Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a shooting range located in close proximity to residential homes?

We’ve been in this location since the 1940s.
 We provided feedback to the City of Redmond when planning the development around our club in the early 1990s (Willows Crest) and again in the 2016 (Rose Hill). The City examiner responded as follows to our comments on the Rose Hill development (full document)

"However, the ISA comments are well-taken, and present a real-life consideration that future residents may want to factor into their decision to live in the proposed subdivision. It is a classic case of “buyer beware”. All neighborhoods have their unique issues, for instance, some have traffic problems, others might be prone to bad smells from a nearby farm or business operation, others have bad soils or rocks that are hard to build on or around, and others have ugly, rundown structures on surrounding sites. In this instance, the Examiner observed clear signage on ISA property, noting the presence of shooting activities that could cause noise, or similar disturbances. Future homeowners and residents would be well-served if they do their research and become familiar with the area, and their existing neighbors." 

Who are your members?

We have been a proud member of this  community since the late 1940s:

Our  membership includes individuals from various professions, such as doctors, lawyers, law enforcement officers, military personnel, business leaders, software engineers, and tradespeople. About half of the members reside in Redmond, and total membership has remained consistent since the early 1990s

Have you added new ranges to your property?

No, we have not added any new ranges.
The only changes made have been safety-related improvements, including a $60,000 WA state government grant in the mid-1990s and ongoing investments funded by our membership. These upgrades are part of our commitment to maintaining a safe, responsible, and well-managed facility.

Have your activities increased?

No — in fact, our activities have decreased.

• Membership has remained stable between 450–500 members.
• We now operate under a strict members-only and invited guest policy and no longer allow law enforcement or outside agencies to use the facility.
• Our Training classes have been significantly reduced — from monthly to only 2–4 times per year.

Additionally, the number of individual shooting sessions has naturally decreased by approximately one-third over the past four years.

Have your activities become louder?

No — they have become quieter.

• 80% of usage is now limited to pistols and small-caliber sporting rifles.
• Larger hunting rifles account for only about 5% of total use.

What has changed is the environment beyond our property line. New residential development has removed previously existing trees and foliage that once provided natural sound absorption. According to a sound engineer we consulted, this has altered how sound travels — causing it to reflect upward and outward. Unfortunately, this change is beyond our control.

Are your range operations safe?

Yes — our range operations meet and exceed national safety standards.
Safety is the foundation of everything we do. Our procedures are designed to ensure that every person on our range is qualified, informed, and accountable.

Here’s how we maintain an exceptionally safe environment:

Strict Member Sponsorship: All new members must be personally sponsored by an existing member in good standing

• Comprehensive Safety Education: Every applicant must pass:
• An online safety exam
• An in-person safety evaluation led by a certified Range Officer
• Guest Supervision and Training:
• All guests are directly supervised by their hosting member
• Guests must complete a safety orientation before using any range facilities

• Background Screening:
• All prospective members undergo a background check
• We do not allow anyone with a disqualifying criminal or behavioral history to join

• Member Accountability:
• Members are held personally responsible for the conduct of their guests
• Violations of our rules lead to suspension or expulsion

Our commitment to safety is not just policy — it’s culture. Every member is part of upholding that standard, and our incident history reflects the strength of that commitment.

How are you managing the environment?

We are committed environmental stewards. We operate under an Environmental Stewardship Plan guided by EPA Best Management Practices for modern outdoor ranges. Our property holds rugged and beautiful green space, and we work to protect and preserve that environment.

Recently, a neighbor residing near the ISA facility took soil samples from the property just south of the ISA facility. This neighbor apparently lacks any training or credentials as an environmental professional, and opposes ISA’s continued operation on a number of fronts having nothing to do with environmental concerns. The samples taken by this individual were collected while trespassing on the ISA-neighboring property and without professional oversight, and were sent for testing without context. In contrast, we’ve hired a leading independent environmental consultant and invested $50,000 to work with the Department of Ecology and the City of Redmond's environmental team. Together, we are professionally and transparently investigating environmental concerns, including collecting scientifically-reputable samples under proper procedures.

It's also worth noting that the area in question (just to the south of the ISA facility) has historically been unfenced, unmanaged, and used for industrial, construction, and road activity — all of which may have contributed to unrelated environmental impacts.

"Interlake Sporting Association" is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization located in Redmond, Washington.

Meeting Community Needs and Legislative Mandates

Our club plays a crucial role in the community, as few regional facilities offer the type of specialized programs and training we provide. With HB 1163 mandating live-fire training starting in July 2027, our organization will become even more vital in ensuring city residents can meet these new requirements. We are dedicated to being a primary resource for law-mandated training, further reinforcing our commitment to public safety and responsible firearm practices.