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Park Rangers, Active and Retired, Lament Change in Gun Rules for National Parks

Jan 9th - 18:38pm | Anonymous

"How will families with youngsters feel about attending interpretive programs in national parks when the person next to them might be armed?" They will feel the same way as they do today (whatever that may be) since the person next to them today might be armed. Not everyone follows the rules.

Jan 9th - 18:18pm | Kurt Repanshek

Ted, Thanks for sicing the dogs on the bait. But first things first. Let's make the record clear that *I* didn't "present" those concerns, they were presented by the Association of National Park Rangers. I merely reported on 'em.

Jan 9th - 17:20pm | Ted Clayton

Kurt presents a list of firearms-concerns assembled by former Park-employee groups. 1. Families & children at Parks will be spooked by the mere idea that some other visitors may be armed. People know that other people in the communities they are in, are armed. Guns are part of many families' experience. In isn't a novel concept, that some people have guns.

Judge Tosses Surprise Canyon Lawsuit

Jan 9th - 12:55pm | Taxpayer

Hey Frank and Ned,

The Interior Building in Washington, D.C. Gets a "Green Roof"

Jan 9th - 12:31pm | Dr. D.C. Harris...

I just don't understand why some people can be so pessimistic about positive environmental actions. Of course, these projects may not be as perfect as they should be but it should always be considered as a first step towards our ultimate goal. This project may be flawed for some, but that doesn't mean the people behind it are not doing something to improve it.

NPCA, Park Retirees File Lawsuit to Halt Change in National Park Gun Rules

Jan 9th - 11:32am | Eric

Hello All, I have been reading the comments on this subject here for some time now. I hope my comments here don't sound like a wise guy, that is not my intention. I am just trying to understand. I am not anti gun, I own guns myself. I do not hunt anymore, I just enjoy target shooting. Myself, I don't feel the need to carry a concealed weapon in a Nat. Park or elsewhere.

Jan 9th - 11:11am | Dr. Carl Dick

Dear Warren: You are correct in that the Heller opinion included language ruling that a ban on handguns in the home is unconstitutional. However, it appears you need reminding that the opinion also included other "very specific wording", including the following (from page 19 of the ruling; emphases mine):

Jan 9th - 10:32am | Warren Z

Dustin and Ted, How can you blatantly ignore the very specific wording of the Supreme Court's written opinion in DC v. Heller?

Jan 9th - 09:04am | Ted Clayton

Dustin, Thanks for the lucid correction of the distortion that the Supreme Court ruling in D.C. vs Heller was about allow guns in the home (and not elsewhere). Stale baloney ... and a full-letter mark-down on the homework & preparation grade for everyone using this bogus talking-point. Excellent pair of comments! ----

Jan 8th - 23:39pm | Dustin

Kurt said:

Jan 8th - 22:38pm | Dustin

Kurt said: According to the Supreme Court, your "right to bear arms" in your home may not be infringed, but it's perfectly legal for a government, state or federal, to restrict where you can carry.

Jan 8th - 18:16pm | Kurt Repanshek

In fairness, Kirby, there have been pot plantations in Sequoia, Yosemite, and a few other Western parks, but I haven't heard any reports of the growers chasing any tourists, or even engaging rangers.

Jan 8th - 17:48pm | Kirby Adams

murders, robberies, rapes, kidnapping and other assorted acts of violence committed against innocent park visitors by sadistic lunatics and the drug runners who use the parks as their grow/lab area?

Jan 8th - 16:29pm | Brendan Perez

This has been in some level of discussion since 2004 at least-petitions, bill drafts, etc. and the gun control groups have been there the whole time predicting rivers of blood, shootouts over camp space, rampant poaching, etc. all the while ignoring the fact that criminals carry wherever they want whenever they want.

Jan 8th - 16:24pm | Ted Clayton

Warren flashes his political skills: "I am a gay man in a relationship of 18+ years ... I'll give you legal carry if you folks give me the legal HUMAN right to marry my partner of 18 years." Among the historical American leaders whom I resonate best to, a disproportionate number based their accomplishments mainly on the art of compromise. ;-)

Jan 8th - 16:07pm | Kurt Repanshek

Dustin, According to the Supreme Court, your "right to bear arms" in your home may not be infringed, but it's perfectly legal for a government, state or federal, to restrict where you can carry.

