(AP) The Bush administration is proposing changes that would allow people to carry concealed weapons in some national parks and wildlife refuges.
Only those who have permits for concealed weapons would be allowed to carry guns. And the state where the park or refuge is located would also have to allow guns in parks.
Current federal rules require guns to be unloaded and placed somewhere that isn't easily accessible such as the truck of a car.
In proposing the change, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne says the safety of park and refuge visitors remains ``a top priority'' of the department.
But the idea of guns in federal parks is drawing criticism. The chairman of a park service retirees group says it would increase the risk to visitors, employees and wildlife. He says the move is ``politically driven'' with no data to suggest that the public would be served by the change. California Senator Dianne Feinstain says the plan ``makes no sense.''