MOSES LAKE — After what Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said were multiple incidents, WDFW is emphasizing that the Sand Dunes Road area in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area is closed to target shooting. 

The prohibition is in effect until further notice, according to a WDFW press release. The road was closed to target shooting July 1, when campfire restrictions also went into effect. 

“The Sand Dunes Road was closed to target shooting at that time and will remain closed even after fire restrictions are lifted,” the press release said.  

“We have seen multiple reports involving target shooting and the potential for serious injury or worse is too great to allow this activity to continue,” said wildlife area manager Chad Eidson. “We are prioritizing the safety of community and visitors by keeping the Sand Dunes Road area closed to target shooting indefinitely.” 

Sand Dunes Road runs through the WDFW’s Desert Unit, which includes land southwest of Moses Lake and west of the Potholes Reservoir.