RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, Mich (WBUP) — The Michigan DNR signed a lease agreement for a new public shooting range in Richmond Township.

The firing range will meet the National Rifle Association as well as disabilities act guidelines for a safe and accessible shooting opportunity in Marquette County.

The estimated $800,000 public shooting range is ready to be developed near Goose Lake off M-35.

The area is owned by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and was previously used for timber and forest management.

The DNR had plans for a range in Marquette County since 1993 and considered over a dozen possible locations before choosing Richmond Township.

Although the DNR has a vision for the range, the design has to be finalized this fall, sent out for bids this winter, and hopefully construction will take place in the spring.