Judy Green not only volunteers as a camp post in Elephant Butte but she also lives in the park. She told KFOX14 she is in the park just about everyday.

When Green learned the State Parks Division is considering allowing licensed gunholders to bring loaded concealed weapons into the park, she said she doesn't feel its necessary.

"What's the need?" Green said. "If a ranger is called in on a serious matter, which they have been, that's an extra added danger to them."

The State Parks Division said the consideration of changing the law is so that it's compatible with the New Mexico Concealed Handgun Carry Act of 2003.

The state said gun holders all must go through training and pass a background check, and said its proposal doesn't include adding extra law enforcement to the parks.

"I think anybody who owns a gun should be able to take their gun anywhere they want to go," Elephant Butte visitor Kenneth Bratcher said. "They have a right to protect themselves and anything they own."

Some states, including Texas, allow gun holders in state parks to drink alcohol but they are not permitted to be intoxicated.

It's not the same in New Mexico. According to the New Mexico Department of public safety, anyone carrying a concealed weapon can not drink alcohol.

The State Parks Division said state laws will apply in state parks.

A public hearing will be held in Santa Fe on Oct. 17. The state will accept public input through Oct. 31 and will then conduct a review period.