Concealed handguns will be allowed in America's national parks starting next month, including Voyageurs and Isle Royale in the Northland, under a last-minute rule change by the Bush administration's Interior Department.
The new rule, set to take effect Jan. 5, allows individuals who have a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota, or a state that has reciprocity with Minnesota, to carry a concealed handgun while on land or water within Voyageurs National Park.
At Isle Royale, a Michigan state permit is required, or a permit from a state that has reciprocity with Michigan.
The new federal rule applies only in states that allow concealed handguns in their state parks, as Minnesota and Michigan do.
Larry Kangas, chief ranger at Isle Royale, said he doesn't expect many visitors to the Lake Superior island to pack heat.
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"Since 62 percent to our visitors are kayakers, backpackers and hikers, I don't see a lot of them looking for extra weight to carry around,'' Kangas said.
Jim Hummel, Voyageur's chief ranger, noted the rule only applies to handguns. It also requires that the handgun must be concealed, the carry permit and government-issued photo identification must be in the permit holder's possession and individuals must disclose to a law enforcement officer that they are a permit holder and are carrying a concealed weapon when asked.
"We're a little concerned. We have no idea how many people this will involve,'' Hummel said. "It's going to cause a greater level of concern with law enforcement officers as we come in contact with people in the park.''
The rule change ends a longstanding ban on all loaded firearms by visitor to national parks. Until now, guns were only allowed if they remained unloaded and locked away in vehicle trunks.
The change was pushed by the National Rifle Association but opposed by several groups that said guns have no place in America's most pristine lands where violent crimes are extremely rare.
The Association of National Park Rangers, the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, the National Parks Conservation Association and the Ranger Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police all opposed the rule change.
"National parks are different from other public lands. The visitor population expects, demands and gets a higher degree of protection, enforcement and restriction in a national park,'' the groups said in letter opposing the change on Dec. 5, the day the rule was approved.
In a statement that same day, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action, said his group was "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.''
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It will remain illegal for anyone to fire a gun within a national park for any reason other than self-defense. The regulation does not protect permit holders from federal prosecution for any firearm-related crime such as violations of the conditions of the state permit, discharging a firearm, endangering public safety, destruction of wildlife or property, or negligent storage of a loaded firearm.
In Voyageurs, firearms will remain prohibited on tour boats and within all federal buildings including visitor centers, park headquarters and the Kettle Falls hotel.
The law also allows weapons in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges and Bureau of Land Management lands as both agencies are under the umbrella of the Interior Department.
