Packing heat in parks? Bill fires up controversy

A 60-day comment period has opened on a controversial Bush administration proposal to allow loaded, concealed firearms in the nation’s national parks, said Mike Cipra of the National Parks Conservation Association.

If passed, the legislation will allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if that person is permitted to carry a concealed weapon and is authorized to do so on similar state lands in the state in which the national park or refuge is located.

Under existing laws, guns can be transported through parks, but they must be stored out of reach and unloaded. The NPCA, which opposes the plan, said the proposed change is being orchestrated by the National Rifle Association.