Park Service requesting public comments on concealed carry regs.

[jpr9954]

I picked this up on a list dedicated to issues within the Great Smokies. Of course, they don't know that I'm pro-gun.

Time to let the NPS and FWS what you think about being defenseless in the middle of nowhere.

John



http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-9606.htm

SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service, proposes to amend regulations presently codified in 36 CFR part 2 and 50 CFR part 27, which provide guidance and controls for the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The proposed amendments would update the regulations to reflect current state laws authorizing the possession of concealed firearms, while maintaining the existing regulatory provisions that ensure visitor safety and resource protection such as the prohibitions on poaching and limitations on hunting and target practice.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted through June 30, 2008.

[jaybet]

Done...scary though...they want a lot of information

[Jim Urban]

but the ONLY box you're REQUIRED to complete is the Comment/Suggestion Box. All other info is voluntary.

[smurfslayer]

I hope you guys will forgive the 1st post being so ... political...

NPS has been petitioned by VCDL.org & 4 dozen co-petitioners twice.  This is the 1st time we've gotten traction. 

As you can see NPS has published it's version of the regulations.  I have a website detailing petition efforts going back to 2004 at

www.bighammer.net/timeline.html

I have links there directly to the regulations.gov page to comment, as well as some suggested comments.  You can go directly to the comments section on my website :

http://www.bighammer.net/Frame-24-timelinepage24.html#05/01/08

Please feel free to use any, some, none, or all of the suggested comments.  Remember though, the more comments received along the same lines, the better chance we have of getting a friendlier regulation passed.

Thanks! 

Dave   

[jpr9954]

Dave,

For a first post, it will be hard to beat yours. Thanks for posting the links to the VA Citizens Defense League's info on concealed carry in National Parks.

I live on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mtns NP and I'd like to be able to carry concealed when I'm in the backcountry fishing. By the proposed rule, I wouldn't be able to do so as firearms are not allowed in North Carolina State Parks. 

John

[Sponsor]

[smurfslayer]

Dave,

For a first post, it will be hard to beat yours. Thanks for posting the links to the VA Citizens Defense League's info on concealed carry in National Parks.

I live on the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mtns NP and I'd like to be able to carry concealed when I'm in the backcountry fishing. By the proposed rule, I wouldn't be able to do so as firearms are not allowed in North Carolina State Parks. 

John

Thanks John.  We're working on it.  If you check out the proposed 'changed regulations' I have in my comments section, I stripped that 'analogous state lands' language out.  If we make a big enough showing we may be able to convince some Congressmen to reassert "assimilate the state law", not the state law plus more restrictions.  Take as many of my comments as you want, or as few.  But please comment on the proposed rule change, and definitely pan them on that silly "analogous state lands" language. 

We'll win this if we stick together 

[ericire12]

I sent in my 2 cents. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

[jpr9954]

From a document put out by the Atty Gen. of NC in which he talks about restrictions on concealed carry in state buildings:

This prohibition does not apply to stateowned
rest areas, rest stops along the highways, and state -owned hunting and fishing
reservations. Possessing or carrying a weapon in these areas is a misdemeanor. N.C.
Gen. Stat. § 14-269.4

Thus, as I read that, it is still against the law and would make it impossible to carry concealed in the Great Smoky Mountains NP, Cape Hatteras Nation Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, etc.

I think what you are seeing is an attempt by not so wellmeaning bureaucrats to do an end run. We'll allow concealed carry in national parks if states allow it in their parks which WE KNOW MOST DO NOT.

John

[DDMac]

Not sure I follow your logic JPR. The three examples are federal property. State prohibitions would not apply. 
Mac.

[2HOW]

It wont matter at all as long as the state has the final say. If all the national parks allow carry , the state has the right to not allow it, its already been shot down in tennessee.