PORT TOWNSEND — Impassioned opinions both for and against a no-shooting zone in the Paradise Bay area were handed to Jefferson County commissioners Monday.
The proposal came about with efforts from Water District No. 1, Jefferson County Public Utility District and residents of the Paradise Bay area, who say excessive shooting in the area poses a threat to people and property.
Those against the no-shooting zone at Monday’s public hearing at the county courthouse said the proposed zone doesn’t make sense because it includes private property where people shoot responsibly.
People on both sides of the issue agreed that the problem is not from private landowners who shoot on their property, but outsiders who hike into Department of Natural Resources land and shoot with disregard for safety, responsibility and the law.
Zone boundaries
The proposed no-shooting zone would be bounded on the south by state Highway 104, on the west by Teal Lake Road and on the north and east by Paradise Bay Road.
It would also include the area between Paradise Bay Road and Paradise Bay.
About 15 Paradise Bay-area residents attended the hearing before the county commissioners, with those against the zone outweighing proponents by about 3-1.
In March, a petition of 30 Paradise Bay-area residents’ signatures in support of a no-shooting zone was submitted to the commissioners.
Ten signatures from each voting district within the zone are required on a petition to have the commissioners consider the zone.
The proposed zone has two precincts, 502 and 503.