The county last week closed its Ukumehame rifle range because a nene goose nest was discovered in the area. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES.

WAILUKU – The county Department of Parks and Recreation last week closed down its Ukumehame rifle range because a nene goose nest was discovered in the area.

The goose, which is state and federally listed as an endangered species, was spotted wandering around the rifle range on Sunday, Jan. 4, by a firearms instructor, who then notified the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Last week Monday, a DLNR wildlife biologist confirmed that not only was there a nene on property, but that there was also a nest located on the right-hand side of the rifle range, up against the berm.

Upon DLNR’s recommendation, the county has closed the rifle range while the nene continues to lay eggs.

In the meantime, the pistol range, clay target range and classrooms will remain open. DLNR officials say it will be about a month-and-a-half before the eggs hatch and the nene family mobile enough to be relocated (or leave on their own.) Once that happens, the rifle range can be reopened.

The county thanks the public for their patience and understanding, as well as DLNR for their assistance.