Ready, Aim, Comment: Guns in CA Nat’l Parks?
Chris Thomas, News Director
Monday, April 28, 2008
San Francisco, CA - Ready, aim -- comment! Members of the public can weigh in starting on Wednesday, on a U.S. Interior Department proposal to allow people to carry loaded firearms in National Parks. Right now, guns must be unloaded and stowed when on park property. Bryan Faehner, legislative representative for the National Parks Conservation Association, says his group is already hearing from hundreds of people, alarmed that their neighbors at the next campsite may be armed. Others are park rangers, concerned that poaching and vandalism will increase if the current rule is changed. They also contend there hasn't been a problem with the current regulation.
"This regulation is protecting the public, stopping poachers and providing for a safe, family setting for people who are expecting a safe atmosphere in our national parks."
According to Faehner, the push for a change also may be premature, because the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on a Second Amendment case (District of Columbia v. Heller) that could affect gun laws across the board.
"It really makes sense for the Interior Department to just put the brakes on here and wait to see what happens from the ruling with the Supreme Court, so they don't have to go through this process all over again."
Supporters of the change say the current rules are confusing for gun owners, because they vary on different types of public land. The National Rifle Association is the chief proponent of allowing loaded guns in the National Parks.
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