WASHINGTON -- Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne proposed new regulations today that would allow guns in some national parks and wildlife refuges.

Carrying a gun would only be allowed if the person has a permit for a concealed weapon and the state where the park or refuge is located allows guns in parks.

The proposal would overturn a 25-year-old regulation that has restricted loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges.

The announcement by Kempthorne, a former Idaho governor, follows letters complaining about the gun restrictions from half the Senate -- 41 Republicans and nine Democrats.

Park rangers, retirees and conservation groups protested the plan, saying it will lead to confusion for visitors, rangers and other law enforcement agencies.

The public has 60 days to comment on the new proposal.