I write to support the Petition.

There is nothing distinctive to justify more restrictive laws in Virginia State Forests than those we have everywhere else in Virginia.  The Legislature enacted "preemption" laws on gun control to AVOID citizens having to change their lawful behavior in any jurisdiction, and that should clearly include State Forests.

Further, there is nothing unique about the surroundings to justify restrictions not in force elsewhere in the Commonwealth.  There is nothing inherently safer about the environment to argue that the same right to self defense that is recognized elsewhere in the State should not be recognized in a Forest.  Open carry, much less concealed carry for CHP holders (who are both trained and screened), should be authorized in Forests no differently from all other places in the Commonwealth.

This is about:

(1) Common sense – there is no REASON for a difference

(2) Rights – there is no justification for limiting rights in Forests

(3) Self protection – citizens have an inherent right to be able to protect themselves, and Forests are not safer than other environments in Virginia where open and conealed carry have shown themselves to be both safe and appropriate.

(4) The ONLY "risk" this poses would be to criminals.

There is no justification for this Petition not to be approved and I strongly urge that it be granted.

 Thank you for your review.