WASHINGTON – A change in federal law allows firearms in many national parks.
     People who can legally possess firearms under federal and state laws in the state in which a particular national park is located may possess firearms in that park, the National Park Service said.
     The new law was passed by Congress and signed last May by President Obama.
     Before Feb. 22, firearms generally were prohibited in national parks except in some Alaska parks and those that allow hunting.
     Visitors need to understand and comply with applicable local and state laws, NPS said.
     More than 30 national parks are located in more than one state, so visitors must be aware of what state they are in and the laws that apply.
      “For nearly 100 years, the mission of the National Park Service has been to protect and preserve the parks and to help all visitors enjoy them,” NPS Director Jon Jarvis said. “We will administer this law as we do all others – fairly and consistently.”
     Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated “federal facilities” in national parks, such as visitor centers, offices or maintenance buildings. Signs will be posted.
     The new law does not change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks and does not change hunting regulations.
     Park Web sites include specific information and links to state firearms laws, NPS said.