Directors - Reopen RCWA

[gc70]

This is an open letter to the Directors and members of the Rowan County Wildlife Association (RCWA).

The Directors closed RCWA's property effective at the exact time Governor Cooper's Executive Order #121 went into effect at 5:00pm on Monday, March 30th. A copy of the closure notice is provided below.

The explanation for closing RCWA is vague and inadequate.

The Directors say "we" are unable to follow the guidelines required to remain open and then declare "People on the range are not taking it (social distancing guidelines) seriously." The Directors apparently decided the actions of members and guests (and people in stores in Salisbury) under the social distancing suggestions in Executive Order 117 (provided below) indicated members were not responsible enough to follow mandatory social distancing requirements there were to go into effect with Executive Order 121 (provided below).

How did the Directors determine people were not social distancing at RCWA? Did the Directors approach and ask people closer than 6 feet apart if they were family or household members exempt from distancing (see EO#121 below)? I seriously doubt it.

The Directors also stated "Some have offered suggestions that might work" to keep RCWA open. How and when did the Directors communicate with members about issues involving keeping RCWA open? And how, when, and from whom did the Directors ask for or receive ideas to keep RCWA open? Or did the Directors simply decide among themselves that members would not "take responsibility for themselves and others" and RCWA had to be closed?

RCWA's members deserve a much more detailed -and respectful- explanation of the Directors' decision to close RCWA.

Without a very compelling explanation, which is in no way apparent at this point, RCWA should be immediately re-opened or all members should receive a refund of 1/12th of their annual dues to compensate for losing the use of RCWA's facilities.

RCWA Closure Notice
Due to the COVID-19 situation the Board of Directors has decided that it is in the best interest of our members and guests, and to avoid the protentional liability that may be incurred, to close the range until state restrictions are lifted. The decision has not been any easy one but we are unable to follow the guidelines required as the BOD understands them to remain open.
All activities will be suspended including member use of the range, matches, and shotgun fields.
While this situation is being overblown by the news media, it is hard to separate the truth from fiction. But people are not taking the social distancing guidelines seriously. People on the range are not taking it seriously. Stores is Salisbury were packed this weekend. Is it really worth ignoring the guidelines if it puts you at risk of infecting your spouse/kids/parents or other family members?
Many places have shut down due to the inability to follow the guidelines; National Forests, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, campgrounds, city and county parks and greenways, NC Wildlife shooting ranges and other gun ranges.
Some have offered suggestions that might work if people would take responsibility for themselves and others. Unfortunately that is no longer the world that we live in.

All gate access cards will be deactivated and WILL NOT open the gate beginning at 5:00pm on Monday, March 30th.

State of North Carolina Executive Order No. 117 (March 14, 2020)
Section 3. Social Distancing
In coordination with the State Health Director and alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all persons are urged to maintain social distancing (approximately six feet away from other people) whenever possible and to continue to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette (including coughing into elbow).

State of North Carolina Executive Order No. 121 (March 27, 2020)
Section 1. Stay at Home
1. Stay at home or place of residence.
... To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces when outside their residence, they must at all times and as much as reasonably possible, maintain social distancing of at least six (6) feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members, consistent with the Social Distancing Requirements set forth in this Executive Order.
3. Leaving the home and travel for Essential Activities is permitted.
For purposes of this Executive Order, individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following Essential Activities:
iii. For outdoor activity.
To engage in outdoor activity, provided individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements and Mass Gatherings, as defined below, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, golfing, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas.
Section 2. COVID-19 Essential Businesses and Operations
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary to reduce the instances where individuals interact with one another in a manner inconsistent with the Social Distancing Requirements set forth below. Many of the interactions occur at work. At the same time, it is necessary that certain businesses, essential to the response to COVID-19, to the infrastructure of the State and nation, and to the day-to-day life of North Carolinians, remain open.
C. For the purposes of this Executive Order, a COVID-19 Essential Business and Operation includes the following businesses, not-for-profit organizations and educational institutions.
2. Business operating in CISA identified sectors.
Businesses, not-for-profit organizations or educational institutions in the federal critical infrastructure sectors as outlines at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19 or any subsequent guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that amends or replaces said guidance.
Section 7. Effective Date
This Executive Order is effective Monday, March 30, 2020, at 5:00pm ...

