Lebanon — Every winter, Upper Valley residents flock to Storrs Hill Ski Area to catch some fresh powder or practice their jumps. And in the summertime, it’s common for hikers to enjoy the same terrain, which offers views of nearby downtown Lebanon.

But this year, officials are warning of a different form of recreation that’s been spotted on the city-owned property. There’s been at least one complaint this summer of archers practicing too close to volunteers and hikers, according to City Councilor Erling Heistad, whose father designed two of Storrs Hill’s ski jumps in 1954.

“My concern is having archery practice over there for hunting and having people not aware it, and arrows flying across the hill without anybody knowing what’s going on,” he said on Sunday. “It seemed to be a very dangerous situation potentially.”

Heistad, whose family is still active in helping to manage Storrs Hill, is now asking the City Council to better regulate archery on city property — banning it in places that are deemed too dangerous while designating other spaces where people can practice.

“I think we need to define a space where everybody is safe and, at the same time, we’re meeting the needs of those who would like to practice archery either for hunting or sport in general,” Heistad said. “We want to be working for things, not against them.”

The nine-member City Council is scheduled to take up Heistad’s request on Wednesday, and could direct the City Manager’s Office to draft rules for future review.

Lebanon already has an ordinance on the books banning the “carry or use of any firearm, crossbow, or bow, except during hunting season” on its conversation lands.

The 2002 city regulation defines conservation properties as those purchased by the city for the protection of natural resources, open space and “outdoor recreation.” However, Storrs Hill isn’t listed as a conservation land in the ordinance.

Although the city owns the ski area, it’s been managed by the nonprofit Lebanon Outing Club since 1986. The organization was founded by the elder Erling Heistad in 1923, and is the primary provider of fundraising and volunteer support for the property.

Cheryl Tourville. vice president of the Outing Club, confirmed on Sunday that the group became aware of an incident involving archers earlier this summer. While their actions were a “safety concern,” the archers were “very cooperative and understanding” when approached by club officials, she said.

Aside from target practice, there are few chances for bow hunters to continue their craft during the summer months. This year’s spring turkey season ended on May 31, and the archery season for deer doesn’t begin until Sept. 15, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Still, Storrs Hill isn’t often used for bow practice, said John Tucker, who has directed the Grafton County Fish and Game Association’s archery program on and off for two decades.

“I’ve never heard of it happening, but I guess that doesn’t mean it doesn’t,” Tucker said on Sunday.

For archers looking for a safe place to practice, the West Lebanon-based association hosts Thursday evening shoots on a 3D course in the summer, and offers indoor archery from January to March, Tucker said. More information can be found at http://www.graftonfishgame.com.

The Lebanon City Council is scheduled to discuss archery on Storrs Hill at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall.

Tim Camerato can be reached at tcamerato@vnews.com or 603-727-3223.