The petition to alter current regulations to allow for the carry of firearms in state forests, either openly, or concealed with a permit, is a great reform and one that is long overdue.   If approved the regulations that are the subject of the petition will provide for greater public safety in state forests, will be consistent with the public policy of the Commonwealth and federal right to keep and bear arms including for purposes personal protection, and will not otherwise negatively impact the use of such state forests by the public. 

Virginia's concealed carry permit holders have proven to be responsible and law abiding, and more importantly, there is no justifiable reason to limit anyone's rights upon entry to a state forest.

As a taxpayer and user of Virginia's state forests, and as someone who touts our land and hunting heritage in Virginia to encourage visitors from other states, I wholeheartedly support the petition and urge its approval and with it, amending the current regulations to allow for this needed self-protection reform.