But the members who lease the facilities located at Lake Bronson Club near Sultan aren't the average, run-of-the-mill outdoor enthusiasts. That's because they prefer to do their out-of-doors recreation au naturale—or in the buff.
Yes, Lake Bronson Associates, a registered corporation in Washington state since the 1940s, is the parent company of a commercial nudist camp, attracting sun worshippers from around the world, according to its website, which also highlights its 7.5-acre spring-fed lake, 85-foot waterfall and miles of hiking trails.
According to the Everett Herald, a lawsuit filed by the nudist club and other plaintiffs contends the parcel of forestland where Snohomish County intends to build a public shooting range was improperly transferred to the county from the state. The suit also contends such transferred lands must be utilized only for public parks in accordance with state and county outdoor recreation plans.
However, it is clear to local shooting enthusiasts and county officials alike that what has prompted the nudists to get their panties in a bunch (metaphorically speaking, of course) is the prospect of having a popular shooting range and regular firearms training and use within earshot from their nature camp.
"We're thinking it's not a good idea to have a shooting range a mile away from a social camping club," Jodi Halfhill, secretary for Lake Bronson Club, told the newspaper. "After discussion, the board of directors just felt it was in our best interest to (file suit)."
But developers and county officials say they are moving forward with plans to make this scenic area north of Seattle into a popular attraction for shooters, rock climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts—the type who enjoy nature while remaining fully clothed.
Currently, a six-year parks budget plan calls for $650,000 to develop the range. And Jason Cummings, the Snohomish County's chief civil deputy prosecutor, says county officials are "looking into the lawsuit and feel confident defending the county's position."
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