“The Department of the Interior proposed a rule change Wednesday that would allow people to carry a concealed firearm in a national park or wildlife refuge. The new rule says park visitors would need a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and the state where the park is located must allow guns in its own parks. Concealed weapons are allowed in Washington’s state parks. Current regulations require weapons to be temporarily inoperable or stowed so they are not easily accessible. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced the proposed change. The announcement begins a 60-day public comment period.” (05/01/08)