I wholeheartedly support ensuring State Forests follow Virginia State Law. Currently, VA State Code allows for persons authorized by permit, to carry concealed handguns in any state owned public area and cannot be superceded by local ordinance. Virginia State Code also allows for the open carry of handguns without a permit. State Forests should also follow the same guidelines as any other State-owned property.

Walking (or driving) from one public area to another does not change the character of the permit holder and perpetuates an undue burden on the citizen to realize they have just now wandered into a public area no different than the one they were in and has essentially criminalized an otherwise law-abiding citizen.

Please let data and facts weigh in the decision to enact this petition.

There is NO data to support carrying concealed handguns in state parks would deteriorate the level of safety in parks. On the contrary, parks will be safer as the citizen who chooses to, will actually be able to defend themselves from animals and violent persons in a LARGE area where law enforcemnt is quite remote. Here are some prevalent headlines:

GUNMAN KILLS OREGON PARK RANGER  2 RANGERS MARCHED TO BEACH, BOUND AND SHOT

Door County tourists warned of gunman Man who allegedly shot 3 people may be hiding in area, police say

2 Teens Held Up In Point State Park Area Woman Killed .

TAYLORS FALLS PARK WORKER WOUNDED BY TRESPASSERS SHOTS FIRED IN SCUFFLE

POLICE BEAT: SEATTLE WOMAN RAPED DURING SALTWATER STATE PARK OUTING

These incidents are only a few of the many that occur. The perpetrators in these incidents were not law abiding citizens. With law, only law-abiding citizens follow it and hence, only criminals will be carrying weapons in state parks leaving citizens defenseless. I can also cite MANY incidents of state park visitors happening on a wild animal with no means to defend themselves either.

"The only requirement for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."

Enact this petition.

v/r

W. J. Kulick