News

Learn More About How You Can Help

New Federal Firearms Law Effective February 22

From the National Park Service,2/18/10:

New Federal Firearms Law in National Parks Takes Effect February 22 — Voyageurs National Park Subject to Minnesota State Firearms Laws

A change in Federal law effective February 22, allows people who can legally possess firearms under Federal, Minnesota and local laws to possess those firearms in Voyageurs National Park.

The new Federal law makes possession of firearms in national parks subject to the firearms laws of the state and communities where the parks are located. The laws of Minnesota prohibit the possession of rifles, shotguns or BB guns in public places such as Voyageurs National Park.

“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 Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Mike Ward. “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 is still not allowed in Voyageurs National Park. Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in tour boats and certain facilities, such as park visitor centers; these facilities are posted with appropriate notices at public entrances.

National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said, “We will administer this law as we do all others – fairly. 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. The parks belong to all Americans, and our commitment to the American people is to ensure the safety of our visitors and the special places that have been entrusted to our care.”

For more information about firearms laws that apply to Voyageurs National Park please visit
MN STATUTE 624.714: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=624.714&year=2009
MN STATUTE 624.7181: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?year=2009&id=624.7181
MN STATUTE 97B.045: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=97B.045&year=2009
For more information about Voyageurs National Park visit www.nps.gov/voya.