This topic was discussed a while back, so I thought I'd do a follow-up post.

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Basically, if a state allows a person to carry a concealed, loaded, operable handgun, then that person can carry a concealed, loaded, operable handgun in a National Park.

We were concerned that the proposed regulation had an "analogous lands" provision, but it is gone!

Here is a link to the press release:

http://www.doi.gov/news/08_News_Releases/120508.html

Here is a link to the final rule:

http://www.doi.gov/issues/Final%20Rule.pdf

Here is the new regulation:

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Title 36 - Parks, Forests, and Public Property

Chapter 1 - National Park Service, DOI

Part 2 - Resource Protection, Public Use, and Recreation

2.4 Weapons traps and nets. (new paragraph (h))

(h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable federal law."

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DO **NOT** CARRY IN NATIONAL PARKS OR NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES YET!

The new ruling will take effect 30 days AFTER it appears in the Federal Register next week. So, I would say it will be effective no later than January 12th!

Here is a story from the AP:

http://tinyurl.com/68kdgo

Dec 5, 2:54 PM EST

New rule eases ban on firearms in national parks

By MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- People will now be able to carry concealed firearms in some national parks and wildlife refuges.

An Interior Department rule issued Friday allows an individual to carry a loaded weapon in a park or wildlife refuge - but only if the person has a permit for a concealed weapon, and if the state where the park or refuge is located also allows loaded firearms in parks.

The rule overturns a Reagan-era regulation that has restricted loaded guns in parks and wildlife refuges. The previous regulations required that firearms be unloaded and placed somewhere that is not easily accessible, such as in a car trunk.

Assistant Interior Secretary Lyle Laverty said the new rule respects a long tradition of states and the federal government working together on natural resource issues.

The regulation allows individuals to carry concealed firearms in federal parks and wildlife refuges to the same extent they can lawfully do so under state law, Laverty said, adding that the approach is in line with rules adopted by the federal Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Those agencies let visitors carry weapons consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

The National Rifle Association hailed the rule change, which will take effect next month before President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

"We are pleased that the Interior Department recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges," said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist.

The rule will restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners on federal lands and make federal law consistent with the state where the lands are located, Cox said. The NRA led efforts to change gun regulations they called inconsistent and unclear.

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