Posted on 12/15/2008 5:43:08 PM PST by neverdem
In certain instances, firearms can be brought into U.S. national parks
Not everyone was ecstatic about a decision earlier this month, but count the National Rifle Association membership among the elated civil libertarians.
The cause for applause coming from the NRA and other gun-rights advocates was a decision by the U.S. Department of the Interior that loosens 25-year-old restrictions on firearms within national parks and federal wildlife refuges.
The department ruled that federal law regarding the carrying and transportation of firearms should conform to state law. Thus, concealed carry will be allowed in national parks and wildlife refuges located in states where the law permits.
Ohio is among 48 states that permit conceal carry.
The rule change, said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist, "brings clarity and uniformity for law-abiding gun owners visiting our national parks. We are pleased that the Interior Department recognizes the right of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families while enjoying America's national parks and wildlife refuges."
Buckeye State citizens with Ohio-issued permits may carry, for example, at Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland and at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge near Toledo.
However, a handgun permit issued by one state will not be valid at federal parks and refuges in another state unless a reciprocity agreement exists between the home state and the visited state.
About a year ago, 51 senators -- 44 Republicans and seven Democrats -- sent a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne urging that gun laws in federal parks and monuments conform to state laws. Signatories did not include Ohioans George V. Voinovich, a Republican, and Sherrod Brown, a Democrat. Nor was Illinois Sen. Barack Obama among the signers.
Obama, who takes office Jan. 20 as president, will be forced to sift through a number of 11th-hour decisions made by the Bush administration that could affect hunters, fishermen and wildlife lovers dramatically.
Ducks Unlimited, for example, noted that directives recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers "on wetlands jurisdiction does not address a delayed permitting process."
Ducks Unlimited said further clarification or additional legislation is required in order to protect isolated wetlands that were ruled outside the scope of federal jurisdiction by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Raponos vs. United States. The case hinged on whether the federal government has authority under the federal Clean Water Act of 1972 to protect water and wetlands not connected to streams or lakes under U.S. authority.
The question of jurisdiction in U.S. waters potentially is decisive for the future of North American waterfowl, particularly as pressure to grow corn increases with demand for ethanol and livestock that feed on corn.
The directive, Ducks Unlimited says, "does not clarify protections for geographically isolated wetlands such as prairie potholes and playa lakes." Most ducks that breed in the United States do so on isolated wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains.
"Without clear protections for these areas, many of North America's waterfowl populations will be at risk," said Scott Yaich, Ducks Unlimited's director of conservation operations. "This will also negatively affect the $76 billion that sportsmen contribute to the economy -- especially rural economies -- every year."
Also in recent days, the EPA has given its assent to the repeal of a stream buffer zone rule that prevented mining within 100 feet of streams. The Sierra Club said elimination of the rule means coal companies can "mine right up to and even through streams."
Whether the regulatory easing will do harm is a question that will be answered by the fish living -- or not -- in affected streams.
outdoors@dispatch.com
Oh how nice.
But soon, ammo will be $5 a round........
I have a Lab and German Shepard I can take in the national forest and I know they would defend me with their life against a mountain lion or bear but I put much more value in their lives than a physho in the wilderness
What the he!! does it matter, for come the 20th of January, confiscation begins.
Sadly enough, many see it coming and are buying out the market of firearms via immediate concern without thought of loss of their right to own. (many who voted for the empty suite to boot)
I think that a "40mm" semi-auto would qualify as a "Giant Eagle." ;-)
I’m not down on the ruling — but it’s way too little IMHO.
They will give their life for you out of love via loss of battle...
um, don't ya think a grenade launcher is a little overkill?
:)
Um... That's "empty suit."
The Scots had a king like that once -- John Balliol (ca.1249 – ca.1314) is known to this day as "Toom Tabard" (empty coat).
I am totally comfortable about revolvers as that is what I grew up around but this is my first semi auto and I just finished my gun safety class for a permit to carry.
I bought some snap caps and practice every day so I can feel 100% confident when I carry
Are you kidding me? What kind of comment is that? I would never sacrifice my beloved pets during any attack whether against man or beast!
I know from experience that a mountain lion or bear will GENERLY not attack a person when more than one dog is present.
Your comment is ridiculous.
But, but, will pot farm operators be exempt from these rules? Thought so.
“But soon, ammo will be $5 a round........”
I guess if that happens, heaven forbid, we all become much better shots.
Yes - your are so right. I take them camping and hiking with me all the time and I would defend them against any danger with the best of my ability
Congrats on your new gun --- I have been thinking about adding to the collection myself.
That is one of the nuttiest things I have ever heard. You are a Kook with a capital K. You read way too much into what she was saying.
Gee they are consenting to letting us exercise a Constitutional right under some circumstances and when they feel like it.
Whats not to like?
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