Federal Classification of Shooting Ranges
Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
LAW ENFORCEMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS
Workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges.

 

[BigWaylon]

As a point of comparison, PHA has stayed open. Matches and events (meetings, clean-up day) are canceled, and no visitors/guests allowed...but the range is open for members and immediate family members.

 

[Jerzsubbie]

As a point of comparison, PHA has stayed open. Matches and events (meetings, clean-up day) are canceled, and no visitors/guests allowed...but the range is open for members and immediate family members.

Right, I think PHA is handling it perfectly. Their stance and weekly communication/updates is spot on in my eyes.

Sorry for the RCWA members that they aren’t handling it the same.

 

[rdinatal]

This is an open letter to the Directors and members of the Rowan County Wildlife Association (RCWA).

Did you send the letter or just post it here? I'm a member and am also ticked about the decision.

 

[gc70]

Did you send the letter or just post it here? I'm a member and am also ticked about the decision.

Just here. I want this to be a public discussion rather than a "satisfy one person" type of private discussion.

 

[rdinatal]

Just here. I want a public discussion rather than a "satisfy one person" type of private discussion.

In that case you have one more member who agrees that the BoD may have made an uninformed decision.

 

[grungewehr39]

I was there the Sunday before they closed. The PUBLIC at the skeet ranges were on top of each other. They need to reopen just to the PAYING members NOW.

 

[grungewehr39]

In that case you have one more member who agrees that the BoD may have made an uninformed decision.

Make that 2. The closure was BS. There is at least 6 feet of distance at the shooting tables on range 1. The problem is the skeet ranges.

 

[grungewehr39]

The next meeting (if it's actually held) of the board is Tuesday the 21st. I plan on attending and asking questions of the Fuds that run the place.

 

[gc70]

The next meeting (if it's actually held) of the board is Tuesday the 21st. I plan on attending and asking questions of the Fuds that run the place.

With 14 RCWA directors, an in-person meeting would violate the 10-person mass gathering limit in EO#121.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Are any of the BOD members here?

 

[chiefjason]

Catawba County Wildlife canceled all organized events. But club is open to members and pretty sure guests as well. Just can't remember off hand. I'm heading out tomorrow to do some hiking on our trails.

 

[HMP]

This is an open letter to the Directors and members of the Rowan County Wildlife Association (RCWA).

Just here.

You should express these views to the BoD

 

[Butter]

and to avoid the protentional liability that may be incurred

This makes me think there’s more to the story, like someone recommended the range shut down.

I was really hoping to pass some time up there during this mess

 

[Jeppo]

I find these few words quite interesting.

 

[rdinatal]

I find these few words quite interesting.
View attachment 203567

Exactly why I said this:

In that case you have one more member who agrees that the BoD may have made an uninformed decision.

 

[jimmyjames8]

Could be an insurance issue. One of the clubs I belong to is having insurance and liability "issues" but remains open. I am also a member at 2 other clubs and a range business that remain open.

 

[Wolffy]

Could be an insurance issue.

This what I was told.

 

[Wolffy]

I was really hoping to pass some time up there during this mess

This ^^

 

[Brangus]

Could be an insurance issue. One of the clubs I belong to is having insurance and liability "issues" but remains open. I am also a member at 2 other clubs and a range business that remain open.

This what I was told.

It would be interesting to see their response if some members respectfully asked the decision makers to show them what the insurance and liability issues are if that information has been declared to the BOD.

If it's an issue and factor for closing then ask them to show all the cards as to what factors were present to make the decision.

 

[grungewehr39]

I could see if this was an indoor range, but it's a PRIVATE outdoor one. Whenever I go, it's usually by myself, with a buddy or family and we have never had to share a range with anyone. Just prohibiting the public from using the skeet/trap range would have made more sense, but I'm not a fudd on the board so....

