GRHA's Efforts to Protect Wildlife and Natural Resources

This past year, representatives from GRHA have been actively engaging with the City of O’Fallon to influence the development of the new Center for Advanced Skills in Law Enforcement (Training Center), with the aim of mitigating its impact on wildlife and preventing any future expansions.

In December 2023, we were informed about the city’s intent to replace the existing shooting range on Firma Road. Despite the initial property plan being suboptimal for a 100-year floodplain, GRHA decided not to oppose the local enforcement agency's need for a new shooting facility. However, the announcement of an expansion in 2024, increasing the facility from 64 to over 80 acres and including potential classrooms, larger parking areas, a driver training track, and the possibility of commercial developments, raised new concerns for GRHA. The expanded plan's proximity to the Cuivre Club’s refuge heightened our worries regarding increased flooding, light, and noise pollution, and their impact on neighboring communities and wildlife.

GRHA promptly addressed these concerns by sending a letter to Mayor Bill Hennessy and his staff, asserting our readiness to challenge any further annexation, zoning changes, or development plans east of Highway 79. The letter served as a notice to the city and potential developers that GRHA is committed to preserving our region’s natural resources and heritage.

Subsequently, GRHA conducted further research on the project and arranged a meeting with Mayor Hennessy, City Manager, Mike Snowden, and representatives from the Cuivre and Horseshoe Clubs. During this meeting, the mayor assured us, both verbally and in a follow-up letter, that there are no plans to allow any commercial development near the Training Center or to sell any property in that area for such purposes.

Looking ahead, GRHA is planning a future meeting with the County Council and the Training Center's leadership to educate them on the Confluence's significance to waterfowl, agriculture, and the region's hunting tradition. We aim to continue sharing our concerns about development in the 100-year floodplain and to seek opportunities to collaborate and influence the planning and operation of the Training Center to minimize negative impacts on people and wildlife. We will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary.

SEE MAYORS LETTER HERE