libertarian5

OK, here it is.

I support modification of existing federal regulations in regards to the legal carry and possession of firearms in National Parks and Monuments. I would like to see the possession of a firearm in a National Park, Monument, or Wildlife Refuge receive the same status and legal standing as a similar possession would on state or national forest lands in the state where the Park, Monument, or Refuge exists.

I grew up in the family of a scientist who did a great deal of research along the Arizona border, and in Organ Pipe National Monument in particular. I remain a frequent visitor of the park and do a great deal of backcountry hiking there. There are thousands of illegal entries by humans and drug smugglers into Organ Pipe each year. I have encountered or observed these individuals on numerous occasions. I have met them on trails, talked to them a few times, and have even seen them in the main campground seeking water. These encounters have always worked out without incident, but there is no way to know who a drug runner versus who is merely an immigrant trying to go north to work. The park has limited resources and its law enforcement officers are spread thin. I rarely see them in the backcountry. Backcountry users are completely on their own, with no possibility of timely law enforcement assistance should such assistance be needed.

I have a state issued permit to carry a concealed weapon that is recognized in Arizona. In order to obtain this permit I had to attend classes and training in the safe and accurate use of firearms, submit fingerprints, and undergo a rigorous background check. Because of my permit, I am allowed to carry a concealed weapon almost anywhere except the one place I feel it is most needed.

Organ Pipe is just one example of the many National Parks, Monuments, and Wildlife Refuges that are understaffed and heavily used. Limiting gun possession in theses areas does not make the public safer. If anything, public safety would be better assured by a consistent, rational approach to all of our state and federal lands.

In summary, I would like to see the possession of a firearm in a National Park, Monument, or Wildlife Refuge receive the same status and legal standing as a similar possession would on state or national forest lands in the state where the Park, Monument, or Refuge exists.