Jan 8th - 15:47pm | Dustin

Kurt, your only sources were the NPCA, the CNPSR, & the Brady folks, so the article is all one sided, just regurgitating their (the NPCA, the CNPSR, and the Brady folks) unsubstantiated anti freedom rhetoric.

Jan 8th - 11:20am | Warren Z

For the record, I am not "anti-gun". I happen to be "anti-" carry a gun anywhere you please, a gut reaction I admit, though I reasonably accept the well stated arguments and opinions of most of the commentators on the pro- carry side. I apologize for letting my own commentary slide into a realm of sarcasm and misinterpretation.

Jan 8th - 10:16am | Ted Clayton

Uncle Lar said (among other ringing commentary):

Jan 8th - 09:51am | Ted Clayton

Dr. Carl Dick, Thanks for the circumspect account as an 'outside' professional, from within the National Parks scene.

Jan 8th - 09:39am | Jim In Houston

"I guess I'm naive, I don't spend my days expecting "imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm". And yet I've managed to survive for 45 years."

Jan 8th - 09:20am | Anonymous

We've geared up and posted signs. Tomorrow concealed weapons will enter the park legally.

Jan 8th - 09:17am | Ted Clayton

Jim in Houston, You picked Warren Z.'s remark: "Or perhaps you'll take it upon yourself to interpret a particular situation you decide is unlawful, thus justifying your need to provide defense?" ... as his "winner". Myself, though, I had a hard time resisting:

Jan 8th - 09:01am | Uncle Lar

I do not expect to have a flat, yet I carry a jack and a spare. I do not expect my house to catch on fire, yet I keep an extinguisher handy. I carry what I believe to be adequate home and auto insurance, though I certainly do not seek out accidents. And where prudent I carry a firearm, though I hope to never need it. If all this labels me paranoid, then so be it.

Jan 8th - 06:59am | Dr. Carl Dick

I am a biologist, and some of my work takes place inside National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. I do not support the NPCAs lawsuit, because I view it as a misallocation of limited financial and human resources. That the Brady Campaign filed suit is understandable, because "that's what they do." But this as an unworthy pursuit by the NPSA.

Jan 8th - 01:21am | Warren Z

Ted:

Jan 8th - 00:33am | Dave O

If only I had a dollar for every time I see in the Morning Report something about firearms possession in a park, I could have retired already!

Jan 7th - 22:56pm | Anonymous

Bravo Ted...Bravo!!

Jan 7th - 21:08pm | Jim In Houston

"Or perhaps you'll take it upon yourself to interpret a particular situation you decide is unlawful, thus justifying your need to provide defense?"

Jan 7th - 20:59pm | Ted Clayton

Warren,

Lost to Hurricanes, the Flamingo Lodge at Everglades National Park Will be Hard to Replace

Jan 9th - 11:10am | Red

People should camp more. Everglades Flamingo has showers so a tent and thermarests is all you need. Stove is nice but optional. Mosquito are the only issue. NPS needs do spray often, a fraction of the cost of building a hurricane proof lodge.

Studies Show Bear Spray More Effective Than Guns Against Grizzlies

Jan 9th - 10:24am | Bob Janiskee

Dear Armed and proud: Please remember that many (perhaps most?) who oppose concealed carry in the national parks are not "anti-gun." Take me for instance. I've owned and used guns for going on sixty years now.

Jan 9th - 07:50am | Armed and proud

I am not as concerned about bears as I am about the possibility of some deranged maniac out to do harm to me or some other innocent person(s) who are out enjoying the great outdoors. While crimes such as robbery, rape and murder are more prevalent in the cities they do occur in national parks (wilderness areas) not your national monument type areas.

Interior Department To Be Sued Over Cape Hatteras National Seashore Plover Habitat Decisions

Jan 9th - 09:12am | Clanton

Recreational Area a Red Herring All National Seashores have a recreational component to them despite if “Recreational Area” was added to the name of the park as an amendment to the enabling legislation to allow waterfowl hunting in that park, as was the case with Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Black Bear Attacks Child at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Jan 8th - 21:06pm | Anonymous

I totally agree, the only issue is that we can't have bears and kids playing together. So, either don't build a house in the woods and complain about the animals or stay in the city. If you are visiting a State Park that is known for bears, heck you can't walk two feet in Gatlinburg, TN without someone selling you a cute little black bear stuffed animal, T-shirt or salt & pepper shakers.

