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National Park Carry Decision (Merged X 3)

11K views 133 replies 81 participants last post by  jfl 
#1 ·
U.S. Department of the Interior - News Release - Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty today announced that the Department of the Interior has finalized updated regulations governing the possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. The final rule, which updates existing regulations, would allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if, and only if, the individual is authorized to carry a concealed weapon under state law in the state in which the national park or refuge is located. The update has been submitted to the Federal Register for publication "
 
#18 ·
Page 6 of the final rule specifically recognizes reciprocity where the state has reciprocity agreements.
 
#10 ·
National park carry UPDATE

From the latest VCDL VA-Alert Email:

VA-ALERT: We won! National Parks to allow carry!!

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

We are analyzing the documents right now and I will get back with more information as soon as we have it!

Congratulations VCDL!
 
#12 ·
U.S. Department of the Interior - News Release - Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

U.S. Department of the Interior Date: December 5, 2008
Contact: Chris Paolino
202-208-6416

Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty today announced that the Department of the Interior has finalized updated regulations governing the possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. The final rule, which updates existing regulations, would allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if, and only if, the individual is authorized to carry a concealed weapon under state law in the state in which the national park or refuge is located. The update has been submitted to the Federal Register for publication and is available to the public on U.S. Department of the Interior Home Page.

Existing regulations regarding the carrying of firearms remain otherwise unchanged, particularly limitations on poaching and target practice and prohibitions on carrying firearms in federal buildings.

“America was founded on the idea that the federal and state governments work together to serve the public and preserve our natural resources,” Laverty said. “The Department’s final regulation respects this tradition by allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms in federal park units and refuges to the extent that they could lawfully do so under state law. This is the same basic approach adopted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), both of which allow visitors to carry weapons consistent with applicable federal and state laws.”

On February 22, 2008, Interior Secretary Kempthorne responded to letters from 51 Senators, both Democrats and Republicans, as well as from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, urging him to update existing regulations that prohibit the carrying of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. In his response, the Secretary directed Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty “to develop and propose for public comment by April 30 Federal regulations that will update firearms policies on these lands to reflect existing Federal laws (such as those prohibiting weapons in Federal buildings) and the laws by which the host states govern transporting and carrying of firearms on their analogous public lands.”

Changes in the final regulations from those originally proposed in April were developed as the result of public comments. In particular, comments expressed concern about the feasibility of implementing regulations which directly linked the carrying of concealed firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges to the ability of an individual to carry a concealed firearm on analogous state lands. The final regulations remove that potential logistical hurdle.

The existing regulations, as currently in effect, were adopted in 1981 for national wildlife refuges and in 1983 for national parks. Since that time many states have enacted new firearms policies. Currently, 48 states have passed legislation allowing for the lawful possession of concealed weapons.

“The Department believes that in managing parks and refuges we should, as appropriate, make every effort to give the greatest respect to the democratic judgments of State legislatures with respect to concealed firearms,” said Laverty. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to recognize the expertise of the States in this area, and federal regulations should be developed and implemented in a manner that respects state prerogatives and authority.”



— DOI —
 
#15 ·
This is awesome. Last week I had to drive thru Wind Cave National Park in SD on my way back to MN for Thanksgiving. Really sucked to unload and case.
 
#17 ·
If I'm reading the final rule right; it doesn't take effect until publication in the federal register. Anyone have a clue on when that happens?
 
#23 ·
Typically such things are published online by the Federal Register within 24 to 48 hrs. of ruling.
The actual hard copy print version can take as long as a week to physically print and become added to the formal print record. But the electronic posting of as much is now and has been for a decade deemed to be 'publication'.

- Janq
 
#20 ·
This is great! I've been thinking about this one a lot. It will have a big effect in my case.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit comments on this. :congrats:
 
#25 ·
Good News: Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

U.S. Department of the Interior - News Release - Interior Announces Final Firearms Policy Update

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty today announced that the Department of the Interior has finalized updated regulations governing the possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. The final rule, which updates existing regulations, would allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if, and only if, the individual is authorized to carry a concealed weapon under state law in the state in which the national park or refuge is located. The update has been submitted to the Federal Register for publication and is available to the public on U.S. Department of the Interior Home Page.

Existing regulations regarding the carrying of firearms remain otherwise unchanged, particularly limitations on poaching and target practice and prohibitions on carrying firearms in federal buildings.

“America was founded on the idea that the federal and state governments work together to serve the public and preserve our natural resources,” Laverty said. “The Department’s final regulation respects this tradition by allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms in federal park units and refuges to the extent that they could lawfully do so under state law. This is the same basic approach adopted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), both of which allow visitors to carry weapons consistent with applicable federal and state laws.”

On February 22, 2008, Interior Secretary Kempthorne responded to letters from 51 Senators, both Democrats and Republicans, as well as from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, urging him to update existing regulations that prohibit the carrying of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges. In his response, the Secretary directed Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty “to develop and propose for public comment by April 30 Federal regulations that will update firearms policies on these lands to reflect existing Federal laws (such as those prohibiting weapons in Federal buildings) and the laws by which the host states govern transporting and carrying of firearms on their analogous public lands.”

Changes in the final regulations from those originally proposed in April were developed as the result of public comments. In particular, comments expressed concern about the feasibility of implementing regulations which directly linked the carrying of concealed firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges to the ability of an individual to carry a concealed firearm on analogous state lands. The final regulations remove that potential logistical hurdle.

The existing regulations, as currently in effect, were adopted in 1981 for national wildlife refuges and in 1983 for national parks. Since that time many states have enacted new firearms policies. Currently, 48 states have passed legislation allowing for the lawful possession of concealed weapons.

“The Department believes that in managing parks and refuges we should, as appropriate, make every effort to give the greatest respect to the democratic judgments of State legislatures with respect to concealed firearms,” said Laverty. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to recognize the expertise of the States in this area, and federal regulations should be developed and implemented in a manner that respects state prerogatives and authority.”
 
#26 ·
While the Obama Administration might overrule this, at least now they would actually have to take action to overrule it instead of simply letting the issue go undecided. Were he to do that he would show his hand as the enemy of the 2nd ammendment that his past record proves him to be.
 
#28 ·
This is great:danceban: and such a coincident too... Just twodays ago I posted a question on our state's wildlife & fisheries forum regarding this very issue:
"What's the law about handguns on refuge roads? Around town, I usually carry concealed with the permit, but could this be a problem as I drive through a refuge area? "
The answer I got was "Yes it could be. Just as it would be a problem if you got stopped on the Natchez Trace or in federal building with it."
I'll let them know about the new rule:wink:

This pretty good to (the FAQ) http://www.doi.gov/issues/Firearms Update FAQ 12-4-08.pdf However it does say "It is possible that a state may wish to prohibit an individual from possessing a concealed weapon on federal lands within state boundaries. In the event a state enacts such a law, the Department’s final rule would respect the legislative judgment of the people of that State."
 
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