Please, enact the proposed amendment to 4VAC10-30-170, which allows for the otherwise lawful carry of firearms and ammunition in state forests.  This amendment will bring state forests into alignment with state parks, national parks, and national forests in allowing citizens the security of self-protection while enjoying the beauty and recreation ALL Virginians should enjoy in our state forests.  More important, it lets criminals know that they are not safe to prey on easy victims in the state forests simply because most Virginians obey  the restrictive laws that currently strip the law-obiding of their right to self-protection. 

Please, make it safe for the law-obiding to enjoy the the treasures available in Virginia's state forests; the criminal element will certainly not obey any law to leave firearms behind.  Should the only armed citizens in Virginia's state forest be the criminals?  The benefits of the proposed amendment to 4VAC10-30-170 will SURELY BE to make the state forests safer for both those who choose to protect themselves with firearms, and those who choose not to, by simply removing the label of "easy prey" from all who enjoy Virginia's beauty!

Very Respectfully,

Joseph G. Dennison