PINETOP — Shooting sports enthusiasts and other members of the public are invited to the grand opening of the Second Knoll Target Range, located near Show Low, on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016.

The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. with honor guard, posting of colors, remarks by Arizona Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles and other invited dignitaries, and a ribbon cutting and ceremonial first shot.

The opening of the Second Knoll Target Range is the culmination of a long-term effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the Forest Service (FS), and the White Mountain Shooters Association (WMSA) to establish a public shooting facility in the White Mountains. Phase 1 includes a 50-yard range and a 100-yard range and four 25-yard pistol bays.

The Second Knoll Target Range will be operated by the WMSA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, through a license agreement with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, under a 20-year special use permit issued to AZGFD. The target range is located in an unused cinder pit that was previously permitted by the FS to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The range is located on approximately 80 acres of land managed by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Future construction plans include a 300-yard rifle range, camp host site, classroom and club house.

The Second Knoll Target Range is located approximately 6 miles east of Show Low. From the intersection of Highway 60 and Highway 77 in Show Low, take Hwy 60 east 4.4 miles and turn right (south) and follow the road for about a half mile.