Interior Department would allow concealed guns in national parks

[WokMaster1]

Just got this in my email.
http://www.gunreports.com/news/handg...823a:&st=email

Interior Department would allow concealed guns in national parks
Author: Scott Freigh
May 6, 2008

Printer Friendly | Email | Share Your Comments (21)

The Department of the Interior has proposed a rule change that would allow people to carry a concealed firearm in a national park or wildlife refuge.

The new rule says park visitors would need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and the state where the park is located must allow guns in its own parks.

Current regulations require weapons to be temporarily inoperable or stowed so they are not easily accessible.

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced the proposed change. The announcement begins a 60-day public comment period. Written comments will be accepted through June 30, 2008.

In releasing the proposal, Interior Department officials wrote: “Existing federal regulations governing firearms in national parks and national wildlife refuges, promulgated before many of these state laws were in effect, properly limit poaching and target practice, but unnecessarily disable or limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess, carry, and transport a concealed firearm.

“Under the proposed amendment, visitors must have authority to possess loaded and concealed firearms on analogous state lands before they will be allowed to carry firearms in federal park areas and refuges.”

“Law-abiding citizens should not be prohibited from protecting themselves and their families while enjoying America’s national parks and wildlife refuges,” said Chris Cox, the NRA’s chief lobbyist.


Even if it passes, looks like we're SOL..

[Diabolus]

Good news... hope they allow guns just like the National Forest.

[zinfull]

What good news? The state parks are a no carry in CA so I must be missing something. You can not carry in CA parks so you can not carry in Nation parks in Ca. Plus it sounds that you need a CCW in order to carry. So much for the plain people.

Jerry

[Paladin]

Originally Posted by zinfull

What good news? The state parks are a no carry in CA so I must be missing something. You can not carry in CA parks so you can not carry in Nation parks in Ca. Plus it sounds that you need a CCW in order to carry. So much for the plain people.

Jerry

Some people have previously expressed similar sentiments and wondered why other think this is good news. Here's two reasons:

1) This proposed rule change means Californians w/UT or FL non-resident CCWs can carry when they visit fed parks in other states that both recognize those CCWs and allow CCWing in their state parks.

2) I'm merely a resident of California, but I'm a citizen of the United States of America. The more parts of the USA that go "Shall Issue" or better (e.g., "Vermont Carry"), the better I like it. Similarly, the more areas w/in the USA where law-abiding citizens can carry, the better.

[WokMaster1]

Originally Posted by Paladin

Some people have previously expressed similar sentiments and wondered why other think this is good news. Here's two reasons:

1) This proposed rule change means Californians w/UT or FL non-resident CCWs can carry when they visit fed parks in other states that both recognize those CCWs and allow CCWing in their state parks.

2) I'm merely a resident of California, but I'm a citizen of the United States of America. The more parts of the USA that go "Shall Issue" or better (e.g., "Vermont Carry"), the better I like it. Similarly, the more areas w/in the USA where law-abiding citizens can carry, the better.

I understand your point but the fact that I can't carry to protect myself when I go & enjoy the National parks in California is just a Duh!

The language should change to say that anyone with a valid CCW permit can legally carry. Then i'll have a solid reason to smile. Otherwise, California is still a no-go state for everyone.

[nhanson]

Originally Posted by WokMaster1

I understand your point but the fact that I can't carry to protect myself when I go & enjoy the National parks in California is just a Duh!

The language should change to say that anyone with a valid CCW permit can legally carry. Then i'll have a solid reason to smile. Otherwise, California is still a no-go state for everyone.

In Ca, while you can not walk around the state park without a CCW: I think legal resident's can keep your firearm in your place of residence be it a RV or tent or what ever since it is your dwelling place. (PC 12026 trumps "rules")

Current National Park rules don't allow that and if the change goes through, it would.

There is benefit to even non CCW folks who reside in CA and as mentioned above, if you have a FL or UT non-resident you will benefit when outside a CA.

Enjoy

[JeffCinSac]

People with CA CCW can carry concealed in CA state parks and, if this is finalized as-is, in CA national parks, as well.

See: http://www.calccw.com/Forums/where-c...tate-park.html

I'm seeing more and more FUD these days...

[RW Dunn]

Originally Posted by zinfull

What good news? The state parks are a no carry in CA so I must be missing something. You can not carry in CA parks so you can not carry in Nation parks in Ca. Plus it sounds that you need a CCW in order to carry. So much for the plain people.

Jerry

I would rather be judged buy 12,then me or a family member be carried by 6. Out in the hills,there's no phone reception and a Mt.lion or a 2 legged predator can strike with in seconds and do with me what want after that, along as my family is safe.........This is in no way a encouragement to break a state or federal laws,but how much doe's that wife,little boy or girl mean to you and i won't- scratch that i wouldn't want to live after hearing their pleas for help and not to be able to do anything.

[WokMaster1]

Originally Posted by JeffCinSac

People with CA CCW can carry concealed in CA state parks and, if this is finalized as-is, in CA national parks, as well.

See: http://www.calccw.com/Forums/where-c...tate-park.html

I'm seeing more and more FUD these days...

Jeff, can please elaborate on that statement? I'm here to learn. If you know something I don't, please teach me. I think we can both walk away feeling better.

I am refering to California's National Parks. Anything outside California is a non issue as most states accept Utah & FL CCWs.

It would be fine & dandy if a Cal resident has a Cal CCW permit. I'm sure we can both agree that CCWs are not readily available unless one lives in a "shall issue" county. So let's just speak for the majority of us who don't & can't get one.

Utah & FL CCWs are easy to get if one meets their requirement but California does not recognise anything but California issued permits.

Overall, yes, I agree that it helps protect the American public. But how does this benefit a Cal resident (with no CCW) who wants to visit Yosemite NP?