DEMING, Wash. – A popular site for target practice in Whatcom County is now closed.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has closed the North Fork rock pit to target shooting after testing found elevated levels of lead that exceed environmental standards.

Those elevated levels can be unsafe for humans and wildlife.

There has also been illegal shooting, illegal garbage dumping and other public safety issues at the rock pit northeast of Deming.

For now, the department has posted a “no shooting” sign at the rock pit and is installing a locked gate.