I respectfully urge the Virginia Department of Forestry to amend their administrative code and allow citizens with concealed carry permits to carry concealed firearms for self defense in Virginia's state forests.

People with permits to carry concealed weapons are law-abiding people with virtually no exceptions. Law abiding ctitzens should not be deprived of the ability to defend themselves in a state forest. Over 40 states have enacted concealed carry laws and the predictions of violence and irresponsible behaviour have proven to be baseless.  In fact, no state that has enacted concealed carry has ever repealed it, or even held a hearing to consider repealing this fundamental right.

Please allow me and other law abiding citizens with concealed carry permits to carry a firearm in the state forest.  Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this matter.