Jan 8th - 20:54pm | Anonymous

I totally agree, the only issue is that we can't have bears and kids playing together. So, either don't build a house in the woods and complain about the animals or stay in the city. If you are visiting a State Park that is known for bears, heck you can't walk two feet in Gatlinburg, TN without someone selling you a cute little black bear stuffed animal, T-shirt or salt & pepper shakers.

First Ladies National Historic Site Struggles to Attract Visitors

Jan 8th - 16:24pm | Azure

I'm sure most people here know that the National Park Service had and has ZERO interest in acquiring and administering a lot of these pork-barrel parks. Why does Cuyahoga National Park (a place that ought to be a county park at best) exist? Because local business/tourism/political interests wanted it to exist. Why was it upgraded from National Recreation Area to National Park?

Weekly Snowshoe Treks Coming to Glacier National Park

Jan 8th - 16:05pm | tahoma

Kurt-

Who's Being Mentioned For Director of the National Park Service?

Jan 8th - 10:49am | Bob Janiskee

Rangertoo, I'm struck by the parallels with academia, which is full of competent drudges who run departments, institutes, programs, and even a few universities here and there. Competent drudges get down there in the trenches and do the work, but they are completely replaceable -- just cogs in the machinery -- and are quickly forgotten after they've served out their time.

Jan 8th - 10:34am | Rangertoo

While I like these career NPS employees, I do not think that is what the NPS needs. The NPS needs someone politically connected and Washington savvy to raise the issues and needs of the bureau. The last few Directors have all been competent, experienced, park managers. That's not what the NPS needs in the top job. Let the career professionals handle that.

Fake USGS Site Urges Evacuation of Yellowstone National Park

Jan 8th - 09:37am | jsmacdonald

I noticed this several days ago and was really pissed off about it. The fake evacuation appeared to go viral over the internet, and I had a lot of Web searches to my newspaper looking for "evacuation" information.

Jan 7th - 21:27pm | Kirby Adams

Well, post-eruption you won't have to elbow your way through the crowds at Artist's Point to get a good look. Of course, actually finding the spot where Artist's Point used to be would be a whole new challenge! I wonder how snowmobiles fare in several hundred feet of ash?

Interior Officials Want to Allow Concealed Carry in the National Parks

Jan 8th - 08:58am | Anonymous

What are you going to shoot it down with if you can't take a gun into the park?

Jan 8th - 08:56am | Guns R Safe, Pe...

I am 24 years old, VA resident. I was gun shooping around Thanksgiving 08. I was asking a myriad of questions (as I often do when pursuing something new). The gun dealer told me a story that him and his son (10 years old) went camping. They saw a relatively small bear and it began to charge the boy.

National Park System Would Gain Official Wilderness Under Omnibus Lands Bill

Jan 8th - 06:44am | Sabattis

Random Walker - Thanks for the link, I stand correct on that point. In practice, though, even decisions on signage seem to be made on a case-by-case basis, and there certainly are a number of wilderness areas where trailhead signage is only placed at the wilderness area boundary, but further trail markers are not placed within the area itself.

Jan 7th - 22:18pm | JimB

It will be interesting to see how this bill fares so early in the new session; perhaps that will provide a hint at how other park-related actions will fare.

Jan 7th - 22:15pm | Random Walker

Limited signage is allowed in designated wilderness areas: The Wilderness Act of 1964 and Signs

How Many National Park Rangers Does It Take to Cut Down a Tree?

Jan 8th - 00:41am | Dave O

It sounds to me like $600 toilet seats and $100 hammers are a deal compared to the cost of this.

Yosemite National Park Officials Looking For Suggestions on Preserving Badger Pass Ski Lodge

Jan 7th - 23:42pm | A Lurker

Ted, ClaireWalter's 5,000 figure is for the winter season at Hurricane Ridge, not for year-round. This is directly from the page she considerately linked to in her post.

Avalanche Awareness Clinic Set for Olympic National Park

Jan 7th - 21:14pm | Ted Clayton

The U.S. Forest Service has a NWAC Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website that offers unusual & cool weather & forecasts. I use this site to fine-tune the Olympic Peninsula outlook.

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