Laws & Policies

New York Governor George Pataki and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President George W. Bush discuss the federal transfer of Governors Island to the people of New York, April 1, 2002.

White House / Tina Hager

Governors Island National Monument was established in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2003 under the terms of the 1906 Antiquities Act which allows the president to establish national monuments to perserve sites of historic, scenic or scientific interests on federal lands.

Establishment of Governors Island National Monument, January 19, 2001

Preisidential Proclaimation 7402 establishing the Governors Island National Monument

Transfer of Governors Island to the people of New York, January 31, 2003

Statement of President George Bush on the Transfer of Governors Island, January 31, 2003.

Establishment of the Governors Island National Monument, February 7, 2003

Presidential Proclamation 7647 establishing the Governors Island National Monument

 

Regulations and Rules for Governors Island National Monument

Each unit of the national park system is managed by a basic set of laws and regulations. To allow for the protection of visitors and the places they visit, each national park area has more specific rules to meet their conditions and circumstances. Here are those rules for the Governors Island National Monument:

Superintendent's Compendium

 

Firearms in National Parks

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010. Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

New York City and New York State Firearms Information

Handgun possession in New York State is strictly limited. Only those individuals who hold a license issued by a jurisdiction (county or major city) may purchase, possess or carry a handgun. Long guns may be possessed outside of New York City without a permit, but a permit is required to possess a long gun within New York City.

• Open Carry: No.
• Concealed Carry: Yes, with permit (see above).
• New York City: Must have separate NYC permit to carry a handgun or possess a long gun in New York City.
• Reciprocity with other cities, states or jurisdictions: None.
• Transporting in Vehicle - Handgun: Must have a permit.
• Transporting in Vehicle - Long Gun: Must be unloaded.

Relevant New York State Weapons Statutes

• Penal Law Section P3TPA265
• Penal Law Section 400 Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0931

Links

• Link to state statutes:http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi (at bottom of page click on "Laws of New York" and then search "firearms" the links will take you to the above statutes)
• Link to New York City firearms information: http://www.nyc.gov/html/cjc/html/gun_laws/gun_laws.shtml

Other Firearms Considerations

The Trust for Govenrors Island does not allow firearms on Governors Island or on any ferryboats is operates or contracts for service. For more information, call them at 212.440.2200.