: “We’ve had a fantastic summer, with thousands of shooters visiting our ranges,” Wecker told Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA). “I’m especially proud of our partnership with 4-H shooting sports and the many youth we train annually in the safe use of firearms and archery equipment. We’re averaging 2,500 youth participants each year.”

Previous upgrades at Delaware and Spring Valley were supported by BFA.