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Contact: Chuck Young, Chief Ranger
A change in federal law effective February 22, allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, Washington state, and local laws to possess those firearms in Mount Rainier National Park. The new federal law makes possession of firearms in national parks also subject to the firearms laws of the state and communities where the parks are located. “We have been working closely with local, state, and federal officials to ensure that we clearly understand the provisions of the laws that will now apply to our visitors when they are in the park,” said Mount Rainier National Park Acting Superintendent Randy King. We encourage every visitor who may wish to bring firearms to the park to do their research ahead of time and ensure that they are aware of and abide by the laws that apply. Our goal is to provide safe, enjoyable park visits for everyone, and to preserve this very special place for people today and future generations.” The new federal law has no effect on existing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms in national parks or hunting. Hunting still is not allowed in the park. Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in certain facilities, such as park visitor centers; these facilities are posted with appropriate notices at public entrances. “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,” National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said. “We will administer this law as we do all others – fairly and consistently.” For more information about firearms laws that apply to Mount Rainier National Park, please visit the Washington State Legislature Firearms and Dangerous Weapons webpage. For more information about Mount Rainier National Park visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/. -NPS- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015