I strongly advocate allowing concealed carry in Virginia state forests.  I don't see any down-side for this policy which should improve public safety and is consistent with the Virginia constitution and the 2nd amendment to the US constitituion.  The existing policy is illegal and is unlikely to be obeyed, lessening the Department's image.  Safety training required for a concealed handgun permit i(CHP) s effective, and statistics show that CHP holders are not a threat to public safety or order.

I also advocate allowing open carry in state forests.  I recognize that some people have an irrational fear of firearms, don't want to see them, and would prefer they be banned for all citizens everywhere.  However, this is a poor policy that precludes self-defense and centralizes rather than distributes power, a bad idea for any democracy and people of every nation.  Practically, if you run into a rabid animal or dangerous predator, whether walking on two legs or four, it's helpful to be able to take care of yourself.  That's true in the state forest and everywhere else.  A ban on open carry is at odds with the Virginia consititution as well as the US constitituion.  I strongly urge you to remove restrictions on both open and concealed carry in the state forest.