The Peru Gazette

From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones

“There has been confusion in the media and among North Country residents about the concealed carry law that was passed earlier this month, especially regarding the Adirondack Park, sporting competitions like biathlons, and on conservation easements. This law will impact over 100,000 New Yorkers with firearm permits who live in the counties within the Adirondack Park and they all deserve clarification on this bill. I wrote a letter to the Governor asking the following questions and look forward to working the Governor and her office to address these concerns:

• How is public park being defined in this bill? Since the Adirondack Park is defined as a park by law, does there need to be an exception added to this bill to ensure that the Adirondack Park is not considered a park?
• Will there be a distinction between public and private lands in parks like the Adirondack Park? Will a lawful gun owner like myself be guilty of a felony for possessing a firearm on my own property?
• Are conservation easements, which are often used for hunting, ATV use, and hiking, considered a public park, especially since these lands are often perceived as state-owned lands?
• Will, a lawful firearm owner who crosses the (Blue) Line into the Adirondack Park while carrying their firearm be guilty of a felony?
• With the upcoming World University Games in Lake Placid and the shooting sports teams and athletes who practice and compete in the Adirondacks, how will shooting sports be handled so that athletes will be permitted to carry firearms in the Adirondack Park?”