Changes proposed for carrying guns into national parks

The U.S. Department of the Interior is accepting comments on a proposed change in regulations for carrying concealed weapons into national parks.
The current regulation for a majority of parks, including Voyageurs National Park, states that a person can carry a weapon into the park if it is inoperable and inaccessible, such as in the truck of a car, according to Chris Paolino, of the National Park Service.
The change would allow concealed weapons to be carried into a national park under two stipulations — the state has a permit to carry concealed weapons law and concealed weapons are allowed in state parks.
The change was proposed by 51 senators to allow visitors to transport and carry firearms consistent with state law into national parks and wildlife refuges.
Under the proposed change, weapons would not be allowed in visitor centers, as they are considered federal buildings. The ban on rifles, shotguns and nonconcealed weapons would continue to be in affect under the proposed change.
The public comment period ends June 30. To submit comments, visit the Web site www.regulations.gov and search for “gun” and “park.” The docket ID for the proposed changes is FWS-R9-NSR-2008-0062.