 

[Bailey Boat]

I've been a member there 24/25 years and the closing was a very bad, uninformed decision. I was also there the Sunday before closing but didn't see people "all over each other". What I did see was several people standing in the middle of the parking lot very close to each other and 2 were board members.
It is also my understanding that there was no "board meeting" that took place so how did the "board" make this magnanimous decision?? Why were we told it was because of a meeting when there was no meeting?? If no MEETING took place then there was no authority to close the facility. I don't give a rats azz about the dues (amounts to a whopping $10.42) what I care about is that a single person denies us the use of a facility that we pay for, for no valid reason other than personal opinion.
I have personally called several other ranges and shooting facilities and found them to be open for business and following the established guidelines as set forth in executive order 117. There was nothing in that order that would have mandated the RCWA should close because they couldn't maintain the standard.
I searched the club's website looking for the By-Laws to see if the decision had any standing but the By-Laws are strangely absent. They have always been a part of the site and now are totally missing????
There is/was a FaceBook posting concerning this situation that was edited several times by someone posting as the club. Since it doesn't say who is doing the posting we have no way to tell who made the edits. Kind of strange...

 

[Brangus]

I could see if this was an indoor range, but it's a PRIVATE outdoor one. Whenever I go, it's usually by myself, with a buddy or family and we have never had to share a range with anyone. Just prohibiting the public from using the skeet/trap range would have made more sense,

but I'm not a fudd on the board so....

Seriously no criticism here with what I'm about to say. You may not be a fudd on the board but if you're a paying member you're owed answers to questions raised about this closing issue. It can even be done on a conference call that everyone can dial into if they try and use the excuse regarding public gatherings.

What can you lose? It's worth a try.

 

[Brangus]

I've been a member there 24/25 years and the closing was a very bad, uninformed decision. I was also there the Sunday before closing but didn't see people "all over each other". What I did see was several people standing in the middle of the parking lot very close to each other and 2 were board members.
It is also my understanding that there was no "board meeting" that took place so how did the "board" make this magnanimous decision?? Why were we told it was because of a meeting when there was no meeting?? If no MEETING took place then there was no authority to close the facility. I don't give a rats azz about the dues (amounts to a whopping $10.42) what I care about is that a single person denies us the use of a facility that we pay for, for no valid reason other than personal opinion.
I have personally called several other ranges and shooting facilities and found them to be open for business and following the established guidelines as set forth in executive order 117. There was nothing in that order that would have mandated the RCWA should close because they couldn't maintain the standard.
I searched the club's website looking for the By-Laws to see if the decision had any standing but the By-Laws are strangely absent. They have always been a part of the site and now are totally missing????
There is/was a FaceBook posting concerning this situation that was edited several times by someone posting as the club. Since it doesn't say who is doing the posting we have no way to tell who made the edits. Kind of strange...

All good points that could be framed into questions that deserve answers. Just for illustrative purposes I've broken down Bill's valid points into a question and answer session for the BOD to respond to.

• I've been a member there 24/25 years.

• I was also there the Sunday before closing but didn't see people "all over each other". What I did see was several people standing in the middle of the parking lot very close to each other and 2 were board members.

• It is also my understanding that there was no "board meeting" that took place so how did the "board" make this magnanimous decision?? Why were we told it was because of a meeting when there was no meeting?

• If no MEETING took place then there was no authority to close the facility. I don't give a rats azz about the dues (amounts to a whopping $10.42) what I care about is that a single person denies us the use of a facility that we pay for, for no valid reason other than personal opinion.

• I have personally called several other ranges and shooting facilities and found them to be open for business and following the established guidelines as set forth in executive order 117. There was nothing in that order that would have mandated the RCWA should close because they couldn't maintain the standard.
• I searched the club's website looking for the By-Laws to see if the decision had any standing but the By-Laws are strangely absent. They have always been a part of the site and now are totally missing?

• There is/was a FaceBook posting concerning this situation that was edited several times by someone posting as the club. Since it doesn't say who is doing the posting we have no way to tell who made the edits. Kind of strange...

I can't help but believe that @Bailey Boat has already written most of the playbook here for the members to rally behind and get some answers regarding how, who, and what factors were present in the decision making and when, where, and what protocol was followed in making the decision to close.

