The big news this week is the law that went into effect yesterday that allows one to carry a gun in our nation’s National Parks. The law started as an amendment to the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009. Pushed through the House and Senate, the amendment has now become a law allows those with a gun permit to carry the weapon with them in national parks and wildlife refuges as long as it does not conflict with local and state law.
That means that 373 out of the 392 total parks and monuments in the National Park System will be affected. Although guns will now be allowed, hunting regulations will not change or be affected. Also, firearms will still be prohibited in places like visitor centers or ranger stations.
The new law has already brought quite a bit of confusion with it. Many parks cross state borders which often times will have slightly different carrying and concealment laws. Parks websites are beginning to be updated to inform visitors, as well as directing them to the individual state’s firearms laws.
Supporters of the law argue that it will keep Americans safer; the official title is “Section 512: Protecting Americans From Violent Crime.” However, when one takes a look at the statistics, in 2008 there were 5.4 murders per 100,000 people. In the National Parks the same year, there were 5 murders…but out of 275 million visitors.
There have been quite a few interesting perspectives posted about this issue in a lot of the outdoors-related blogs. Jason Martin has a nice write-up on the American Alpine Institute blog about another aspect the law affects–the wildlife. Many are focusing on the effects this may have on other humans, but not the bear that blocks the trail you’re hiking on or stealing your food at camp. Steve Casmiro from The Adventure Life talks about the different sides of the argument and what it all boils down to–Second Amendment rights. And if you still want to read more, check out these articles as well:
- LA Times | Firearms now allowed in most national parks and wildlife refuges
- Backpacker Blogs | Guns now allowed in most national parks
- Wend Magazine | Packing heat now permitted in national parks
- Sierra Blogging Post | Loaded guns now allowed in national parks
