National Parks Language

[AlertsList at FirearmsCoalition.org (Firearms Coalition)]

For those who might have missed the last FCAlert:
The Department of Interior has finally published proposed regulation 
changes to end the total ban on firearms in National Parks and National 
Wildlife Refuges.  I am not thrilled with the way they propose to do it 
or the language they have now, but believe we're not likely to get much 
better than this.  Instead of completely replacing eight paragraphs and 
numerous sub-paragraphs describing restrictions on the possession of 
"weapons, traps, and nets," and replacing those with a couple of 
paragraphs that make more sense, the new proposal is simply an 
additional paragraph added to the end of the list.
The proposed regulation change, as written, is a step in the right 
direction, but it has some serious shortcomings.  Most importantly, it 
only applies to concealed carry, and it adopts the host states' 
restrictions for State Parks and similar lands instead of just 
assimilating existing state laws.

I promised in that Alert that I would provide suggestions for comments.  
Here are those suggestions.
After conferring with other organizations concerned about this issue, I 
am convinced that the best we can hope from the new Park and Refuge 
proposals is something as close as possible to their proposed language, 
therefore we encourage our readers and interested parties to submit 
comments supportive of the proposed regulations, but encouraging 
modification by striking the word "concealed" every time it appears and 
by striking the language referring to state parks and similar units of 
state land.

Here is a sample comment:
---------------------------
Regarding proposed amendments to regulations pertaining to firearms 
within units of the National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuges 
- Reference Number 1024-AD70.

I strongly support regulatory changes to end the ban on firearms for 
lawful purposes in National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges and 
encourage that, at a minimum, the proposals be enacted as published 
however, I believe the proposals could be greatly improved by striking 
the language which limits the exception only to "concealed" firearms and 
the potentially confusing language regarding State Parks and "any 
similar unit of state land."
Open carry of firearms is not restricted in many states and a person 
hiking, camping, or passing through federal lands should not have to 
worry about stopping to modify their method of firearm carry prior to 
crossing onto that property.  Also, some people prefer to carry long 
guns because they are more comfortable with them or simply because that 
is all they have.  Granted this change does not assist in the prevention 
of poaching, but prior restraint - banning possession of an item because 
of what a person /might/ do with it - violates the founding principles 
of this nation. 
The language regarding State parks and similar lands unnecessarily opens 
up potential for confusion and abuse.  If State Legislatures wish to 
enact laws restricting firearms on federal lands, they have that 
prerogative.  It is not the DOI's place to make that decision for them 
based on similar lands.
For these reasons I strongly encourage the adoption of the proposed 
regulations and ask that the language be amended below:

"A person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and 
operable firearms within a national park area in the same manner, and to 
the same extent, that a person may lawfully possess, carry, and 
transport concealed, loaded and operable firearms in any state park, or 
any similar unit of state land, in the state in which the federal park, 
or that portion thereof, is located, provided that such possession, 
carrying and transporting otherwise complies with applicable federal and 
state law."

These amendments should be applied to the proposed regulations for both 
National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges.

Thank you for your serious consideration of my position.

Sincerely,

Jeff Knox
--------------------

The Firearms Coalition encourages members and concerned citizens to 
submit formal comments prior to the end of June - the sooner, the better.

Comments should reference the number 1024-AD70. 
Be aware that inclusion of personal information such as address and 
phone numbers makes such information part of the public record.
Submit comments online at www.regulations.gov
or mail to:
Public Comments Processing, Attn: 1024-AD70
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203
 

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