 

[grungewehr39]

I've been a member there 24/25 years and the closing was a very bad, uninformed decision. I was also there the Sunday before closing but didn't see people "all over each other". What I did see was several people standing in the middle of the parking lot very close to each other and 2 were board members.
It is also my understanding that there was no "board meeting" that took place so how did the "board" make this magnanimous decision?? Why were we told it was because of a meeting when there was no meeting?? If no MEETING took place then there was no authority to close the facility. I don't give a rats azz about the dues (amounts to a whopping $10.42) what I care about is that a single person denies us the use of a facility that we pay for, for no valid reason other than personal opinion.
I have personally called several other ranges and shooting facilities and found them to be open for business and following the established guidelines as set forth in executive order 117. There was nothing in that order that would have mandated the RCWA should close because they couldn't maintain the standard.
I searched the club's website looking for the By-Laws to see if the decision had any standing but the By-Laws are strangely absent. They have always been a part of the site and now are totally missing????
There is/was a FaceBook posting concerning this situation that was edited several times by someone posting as the club. Since it doesn't say who is doing the posting we have no way to tell who made the edits. Kind of strange...

Reposting just to like it again. And, I hope to (If I already have not) meet you some day, good sir!!!!

Edit to add: And, I'm jonesing. I NEED me range time!!!!!

 

[chiefjason]

Could be an insurance issue. One of the clubs I belong to is having insurance and liability "issues" but remains open. I am also a member at 2 other clubs and a range business that remain open.

Our insurance agent is an ex officio member of the board and club member. If you need insurance help I've passed her info along to others before. She shopped us around and got us better coverage at a lower rate again this year.

 

[Catfish]

CR-PC remains closed but I fully understand that. The club doesn't open without a team of RSOs to supervise it, and all the RSOs are grey-hairs in the high-risk category for Covid.

I don't know how RCWA runs their club... is this true there as well?

 

[gc70]

CR-PC remains closed but I fully understand that. The club doesn't open without a team of RSOs to supervise it, and all the RSOs are grey-hairs in the high-risk category for Covid.

I don't know how RCWA runs their club... is this true there as well?

RCWA has no range officers.

 

[Schattenreiter]

Could be an insurance issue. One of the clubs I belong to is having insurance and liability "issues" but remains open. I am also a member at 2 other clubs and a range business that remain open.

Well just how many ranges have insurance that pays if someone gets sick on the range? Hurt I understand,but sick?

 

[Mike Overlay]

"Insurance issues" is commonly known as a hide behind statement.

 

[Wolffy]

"Insurance issues" is commonly known as a hide behind statement.

Your not wrong

 

[Wolffy]

Well just how many ranges have insurance that pays if someone gets sick on the range? Hurt I understand,but sick?

Can you even prove it was contracted from any one place?

 

[Schattenreiter]

Can you even prove it was contracted from any one place?

Don't know. No dog in this fight. Was just curious how many insurance policies for a shooting range cover people getting sick.

 

[Butter]

Is there a way to create on online petition to email or text out a link to, to show the BOD how many people are unhappy with their decision? I would think we could circulate it very fast.

Change.org perhaps?

 

[Brangus]

Well just how many ranges have insurance that pays if someone gets sick on the range? Hurt I understand,but sick?

"Insurance issues" is commonly known as a hide behind statement.

Can you even prove it was contracted from any one place?

Good points boys...……...good points.

 

[NKD]

Insurance. Hahaha.

 

[NKD]

Ima sue Harris Teeter from that cold I caught over there.

 

[grungewehr39]

Is there a way to create on online petition to email or text out a link to, to show the BOD how many people are unhappy with their decision? I would think we could circulate it very fast.

Change.org perhaps?

See, if you'd just would have gotten voted in the last time we'd not be having this discussion.:

 

[jimmyjames8]

Don't know. No dog in this fight. Was just curious how many insurance policies for a shooting range cover people getting sick.

Some insurance company somewhere will sell you a policy for anything or a least a rider on top of your primary policy. One club I belong to has 300 members. Our primary carrier was offering us a cyber security rider in case our data base got hacked. The only data in our data base is name, address, and email address.

 

[Schattenreiter]

Some insurance company somewhere will sell you a policy for anything or a least a rider on top of your primary policy. One club I belong to has 300 members. Our primary carrier was offering us a cyber security rider in case our data base got hacked. The only data in our data base is name, address, and email address.

True but generally speaking such a rider would not be necessary for the operation of a range. Just fluff.