Firearms in Federal Park

[Keith B]

So, why is there a difference in Copr of Engineer parks not allowing concealed weapons?

The ruling was only for National Parks. The NPS service is an entity of the Department of the Interior. The Corps of Engineers is a branch of the US Army. They have responsibility for the land surrounding lakes that are generally used for flood control. The National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are not covered by the ruling either and have separate guidelines for firearms as well.

[Liberty]

So, why is there a difference in Copr of Engineer parks not allowing concealed weapons?

The Corp of engineers is the Army. Not Park services. I guess the Army is just more afraid of people with guns.

[stevie_d_64]

OK - just need a double check from the wise members of this board.

I am going camping this weekend in a Federal Park in Texas. I have a CHL. As I understand it, I am fine to bring my loaded, concealed handgun now.

The Obama administration has not been able to overturn the change instituted by Bush.

Correct?

Depends which park. If it is a Corp of Engineer's 'park', then no, you can't. If you are talking about a 'National' park like Big Bend, then yes, can carry there. See http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/firearms.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

EDIT TO ADD: You still can't carry inside the buildings. Loophole question; if you have to use the restroom in a National Park, do you have to leave your weapon in the vehcile??

I was thinking that since I can make a neat little "hammock" if I do not have a shelf to put my weapon on while I am conducting my private business in the bathroom...etc etc etc

I have to wonder how far we should allow the government to get into the bathroom with us...

[MBGuy]

So, why is there a difference in Copr of Engineer parks not allowing concealed weapons?

The ruling was only for National Parks. The NPS service is an entity of the Department of the Interior. The Corps of Engineers is a branch of the US Army. They have responsibility for the land surrounding lakes that are generally used for flood control. The National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are not covered by the ruling either and have separate guidelines for firearms as well.

Which in my mind puts State Parks by COE lakes into a grey area. Close to my house is Lake Somerville, with two State Parks (Birch Creek and Nails Creek) adjoining it. So some of the land surrounding the lake is controlled by the State of Texas PWD, but we still can't carry there.

So when, if ever, is COE getting in line with the NPS?

[Keith B]

So, why is there a difference in Copr of Engineer parks not allowing concealed weapons?

The ruling was only for National Parks. The NPS is an entity of the Department of the Interior. The Corps of Engineers is a branch of the US Army. They have responsibility for the land surrounding lakes that are generally used for flood control. The National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are not covered by the ruling either and have separate guidelines for firearms as well.

Which in my mind puts State Parks by COE lakes into a grey area. Close to my house is Lake Somerville, with two State Parks (Birch Creek and Nails Creek) adjoining it. So some of the land surrounding the lake is controlled by the State of Texas PWD, but we still can't carry there.

So when, if ever, is COE getting in line with the NPS?

That is correct. Texas PWD OWNED lakes and parks are legal to carry in. COE lakes that have a park ran by another entity are still COE owned, and therefore off limits. I have checked this out with a friend who is with the City of Highland Village. The city runs and maintains the park which sits on the south end of Lake Lewisville, but the property is still in COE ownership and the COE rangers still have powers there, so it is a no-carry zone. Makes it confusing.

I doubt the COE will get on board unless there is a drive by folks to try and get them to follow the NPS. Maybe once we get past some of these other hurdles we need to get a sponsor in Congress to take our charge for that!!

[Omar]

I don't have my CHL yet. :)

But I was wondering if I can have my G21 in my glove box while I'm fishing at a state park?

[KD5NRH]

I doubt the COE will get on board unless there is a drive by folks to try and get them to follow the NPS. Maybe once we get past some of these other hurdles we need to get a sponsor in Congress to take our charge for that!!

Better yet, let's get someone in Congress that understands that the Army shouldn't be running parks for the same reason that we don't send the NPS to war.