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Guns OK'd in National Parks

Campers will be allowed to pack heat in all but 3 of America's national parks

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 6, 2008 6:10 AM CST
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(Newser) – Visitors will be allowed to carry concealed and loaded weapons in all but three of America's 391 national parks under a new Bush administration policy, the Washington Times reports. The move, widely seen as a parting gift to the NRA from the president, reverses a 25-year-old Interior Department policy and affects even states that ban guns in state parks.

"If you’re allowed to carry a concealed weapon on Main Street, you’re allowed to carry that weapon in a national park and wildlife refuge,” an Interior Department spokesman said. It is not known whether Barack Obama will risk the wrath of the NRA by reversing the new policy, which many park rangers fear will be disastrous for wildlife.

Under the new policy, visitors are allowed to carry guns on the grounds of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, although not inside the hall itself.
Under the new policy, visitors are allowed to carry guns on the grounds of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, although not inside the hall itself.   (©ConspiracyofHappiness)
A new Interior Department policy will allow visitors to almost all America's national parks to carry concealed and loaded weapons.
A new Interior Department policy will allow visitors to almost all America's national parks to carry concealed and loaded weapons.   (Shutterstock)
If you're allowed to carry a concealed weapon on Main Street, you're allowed to carry that weapon in a national park and wildlife refuge, an Interior Department spokesman said.
"If you're allowed to carry a concealed weapon on Main Street, you're allowed to carry that weapon in a national park and wildlife refuge," an Interior Department spokesman said.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
jaguarj
Dec 8, 2008 4:44 AM CST
Ok, Mr. KNOW-IT-All......Feragola, DRUMROLL PlEASE!!!!!!
Shannonals
Dec 8, 2008 12:22 AM CST
Why would you need a weapon in a natural park anyway?
Guest
Dec 7, 2008 9:32 PM CST
Right on Jajuarj.......

Bush administration strikes down park gun ban
San Francisco Chronicle

Park advocates fret about policy's effect
Environment News Service

Gun owners fear Obama presidency
CBS2 Chicago

US • Politics

 
Bush administration • NRA • gun control • Department of the Interior • national park • guns

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