I support changing Virginia State Forest Regulations [4 VAC 10 ? 30] exactly as stated in the petition of the Virginia Citizens' Defense League. The regulation of the carrying of handguns was clearly made the exclusive domain of the General Assembly by passage of Code of Virginia Section 15.2-915. That an agency of the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth of Virginia should have enacted a Regulation (4 VAC 10-30-170) after COV 15.2-915 was in effect is outrageous.
Virginia citizens maintain and should not be prohibited from exercising their inherent and unalienable right to self defense just because they cross a boundary line onto State Forest/Park lands.
Any concerns regarding illegal action(s) by a person otherwise lawfully possessing a handgun on State Forest/Park land, or the action(s) of a person in possession of a handgun in violation of the Code of Virginia should be dealt with as is any other unlawful action. The contined existence and enforcement of 4 VAC 10-30-170 is not necessary for law enforcement or public safety reasons.
Paul Henick, Chesterfield County