Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act Introduced

Friday, January 30, 2015

Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act Introduced

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) recently introduced S. 263 and H.R. 578, which are designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps).  This legislation would help end the patchwork of firearm laws and regulations that govern different federal lands managed by different federal agencies.

On May 12, 2009, legislation was passed that greatly reduced restrictions on the possession of firearms for self-defense on National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Under this legislation, rules governing carry on those federal lands incorporate the laws of the state in which the lands are located. This greatly expanded the places where law-abiding Americans can legally carry firearms for self-defense. However, that change in the law did not include millions of acres of recreational land managed by the Corps. The Corps owns or manages over 11.7 million acres, including 400 lakes and river projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails. This legislation would reverse the Corps' policy and restore the right of law-abiding Americans to possess firearms on Corps lands.

The NRA fully supports S. 263 and H.R. 578 and appreciates Sen. Crapo and Rep. Gibbs’ leadership on this important issue.

Please sign Senators Crapo’s petition in support of S. 263.  The petition can be found here.

In addition, please contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 263, and please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 578.

You can contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative about this important legislation by using the "Write Your Lawmakers" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or by phone at (202) 225-3121.

TRENDING NOW
En Banc Third Circuit Strikes Down New Jersey’s “Assault Firearm” and “Large Capacity Magazine” Bans in NRA Case

Friday, July 17, 2026

En Banc Third Circuit Strikes Down New Jersey’s “Assault Firearm” and “Large Capacity Magazine” Bans in NRA Case

In a landmark victory for the Second Amendment and the National Rifle Association, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit today held that New Jersey’s bans on commonly owned semiautomatic rifles and magazines ...

Happy Trails: NRA Submits Comment on ATF’s FOPA Transportation Rulemaking

News  

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Happy Trails: NRA Submits Comment on ATF’s FOPA Transportation Rulemaking

Since the U.S. Congress enacted the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act of 1986, an American has enjoyed the right to travel with firearms “from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to ...

“Property Rights” Critique of Wolford Misleads on Facts and Law

News  

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

“Property Rights” Critique of Wolford Misleads on Facts and Law

On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Wolford v. Lopez. The case involved a Hawaii law that presumptively banned carry permit holders from carrying their arms onto publicly accessible private property, unless the carrier ...

Lott Op-Ed Lends Additional Support to National Right-to-Carry Effort

News  

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Lott Op-Ed Lends Additional Support to National Right-to-Carry Effort

National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity has been a popular topic lately.  President Donald Trump brought it up during an appearance at a Mack Trucks facility in Macungie, Pa., on June 23, proclaiming, “National Right-to-Carry, we’re working on it.” 

U.S. House Passes Legislation to Block Credit Card Gun Registry

News  

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

U.S. House Passes Legislation to Block Credit Card Gun Registry

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. House passed H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act. This important legislation, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore (R-WV-02), would prohibit credit card companies from tracking the purchases of ...

Judge Rules Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Bans Secured by NRA Applies Statewide

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Judge Rules Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Bans Secured by NRA Applies Statewide

In the NRA’s challenge to Virginia’s “assault firearm” and magazine bans, Santolla v. Katz, Judge Jeffrey L. Campbell of the Washington County Circuit Court issued a letter opinion yesterday making clear that the preliminary injunction ...

Legislation Introduced to Protect Second Amendment Rights on Federal Lands

News  

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Legislation Introduced to Protect Second Amendment Rights on Federal Lands

On July 16, 2026, Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Pat Fallon (R-TX-04) introduced H.R. 9719, the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act. This legislation would clarify that law-abiding Americans can carry firearms on federal land and ...

Massachusetts: Committee of Conference Meeting Now on Hunting Reform Bill

Friday, July 17, 2026

Massachusetts: Committee of Conference Meeting Now on Hunting Reform Bill

House and Senate leadership have appointed members to the Committee of Conference for Senate Bill 3064, which includes, among other things, a lifting of the ban on Sunday hunting and expansions for archery hunting.

Trump Reinforces Support for the Second Amendment During National AM250 Address

News  

Monday, July 13, 2026

Trump Reinforces Support for the Second Amendment During National AM250 Address

It may not need to be said, but we’ll keep saying it: Donald Trump is the most pro-Second Amendment president in the NRA’s history of protecting the right to keep and bear arms.  While the nation ...

Grassroots Spotlight: NRA 2A Day Events

Take Action  

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Grassroots Spotlight: NRA 2A Day Events

Over recent weeks, more than two dozen “NRA 2A Day” events were held across the country and in Puerto Rico as part of a national grassroots push, ahead of the upcoming election season.

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.