Return of Self-Defense to National Parks

The AT running through several National Parks, as well as being part of the National Park system, it is of interest that the Department of the Interior has changed the regulations regarding the possession of concealed firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges.

Prior to the rule change, firearms were not permitted in national parks unless they were unloaded and locked in a trunk. This was inconsistent with regulations with respect to lands under the control of the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, which, generally speaking, apply the respective law of the state in which the land lies. As of January 9, 2009, if you possess a valid concealed carry permit in Virginia, you will be able to legally carry a concealed firearm in National Parks in Virginia.

This change in NPS regulations was requested by 51 U.S. Senators from both parties. The Federal Register notice indicates that the Department of Interior received approximately 125,000 comments to the original proposed rule, much more than most notices of proposed rulemaking receive.

Although there are arguments against the change, many of them fail to reflect reality (e.g., federal law enforcement can provide adequate protection in the many square miles that people cover in the National Parks, or there will be an increase of criminal activity). The new rule provides a consistency within the individual states that allows those legally carrying a weapon for self defense to do so with some confidence.