Trap & Skeet Ruling Crucial
The long-awaited ruling by the
Pine Barrens Commission that the
Trap & Skeet Range is under its
jurisdiction and therefore subject
to limitations on construction and
operation came as welcome news to
environmentalists and community
advocates who have long seen the
range as a detriment to the
community.
The ruling, however, is not the
end of the road for the range.
Operator Mark Wrobel still has one
shot left in the barrel. Wrobel can
apply to the Pine Barrens Commission
for a hardship application and
apparently that application will be
moved forward by the county.
Regardless, there is a significant
chance the issue will be brought up
in court, but that doesn’t mean
judges are the only ones who can
resolve the issue. The community has
long been at loggerheads with the
county over the legality of the
range operating within the Pine
Barrens. Now that the Pine Barrens
Commission has finally made a
determination that the range is
located within its jurisdiction,
we’re optimistic that local
government officials will be able to
expedite the range’s relocation to a
more suitable venue.
Wrobel has the right to operate
his business and there are certainly
plenty of avid sportsmen who would
continue to patronize his business.
If local officials can broker an
agreement to relocate the range so
Wrobel can remain in business at
another location, perhaps all
parties involved would be mollified.
It may not be the best solution for
any one interested party, but it may
be the best solution for all parties
combined. ■
