8/13/2007

Operator sought for state-owned shooting range and campground
Contact: John Weatherholt, (863) 648-3200

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is soliciting proposals from private businesses to run its shooting range and campground facilities at Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area in Punta Gorda. Responsibilities will include the operation of the hunter check station and camp store.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for interested parties will be at the shooting range at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15. The range is on Tucker Grade (exit 158) approximately one mile east of Interstate 75.

Existing facilities include a public shooting range, range office, restrooms, 52-unit campground and hunting-season camping areas, day-use picnic area with a 395-acre lake, three concrete boat ramps and two hiking trails. Expansion of canoeing, kayaking and other recreational activities is possible.

The shooting range includes a 50-yard pistol and small-bore rifle range with 12 shooting positions, a 200-yard high-power rifle range with five shooting positions, a 100-yard high-power rifle range with 24 shooting positions, and two 10x10-foot shotgun pads.

Interested parties may contact John Weatherholt at (863) 648-3200 during normal working hours. Details for submitting bids for operation of the facilities are online at http://vbs.dms.state.fl.us/vbs/
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