I write in support of our Second Amendment right to ensure that that right extends to citizens, with an appropriate permit to carry a concealed handgun, in Virginia State Forests.  I am concerned that actions by criminals have eroded the right of those who have a history of responsible and lawful behavior, as evidenced by their "permits", and that this erosion will extend to Virginia forests in perpetuity; this would be wrong. 

I am further concerned that those who choose to harm others often select places where handguns are forbidden--the nightmare of Virginia Tech stands out as an example of this but sadly is typical.  We must not allow our forests to be places where armed criminals circulate among an unarmed, law abiding public.

I am a strong supporter of our forest lands as my partial education background may suggest, i.e., B.S., New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University, 1962.  I believe that those lands should be freely enjoyed and supported by our citizens and, should they choose to have the wherewithal to defend themselves therein, that right should be recognized.

For your consideration,

Ed Boardman