Plans to build a shooting range for the Chicago Police Department near marshland on the Southeast Side have been scrapped after the sighting of a bald eagle nest near the proposed range, a law enforcement source said.
The $2.5 million, 40-person shooting range was to be used by Chicago Police officers, retired Chicago Police officers and suburban departments.
Wildlife advocates have long opposed the building of the range, saying the noise would negatively affect herons, egrets and other birds that roost near the proposed site.
Chicago Police said in a statement Monday: “When we began exploring options for sites, we made sure there was a process in place so that organizations would be able to provide input. Based upon the input we received throughout that process, the Chicago Police Department decided not to pursue this site.”
Back to the drawing board.