TexasCHLforum.com

coltm4223 wrote:NPS Rangers are not by definition Peace officers certified by the state.

Actually they come in three flavors - Some NPS rangers are LE and have full arrest, search, and detain authority. Some, like COE rangers, have citation authority only (write a ticket). And other NPS rangers are 'interpretive rangers' with practically no authority. Just FYI.

Kalrog wrote:That doesn't put it to rest. Since they are a governmental agency, the stuff they do has to be backed by statute somewhere. And the only statute so far quoted says that this type of a facility follows state law - which would mean that it is legal to carry there. Anyone know differently?

Here is the NPS regulation http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/ ... cfr2.4.htm. The current Code of Federal Regulations for DOI/NPS states that State law is followed with regard to the illegal possession of "weapons" as defined by 36 CFR 1.4. Since it was written prior (around 1980) to the common legal possession of a loaded firearm (esp the current concealed carry laws) - that is the reason for the current rewrite to allow weapons per the State regulations in which the park is located. The rewrite does not waive sovereignty for the Feds - it just says that, if weapons (concealed, open, whatever carry or possession) are permitted in the State and one is in compliance with all State laws with regard to that carry or possession, then the NPS (and FWS) will permit it withing the confines of violating any existing Federal statutes or regulations.

Instead of griching over little stuff, shouldn't anyone that utilizes either NPS or FWS land just be glad that the DOI is actually willing to entertain a rule change instead of just sticking their toes in and refusing to budge. Things are changing, be glad for the little (big?) victories. Nothing in the Federal government happens overnight (unless someone at a very high pay grade or political standing gets inconvenienced - then...).