I strongly support the proposed regulation change that would allow both open and concealed carry in the state forests.  At present the state forests are one of the few places that I have any interest in visiting that I cannot either openly carry or carry concealed.  Why should the state forest be any different than a public street  or park.  By the very nature of state forests an individual may be far removed from any type of timely assistance making the ability to effectively defend  oneself critical.  The practicality of this decision has been borne out by the recent change in regulations which allow properly licensed individuals to carry in the National Parks.  Despite the claims of the opponents there has not been the sudden onset of the "Wild West" mentality.  Which actually is a misnomer, the most dangerous wild west cities and towns have been proven to have a lower crime rate than the big cities "back East" or out on the coast.  I urge you to change the regulations so the rules for all of Virginia can be consistent.