To whom it may concern:

Whether you are 100 feet away from the park entrance, or ten miles in the back country, the only person guaranteed to be present to save your life will be yourself.  Criminals already use state and federal parks for illegeal activities such as the manufacture of illicit drugs.  The only people who will obey a statute prohibiting handguns will be honest citizens. Criminals who are ignoring the law regarding the manufacture of illicit drugs will have no reason to obey a handgun prohibition.

Secondly, if I am backpacking, I may not want to carry a rife if I am not planning on hunting. However, if I were to become lost, or injured, a handgun could save my life. Even the Boy Scouts of America teach that a gun can be used as a signaling device if lost.

Please allow lawful citizens to carry in state parks, consistent with the existing laws of Virginia.